Meet our 2025 award winners
A huge congratulations to the winners of our annual Trade Me Property Impact Awards!
These agents, offices, and support heroes stand out for their exceptional contributions, whether through community involvement, innovation, driving positive change, enhancing operational efficiencies, or exceeding expectations within their first 18 months.
Our judges faced the challenging task of selecting the winners from almost 900 impressive nominations across six award categories.
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People's Choice Award
Buyers and sellers nominate agents who have gone above and beyond
Cristina Casares, Bayleys Ponsonby
Cristina is an exceptional real estate professional known for her unwavering client dedication and significant community contributions. She consistently provides empathetic support and expert guidance, ensuring smooth, stress-free transactions and achieving excellent results.
Beyond her role, Cristina founded the Alegría Charity Foundation, passionately supporting youth mental health. She donates money from each sale to empower young people through activities, genuinely transforming lives. Cristina's remarkable care, positive energy, and commitment to both her clients and community truly make her stand out.
Lowe & Co Realty, Wellington
Lowe & Co consistently provides exceptional and supportive real estate services, making complex transactions seamless for clients. Their team is highly praised for being communicative, proactive, and delivering expert advice, often achieving outstanding sale prices that exceed expectations.
Beyond their core business, Lowe & Co demonstrates a strong commitment to their community, partnering with organisations like the Wellington City Mission and generously aiding local schools and charities with free advertising and hands-on event support. This deep dedication to both client success and community well-being truly distinguishes Lowe & Co.
Tess Hunt & Vicky Todd, Property Brokers Whanganui
Tess and Vicky are highly regarded agents who consistently deliver exceptional results and a remarkably smooth experience. Clients commend their professionalism, thoroughness, and ability to secure quick sales with multiple offers. They're also praised for their top-notch marketing, and making processes easy and accessible.
They support their community, regularly assisting local charities and schools through donations and sponsorships. Their kindness, approachability, and willingness to help, even outside of business dealings, cultivate strong, lasting connections, making clients feel valued and cared for long after transactions are complete.
NZ's Favourite Property Manager Award
Renters and landlords nominate property managers who have gone above and beyond
Amanda Greenwood,
Ray White Taylor Rentals
Amanda consistently goes above and beyond, particularly during crises. Clients praise her for being incredibly kind, helpful, and proactive, providing peace of mind and building complete trust.
She excels at quickly resolving issues, managing maintenance, and tactfully handling difficult situations, always prioritising fair outcomes for both landlords and tenants. Amanda's prompt responses, genuine care, and commitment to fostering a safe, well-maintained community truly set her apart.
Georgia Hodge,
Bayleys Whanganui
Georgia consistently exceeds expectations with her professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for both landlords and tenants. She's praised for her fast, clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and meticulous attention to detail.
Georgia goes above and beyond, assisting with challenging moves, coordinating extensive renovations, and even supporting tenants' personal needs. Her empathetic approach creates stress-free living environments.
Xclusive Property Management
Xclusive Property Management consistently provides outstanding, stress-free service for landlords, often going above and beyond. Clients commend their professionalism, clear communication, and approach to finding excellent tenants and swiftly resolving maintenance issues, even managing complex situations remotely.
The team's dedication ensures properties are impeccably maintained, minimising vacancies and maximising peace of mind for owners.
Trailblazer of the Year
Your first year was extraordinary
Stephen Reed,
Barfoot & Thompson, Browns Bay
Stephen won the 2024 Rising Star Award and has achieved over $8 million in sales. He leads with heart and purpose, consistently going the extra mile for clients, offering expert advice, and building deep trust.
Beyond his impressive results, Stephen is a quiet leader in the office, actively mentoring younger agents, sharing innovative strategies, and uplifting team morale. His commitment to professional growth, including completing the auctioneers' course, and his genuine community focus make him an inspiring, future-ready industry leader.
Tommy Laybourn,
Professionals, Lower Hutt
Tommy made a bold career leap into real estate to better support his family and be a more present father. In just six months, he achieved 12 sales, now totaling 22, far exceeding expectations.
Clients consistently praise Tommy's transparency, flexibility, and deep market knowledge, especially first-time buyers. He goes the extra mile, ensuring smooth transactions and building strong trust. Despite being a newcomer, Tommy actively mentors new agents, embodying a collaborative spirit and proving his dedication to both personal success and uplifting others in the industry.
Harry Luther,
REMAX Hamilton
Harry is a dual force at REMAX Flagship and Flagship Rentals. He leads with integrity and a deep commitment to clients and community, consistently exceeds sales targets, maintains high client satisfaction, and has grown his property management portfolio to over 100 properties.
Harry actively educates first-time homebuyers and renters, provides invaluable guidance through complex transactions, and offers hands-on support. His tech-savvy approach, ethical conduct, and natural mentorship of new agents demonstrate his forward-thinking leadership and dedication to raising industry standards.
