Ray White Kerikeri were the first Northland office to join the Ray White group in 1994. The company, which was established 60 years ago has been owned by the Knox family for over 30 years.
Kerikeri, located about 3 hours drive from Auckland is a popular tourist destination due to the beaches, fishing and relaxed atmosphere. These attractions also appeal to people wishing to reside and work in the region. Ray White Kerikeri covers a wide range of real estate including residential, lifestyle blocks, rural, businesses, commercial, orchards, coastal and waterfront property.
The annual Kerikeri Lions Christmas parade, held in December, has been running longer than Managing Director of Ray White Kerikeri Laura Knox-Whyte can remember. Laura experienced being part of the parade as a child. She recalls riding her horse as part of the Kerikeri Pony Club float and can even remember once being dressed as a kiwifruit. For the first time this year it was decided that Ray White Kerikeri should organise a float for the parade.
Together, the team at Kerikeri came up with ideas as to how to bring together a Ray White float. Laura’s husband Damien Whyte, a licensed building practitioner built a Ray White house from corflute signs and balustrade. Agent, Bob Thompson was in charge of driving the car that towed the house while other staff dressed in black Ray White T-shirts and yellow wigs, handing out hundreds of Ray White flags, lollipops and balloons. The Ray White yellow vintage bike was also a feature of the float.
Laura finds that as well as building on the great team spirit within her business, taking part in activities like the parade strengthens Ray White relationships throughout the broader community. The Kerikeri office also contribute to the Bay of Islands Pastoral & Industrial Show, held at Waimate every year and are involved with the Bay of Islands Riding for the Disabled group. The team have already decided to participate in next year’s parade, for which plans have begun.
On reflection at the end of the day, Laura said “We saw the most successful Christmas parade held in Kerikeri for many years, with the combination of great coordination, being held on a Saturday, wonderful floats, sunny Bay of Islands weather, great crowds and many happy children.”