Ray White Whangarei celebrated the official opening of their new office last Thursday afternoon.
Located on Whangarei’s Hatea Loop, a 4.2km walkway in the heart of Whangarei that circumnavigates the Hatea River, picturesque international yachting marina, restaurants, cafes and specialty shops that make up Whangarei’s Town Basin. The new building is positioned on the waterfront adjacent to the iconic Te Matau a Pohe – Whangarei’s award-winning bascule bridge.
Over 80 guests attended the event – including community and business partners, team members, Ray White business owners from across the North Island, and Ray White Chief Executive, Carey Smith.
Ray White Whangarei Company Directors, John Monteith and Allan Sykes started working together 32 years ago before establishing Goode Leith Realty in 1998, joining the Ray White Group in 2011. The Directors, who now also include Vanessa McKenzie who joined the team in 2002, took the time to acknowledge the support of longstanding salespeople Geraldine Edwards and Peter Ogle who were part of the original Goode Leith Realty office back in 1998, Toni Sherwood who started shortly after, and all team members along the way who “added to the culture and success” of their company at the event.
“Strong supportive relationships with our business and community partners have been a major part of the success and consistent growth of our business,” said John Monteith.
“But, the best decision this company has made in the last 20 years was to join the Ray White Group,” Company Director Allan Sykes added.
“It has given us unlimited access to ideas and information, innovations, inspirations, systems and strategies that are second to none… It is these resources, and leadership, over the last seven years that have been a major factor in our growth and success.”
“One of the most valuable advantages of belonging to the Ray White Group is having the regular opportunity to talk and discuss the ideas, issues and challenges we face now and in the future, with other business owners in the group throughout New Zealand – whether it be those offices in Northland, across New Zealand, or overseas,” added Vanessa McKenzie.
“After so many years in the industry, as salespeople and business owners, our focus now is on creating a positive working environment for our team members.”
The move came about after a casual discussion in the car between the three directors after an inspiring business meeting. When driving past the, then vacant, site on the Whangarei Hatea Loop. Director John Monteith decided to make a call to developer United Infrastructure who he knew owned the land… And the idea was born. This build, completed by Steel Shed Systems and fitted out by DB Interiors marks stage 1 of a 3 part development for the site – a project which has been worked on closely with the Whangarei District Council as part of their vision to create a vibrant, attractive and thriving District by developing sustainable lifestyle based about Whangarei’s unique environment.
Some competitors have questioned our move away from the central business district – but at the end of the day we’re living in a digital world, and the fact of the matter is that properties are now out there finding people in a digital space. It doesn’t matter where our office is located – although we feel that our new building is not only high profile, but more importantly highly accessible and visible in a very public, and iconic, space. We’re re-thinking real estate, and are already connecting people with properties through our advanced online marketing – this move has simply been an extension to our plan for the future and becoming a community brand.”
“Whangarei is better situated than ever for community, investors, businesses and Council to work together to generate a thriving future,” said Allan Sykes “with net migration up and strong demand for housing – especially from Aucklanders.”
Since joining Ray White in September 2011 Ray White Whangarei remain proactive members of our Northland Zone, and consistently high achievers in our Group. Having achieved the coveted Ray White 2017 International Customer Satisfaction Award, and most recently achieving #7 Office of the Year, and Customer Excellence Award at our 2017 Ray White New Zealand National Awards.
Ray White Whangarei already have a strong affiliation to the Hatea Loop – sponsoring Whangarei’s favourite workplace run/walk event, the Ray White Hatea Loop Challenge – an annual event run by Sport Northland Events which celebrates the Hatea Loop Walk/Cycleway (Huarahi o te Whai) and Workplace Health. An annual event attended by over 800 people representing businesses from across Northland. Most recently the team have sponsored the White Plate Dinner (an event run in the spirit of worldwide Dîner en Blanc events), an epicurean delight celebrating the regions food, wine and location.
Ray White Whangarei can now be found at 131 Port Road, Whangarei.