The night opened with a live performance by musical powerhouse Synthony, providing a collision of the biggest electronic dance anthems with a live orchestra, DJs, vocalists, and immersive visuals.
Ray White New Zealand CEO Daniel Coulson congratulated the network on their incredible achievements over the last 12 months.
“Off the back of our biggest ever Connect conference and International awards on the Gold Coast just a few weeks ago, with more than 3,000 members, to once again have so many of us in one room once again, reinforces the extraordinary strength that we share when we come together,” Mr Coulson said.
“This past year has once again reminded us of the challenges and unpredictability of our industry.
“Yet, despite the headwinds that we are all so acutely aware of, whether it has been the rising costs of bringing property to market, constantly shifting market conditions, competitive forces or the pace of technological change, together we have, and continue to, lead in so many important areas.
“Ray White stands for leadership. And with that leadership guiding our direction, we have unmatched scale and capability to lead far beyond the capability of our competitors.”
For the eleventh year in a row, the award for Office of the Year went to Ray White Remuera, with Ray White Manukau in second place, followed by Ray White Howick.
Ray White Remuera sales director and business owner Thomas Farmer said he and principal Megan Jaffe couldn’t have done it without their team.
“This award is a testament to the team standing beside us, the hard work and dedication the entire team puts into service excellence and care for their clients is what has enabled us to be here,” Mr Farmer said.
“The time and effort our people put into this role of helping people move is no mean feat and can only be done with the support of all our families. I want to acknowledge all of the families behind this amazing team.
“Thank you to the entire team for your support and trust as we learn and grow together, to not only become better salespeople, but to become better humans.
“Personally, I would like to thank Megan for the chance to stand beside you. I couldn’t do this role without all of your support and without the support of my family and my wife.
“Thank you to the White Family for your ongoing support. You allow us to continue the great work we’re all doing across the entire Ray White network.
“The tone the White Family and Dan White set through the decisions they make set standards which they uphold every day.
“I would also like to thank Daniel Coulson, Carey Smith, and the entire corporate team for your ongoing support of all of us here today.
“Once again, thank you to the team standing beside me; this achievement is for you to be a part of and be proud of, as you are the ones who made it possible.”
The award for Number 1 Residential Salesperson went to Ray White Epsom agent Richard Thode.
“Wow, it’s pretty amazing to be up here for the second time, I have to say,” Mr Thode said.
“Winning number one is a wonderful honour, and winning it for the second time is an absolute highlight.
“A lot of people have asked me how I achieved such success in a short amount of time, and I think it comes down to a few things: hard work, honesty and integrity, knowing when to listen to your vendor, and empathy which has been particularly important over the last year as many of our sellers have had to make some hard decisions, and negotiating for the best result for our vendor, and determination to close the deal.
“Above all is respecting the privileged position we hold in selling someone’s biggest asset. It’s a huge amount of trust we’ve been charged with, and I encourage everyone never to forget this position we find ourselves in, and ensure you do everything possible to honour that position.
“I want to say a big congratulations to all the winners tonight, with a very special mention to Holly Jones and Rachel Berry.
“I want to thank the corporate office, as well as the Epsom office. I want to thank you for your continued support.
“I want to thank my team. I couldn’t have achieved this alone. Andrew, Ray, Mark, Lucy and Sophie, each of you played a crucial role, and we feel like a family. I’m proud to be able to share this award with you.
“I also want to thank my beautiful wife, thank you for your continued support and love each and every year.
“This award is proof that when you stay focused and work as one, and always put people first, success will find you.”
This year’s CEO Cup was awarded to Ray White Kingsland and Grey Lynn business owners Tim Hawes and Rachel Hawes, who represent Ray White’s values at the highest level.
Mr Coulson said Tim Hawes and Rachel Hawes were not the first members of their family to win the CEO Cup.
“This year’s recipients have a longstanding history within our group, and their business has been a cornerstone of our growth in one of our key markets for decades,” he said.
“Their actions, judgment, and decision-making consistently reflect the best interests of Ray White.
“Their business today is a success story of the transition from one generation to another.
“They have grown from a small, yet very successful family business, to one that now provides a genuine platform for others to both join and succeed.
“More recently, they stepped in, and stepped up, during a period of significant uncertainty for us in Central Auckland, where their investment helped to secure and retain a significant rental business and, more importantly, the roles of those individuals who worked within it.
“They have engaged in a partnership which has provided a genuine pathway of leadership for others, who have been instrumental in propelling their second office from a new start into a position of local market leader in just two years.”