Innovator of the Year
You've changed the status quo
Sam McIntyre,
Ownly
Sam is a true innovator and trailblazer in real estate, having engineered a self-funded, AI-powered model. He established Australasia's first in-house AI Department, developing custom GPT advisers, a 24/7 WhatsApp knowledge bot, and a unique NZ-accented AI voice recruiter.
These inventions, fueled by savings from an innovative operating structure, cut costs, boost productivity, and attract top talent. Sam's proactive, tech-first leadership ensures Ownly remains ahead of market shifts, continuously improving efficiency and client service.
Harcourts Grenadier
Harcourts Grenadier is a leading innovator, demonstrated by their groundbreaking GrenadierSaver scheme, the first workplace superannuation plan for New Zealand real estate agents. Recognising the unique commission-based earnings in the industry, GrenadierSaver helps to ensure agents' long-term financial security.
This initiative directly addresses a critical industry gap, and challenges existing financial structures. Harcourts Grenadier's commitment to their agents' well-being and their bold vision in pioneering such a scheme firmly positions them as a leader in real estate innovation.
Kim Metahysa and Matt Jones,
Independent Agent
Independent Agent champions a unique, agent-centric model. They empower experienced professionals to operate under their own brands, while providing robust, automated backend systems and comprehensive support.
Their remote-first, collaborative ecosystem, with streamlined workflows and continuous training, boosts agent efficiency and client service. By fostering authenticity and performance, Independent Agent deliver faster, more personalised, and highly professional real estate experiences nationwide.
Community Relationship Award
You've made a difference in the community
Martin Cooper,
Harcourts Cooper & Co
For over 30 years, Martin has exemplified unwavering commitment to community at Harcourts Cooper & Co. His passion and generosity have channeled millions of dollars back into community groups, schools, charities, and sports clubs.
In 2024 alone, Harcourts Cooper & Co supported 456 community events, investing $840,000 and running 31 charity auctions that raised over $140,000. Their "Coffee&Cone" initiative also donated over $23,000. Martin's philosophy emphasises "People First," fostering meaningful, hands-on relationships that deeply enrich their communities, reflecting their brand integrity and values.
Anne Duncan,
Ray White Mt Albert
Anne is a true pillar of the Mt Albert community, consistently demonstrating generosity and a deep commitment to giving back. For over 25 years, she has orchestrated numerous popular free community events, including a beloved annual Easter Egg hunt attracting hundreds of families.
Anne extends her support through substantial financial sponsorships to local schools and sports teams. Additionally, she provides invaluable practical assistance by offering her large passenger van for free use by schools and community groups, and even offers complimentary photocopying services. Her ethos of giving back, purely to bring joy and provide help, fosters strong community connections.
Ray White Whangarei
Ray White Whangarei demonstrates an exceptional commitment to community through their self-funded "We Can Help With That" program. Established in 2019, this initiative flexibly supports over 150 diverse local projects, from grassroots sports to emergency housing, with over $180,000 distributed.
Funded by contributions from every sale and lease, the program fosters active participation, strengthens community connections, and promotes wellbeing across Whangārei. Their genuine, no-strings-attached approach, championed by the entire team, highlights their belief that real estate extends beyond transactions - it's about building and nurturing strong communities.
Support Hero of the Year
Recognising the quiet achievers who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes
Esme Phillips,
Harcourts Cooper & Co
Esme significantly enhances operational efficiency and team morale. Her proactive approach has streamlined workflows, optimised resources, and meticulous financial reporting.
Esme consistently goes above and beyond, implementing a comprehensive project management system that boosted productivity by 20%. She fosters a collaborative, supportive environment, bridging departmental gaps and inspiring confidence through her grace under pressure and "can-do" attitude. Esme's dedication, problem-solving skills, and genuine desire to uplift others make her an invaluable asset and a true leader in fostering workplace excellence.
Lisa Cockerell,
AndCo Realty Group
Lisa is the heartbeat of AndCo Realty Group, transforming their operations in just six months. With over 15 years of experience, her patience and sharp organisational skills have brought professionalism and calm to their fast-paced environment.
Lisa consistently goes above and beyond, streamlining systems, ensuring compliance, and mentoring staff. She's taken a massive load off management, fostering a culture of reliability, boosting productivity, and significantly lifting professional standards. Known as the "go-to" for solutions, Lisa is an irreplaceable "support hero" who calmly handles every challenge with a smile.
Helen Baker,
EVES Cherrywood
Helen is a highly valued administrator at EVES Cherrywood, twice recognised as EVES Administrator of the Year and a REINZ national nominee. She's the first face clients see, and her meticulous work ensures every aspect of the sales process is accurate, timely, and seamless, enabling agents to achieve client dreams.
Helen consistently goes above and beyond, creating invaluable guides and manuals, and flawlessly coordinating large-scale company initiatives like the Christmas Incentive Programme. Her proactive, solutions-focused approach, deep system knowledge, and unwavering support make her the "go-to" for all queries.
