PHOTO: Bayleys Regional General Manager Rachel Thompson & owner John Bartley
Bayleys Whanganui and Bayleys Ruapehu have significantly strengthened their real estate offerings with owner John Bartley’s acquisition of Bayleys Manawatu. This strategic move, nearly a year in the making, sees Bartley taking over offices in Palmerston North and Feilding, along with rebranding his existing Marton agency. The expansion boosts the team to 65 salespeople, property managers, support staff, and managers across five offices.
“I’ve had Bayleys Whanganui and Ruapehu for six years, and this opportunity presented itself early last year,” Bartley shared. With the deal finalized in mid-January, the team has already hit the ground running.
The expansion, led by Regional General Manager Rachel Thompson, is set to drive significant growth opportunities. “Our management team has been crucial in setting the values and culture we want within the business and driving the growth opportunities we have,” Bartley noted.
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The acquisition is a pivotal part of the company’s growth strategy, allowing all five offices to better serve the market across the Whanganui-Manawatu district. “It gives us a larger footprint and a bigger buyer pool. It also helps with operational efficiency by allowing us to utilize administrators and managers across the regions without compromising the customer experience,” Bartley explained.
Bartley, a Whanganui native, emphasized the importance of maintaining exceptional customer service and building on existing relationships. He highlighted the need to increase connectivity between the regions while meeting individual needs. “We’re a family business at heart and we want to look after our people. If we do the basics well and excel in real estate, we’ll achieve great results for our clients.”
After a challenging year for the real estate market in 2024, Bartley believes that acquiring Manawatu’s offices has positioned his team for success in 2025. “Our goal is to grow. That means getting the right people on board with fresh ideas and ensuring our existing team has the right support systems, training, and leadership to succeed.”
Bartley is excited about the opportunities this expansion brings, not only for his agents but also for clients looking to buy or sell their homes. “We’re really stoked about this opportunity. If you’re looking to sell or buy, make sure you get in touch with the team at one of our five offices from Bayleys Manawatu, Bayleys Whanganui, and Bayleys Ruapehu.”