PHOTO: Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson. BARFOOT & THOMPSON
Auckland Real Estate Leader Awarded CNZM For Services To Philanthropy And Rugby
One of New Zealand’s most influential property figures has received one of the country’s highest honours.
Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson, has been appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for his services to philanthropy and rugby.
While many New Zealanders know Thompson as the face of Auckland’s largest real estate agency, the honour recognises decades of community service, charitable giving and dedication to rugby both on and off the field.
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🏠 The Man Behind Auckland’s Largest Real Estate Company
Thompson is a third-generation member of the Barfoot & Thompson family business and has served as Managing Director since 2005 following the sudden death of his brother Mark in 2002.
Today, Barfoot & Thompson remains New Zealand’s largest privately owned real estate agency.
The company:
- Employs approximately 2,800 staff
- Operates 88 offices
- Sells around one in every three Auckland homes
- Manages approximately 20,000 rental properties
- Operates across Auckland, Northland, Tauranga and Hamilton through its ownership stake in Lodge Real Estate
Under Thompson’s leadership, the business has become not only a dominant force in real estate but also one of New Zealand’s most active corporate philanthropists.
❤️ Millions Raised For New Zealand Charities
The King’s Honour is largely recognition of Thompson’s commitment to giving back.
Barfoot & Thompson has long supported major community organisations including:
✅ Starship Foundation
✅ Mercy Hospice
✅ Auckland Marathon
✅ Auckland Writers Festival
✅ Diwali Festival
✅ Ironman New Zealand
✅ New Zealand Olympic Committee
✅ Community charities and sports organisations throughout Auckland and Northland
The agency alone has helped raise more than $6 million for the Starship Foundation since 2003.
Speaking about his commitment to philanthropy, Thompson said he had been fortunate in life and believed strongly in helping others.
“I love giving back to Auckland city. It’s been good to us,” he said.
🏉 A Lifetime Dedicated To Rugby
While real estate has made him one of Auckland’s best-known business leaders, rugby remains one of Thompson’s greatest passions.
After a knee injury ended his playing ambitions as a young man, he moved into coaching, management and administration.
His involvement in rugby spans more than four decades.
Highlights include:
🏉 Manager of College Rifles Rugby Club since 1981
🏉 Chairman of College Rifles Rugby Club from 1993 to 2007
🏉 Auckland Rugby Union Board member from 2008 to 2016
🏉 Manager and coach of numerous representative teams
🏉 Sponsor and supporter of Auckland Rugby
🏉 Private shareholder in the Blues for the past five years
🏉 Member and sponsor of the Barbarians Rugby Club
He was also instrumental in developing the first artificial turf at College Rifles Rugby Club in Remuera.
🌎 Supporting New Zealand On The World Stage
Thompson’s generosity extends well beyond rugby.
He was one of the original supporters of the New Zealand Liberation Museum at Le Quesnoy in northern France, helping preserve one of New Zealand’s most significant wartime stories.
He also personally supports elite New Zealand athletes including:
🏆 Paul Coll
🏆 Joelle King
🏆 Ollie Dunbar
More recently, Peter and Fiona Thompson have provided support to New Zealand Canoeing as athletes prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
📈 More Than Property
In an industry often judged purely by sales figures and market share, Thompson’s recognition highlights another side of business leadership.
His contribution extends far beyond real estate transactions.
He has also served as:
- Chairman of the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame
- Trustee of the Young Enterprise Foundation
- Director of the Auckland Business Chamber
- Life member of multiple sporting organisations
- Life member of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand
🎖 A Well-Deserved Honour
Regardless of views on the housing market or real estate industry, few would argue with the scale of Thompson’s contribution to Auckland and New Zealand.
For decades he has combined business success with community leadership, charitable giving and sporting development.
The appointment as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit recognises not just a successful real estate executive, but a lifelong commitment to supporting others.
At a time when corporate leadership is often scrutinised, Thompson’s honour serves as a reminder that business success can also create lasting social impact.
SOURCE: NZHERALD