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New Zealand’s Property Industry Celebrates Excellence
Selling homes has always been about more than simply putting a property on the market.
The very best real estate professionals build trust, strengthen communities, embrace innovation and create lasting relationships that extend well beyond settlement day.
That philosophy is at the heart of the 2026 Trade Me Property Impact Awards, where more than 550 nominations were received across six award categories before judges narrowed the field to just 18 finalists.
The finalists represent agencies large and small, stretching from Auckland to Invercargill, and demonstrate just how much the role of today’s real estate professional has evolved.
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More Than Just Selling Houses
The awards recognise much more than sales figures.
Categories celebrate:
- Outstanding customer service
- Community leadership
- Innovation
- Property management
- New talent
- Operational excellence
It reflects an industry increasingly judged not only on results but also on the positive impact professionals make on the people around them.
Buyers’ Choice: Agents Who Put People First
One of the most closely watched categories is the People’s Choice Award, where buyers and sellers nominate agents who exceeded expectations.
Among this year’s finalists is Cristina Casares from Bayleys Ponsonby, recognised not only for building strong lifelong client relationships but also for founding the Alegría Charity Foundation, which supports youth mental health through water sports.
Joining her is Sheree Williams from SW Real Estate Invercargill, praised for extraordinary client care during a family’s serious health crisis and for providing support well beyond the traditional expectations of an agent.
Property Managers Are Finally Getting Recognition
Property management is often one of the least visible yet most demanding roles within the industry.
The awards recognise professionals who quietly solve problems before they become crises.
Finalists include:
Richelle Williams
Professionals – Mark Real Estate, Wellington
Recognised for practical problem-solving, accountability and even personally carrying out maintenance work to reduce unnecessary costs for property owners.
Monique Barker
Barfoot & Thompson, Takapuna
Praised for managing difficult maintenance projects, supporting families during emergencies and helping coordinate renovations while owners were overseas.
Rising Stars Already Making Their Mark
The Trailblazer of the Year category celebrates those in their first year of real estate.
Finalists include:
Nick Gilbert
Bayleys Ponsonby
In his first full year, Nick became Bayleys Auckland’s number two individual sales agent, while earning praise for his respectful, client-first approach.
Meg Cross
Professionals Redcoats, Lower Hutt
Meg achieved 42 confirmed sales during her first year while actively supporting community fundraising throughout Lower Hutt.
Innovation Is Changing Real Estate
Technology is reshaping property marketing.
This year’s finalists demonstrate how rapidly agencies are embracing data and digital marketing.
Team DNA
Barfoot & Thompson – Flat Bush
Using advanced buyer matching systems and multi-channel marketing campaigns, Team DNA regularly generates 50,000+ social media views per property, helping maintain an average marketing period of around 30 days.
Pam Holley
Bower Real Estate
Pam transformed her business by embracing video marketing and social media, recording a remarkable 500% increase in audience engagement after adopting a digital-first strategy.
Community Matters
Increasingly, successful agencies are investing well beyond property sales.
Harcourts Cooper & Co
Their dedicated community team delivered:
- 612 community events
- More than $1.2 million raised
- Support across numerous Auckland organisations
demonstrating that community investment has become part of the agency’s culture rather than simply sponsorship.
Harcourts Platinum Blue
The Nelson agency has:
- Raised $50,000 for Gumboot Friday
- Sponsored 11 youth football teams
- Supported numerous local charities through volunteering and fundraising
showing how local offices can make a significant difference within their communities.
The Unsung Heroes
Real estate couldn’t function without the people working behind the scenes.
The Support Hero of the Year finalists recognise administrative professionals who keep offices running smoothly.
Sharon Mitchell
Propertyscouts Invercargill
Recognised for exceptional organisation, compliance expertise and operational efficiency.
Janet Watters
Ray White Whangārei & Tutukaka
Praised for leading major operational improvements while stepping back into frontline work to support a colleague undergoing cancer treatment.
What These Awards Say About Modern Real Estate
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is how much the industry has changed.
Success is no longer measured purely by:
- listings
- commissions
- auction results
Today’s leading professionals are recognised for:
✅ Community involvement
✅ Innovation
✅ Client care
✅ Leadership
✅ Technology
✅ Teamwork
The role of the real estate professional continues to evolve, with relationships, trust and service becoming just as important as sales performance.
Winners Announced Later This Month
The winners of the 2026 Trade Me Property Impact Awards will be announced on 31 July 2026, with finalists from some of New Zealand’s largest and most respected agencies competing across six categories.
Final Thoughts
Whether working in Auckland, Invercargill, Nelson, Wellington or Northland, this year’s finalists demonstrate that success in real estate is increasingly defined by the difference professionals make in the lives of others.
The stories behind these nominations show that while selling property remains the industry’s core business, compassion, innovation and community leadership are becoming equally important measures of excellence.