The brand’s Trans-Tasman expansion has been strengthened by the arrival of three Northland outfits under the Raine & Horne umbrella.
Under the leadership of experienced and well-regarded local agent and auctioneer, Gerard Ponsonby, Raine & Horne’s New Zealand network now includes offices in Kaitaia, Paihia, and Mangonui.
With over three decades of experience in the industry, Mr Ponsonby expressed delight at joining the network.
“Myself, and my highly experienced team are ready to embrace a fresh start with Raine & Horne and are excited for the future being part of this renowned super brand,” he said.
A former farmer on New Zealand’s South Island prior to his foray into real estate, Mr Ponsonby, who’s resided in Kaitaia since the late 1970s, said he still tenders a farm in the region, with his agriculture knowledge set to play a key part in the progression of the trio of offices, which will specialise in selling lifestyle acreage properties as well as rural, commercial, and residential property.
The timing of the network’s expansion into the country could not have been better timed, with the region’s market growing in popularity among buyers wishing to venture outside of Auckland.
“A lot of Auckland people are coming north because properties in the Northland region are more affordable than in the city,” Mr Ponsonby said, adding that family homes in the region can be acquired for approximately $900,000, as opposed to Auckland, where median prices exceed $1 million.
Following Raine & Horne’s arrival on New Zealand shores in April, network executive chairman, Angus Raine said there is increased appetite for another major real estate brand in the country.
“Many businesses, particularly those independent businesses, have realised there is great value, support, and security in being a member of a major real estate group such as Raine & Horne,” he explained.
Mr Raine added the network’s strong support network of proptech, marketing, and training, among others underpin the brand’s “aggressive approach to our New Zealand expansion”.
Raine & Horne announced its plans to expand operations into the country’s South Island, with Mr Raine concluding the firm is seeking to acquire other networks as part of its New Zealand growth plans.
The trio of arrivals in the nation’s Northland region following the announcement of the network’s Taupo office, led by experienced operator, Ross Harvey.