PHOTO: Tim Kearins. FILE
💔 New Zealand Real Estate Mourns the Passing of Century 21 Leader Tim Kearins
The New Zealand property industry is paying tribute to Tim Kearins, a highly respected real estate professional and co-owner of Century 21 New Zealand, whose passing has deeply impacted colleagues, clients and the wider Manawatū community.
Kearins, who built a long and successful career spanning more than three decades, was widely regarded as a passionate advocate for the real estate profession and a mentor to many agents across the country.
His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the property sector, where he was known for his integrity, leadership and deep knowledge of the New Zealand housing market.
📈 A Career Spanning More Than 30 Years in Property
Tim Kearins began his real estate career in 1993, joining the Century 21 network and quickly becoming a prominent figure in the Manawatū property market.
Over the years he developed expertise across multiple sectors including:
🏠 Residential property
🌿 Lifestyle blocks and rural property
🏗 Subdivisions and development projects
📊 Investment property sales
His knowledge of the Palmerston North and wider Manawatū region made him a trusted advisor to buyers, sellers and investors alike.
Colleagues say he had a unique ability to combine strong commercial understanding with genuine care for clients navigating major life decisions.
🏢 Rising to the Top of Century 21 New Zealand
After decades of involvement with the brand, Kearins became co-owner of Century 21 New Zealand in 2021, helping guide the organisation through a new era of growth and expansion.
In addition to his leadership role within the national business, he remained actively involved at the coalface of real estate as principal of Century 21 Premier in Palmerston North.
His leadership style focused heavily on mentoring agents, raising professional standards and ensuring the Century 21 brand remained competitive in a rapidly evolving property market.
🤝 A Mentor to Many in the Property Industry
One of the defining aspects of Kearins’ career was his commitment to helping others succeed.
Agents who worked alongside him frequently described him as:
✔ Generous with his knowledge
✔ Honest and straight-talking
✔ Passionate about professional standards
✔ Deeply supportive of younger agents entering the industry
Many real estate professionals credit him with helping shape their careers.
Despite winning numerous sales awards and accolades during his career, colleagues say he remained humble and always focused on the human side of real estate.
🏘 A Trusted Voice on the New Zealand Housing Market
Beyond his work selling property, Kearins was also a regular commentator on the housing market and issues affecting homeowners, investors and renters.
He often spoke about:
📊 Housing affordability
🏘 Rental supply challenges
📉 Market cycles and interest rates
👨👩👧 The importance of home ownership for families
His insights helped many New Zealanders better understand the property market during times of significant change.
❤️ A Life Rooted in Community
Outside the office, Tim Kearins was known as a committed member of the Palmerston North community, where he built strong relationships over decades.
Friends and colleagues remember him not only as a successful real estate professional but also as someone who genuinely cared about people.
He was widely respected for his kindness, humour and willingness to help others.
🌟 A Legacy That Will Live On
Tim Kearins leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the homes he helped sell.
His influence can be seen in:
🏢 The growth of Century 21 New Zealand
👨💼 The many agents he mentored
🏘 The communities he served
🤝 The relationships he built over a lifetime in property
For many within the real estate industry, his passing marks the loss of not only a colleague but a leader who helped shape the profession.
🕊 Final Word
The New Zealand property community will remember Tim Kearins as a man who combined professionalism, leadership and genuine care for people.
While his presence will be greatly missed, his contributions to the real estate industry and the many lives he touched will continue to be felt for years to come.
Rest in peace, Tim Kearins.