Ray White New Zealand celebrates its 2026 winners

More than 1,400 Ray White members, industry partners and leaders came together at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland last night for the group's 2025-26 annual awards, celebrating a year in which the network delivered its highest-ever share of the national residential market.

Members travelled from across the country, from Invercargill to Kaitaia, for the celebration, with Ray White New Zealand CEO Daniel Coulson (pictured above) saying it was incredible to see so many people come together to mark the year that was.

"The energy in the room truly reflected the momentum and pride of a group that has a deep understanding of the expectations of market leadership," Mr Coulson said.

"Over the past 12 months, parts of the real estate market have shown signs of steady improvement, despite the relative unpredictability of the broader economy. Against this backdrop, the results achieved by our members are even more meaningful."

Mr Coulson said the group's 202-office network now accounts for one in four residential sales nationwide, a result he attributed to the trust the community continues to place in Ray White members.

"That confidence is equally reflected in our customer satisfaction program, which engaged 22,988 property listings this year, and in the 23,166 properties we are entrusted to manage for owners across the country," he said.

He said the group continued to invest heavily in proprietary technology to support that market position.

"These tools support our members and clients with greater clarity, transparency, and confidence, enhancing our members' relevance, improving decision-making, and ensuring our group remains at the forefront of innovation in real estate."

Ray White Managing Director Dan White reflected on the broader growth of the New Zealand network. 

"Great things don't come without great courage and effort. The vision we're in now didn't just happen because we had a brand, or a large network, or a good year last year," Mr White said. 

Ray White Remuera was named the number one business nationally for the 12th consecutive year, with Ray White Manukau and Ray White Howick recognised as the next top-performing offices.

"Twelve years is no accident. Twelve years is done by sheer determination and grit," said Kendall van Straalen, who is responsible for business performance at Ray White Remuera.

"Thank you to everyone who has been with us over the last 12 months, and thank you to Megan Jaffe and Thomas Farmer for your leadership and support. Thank you for choosing us, for continuing to choose us, and for choosing to spend the near future with us," Mr van Straalen said.

Richard Thode of Ray White Epsom was named the network's top national salesperson.

"To win these sorts of awards, to be number one, doesn't happen alone, it happens with a team standing behind you," Mr Thode said.

"It's been a pretty tricky year, and that doesn't seem like it's going to change much anytime soon. This is when vendors really rely on the agent, on our skills, our expertise, our experience and our processes. This is the time we really need to shine."

Mr Thode said the strength of the Ray White brand had been central to his success. "I wouldn't imagine doing this business anywhere else," he said.

Robyn Ellson and Rachel Berry, both of Ray White Mt Eden, were also acknowledged as the next-leading salespeople. 

Four members were also recognised with Ray White New Zealand Life Membership, an honour reserved for contributions built over decades rather than a single year of results.

Mary Taylor and Pat Taylor were recognised for more than three decades building a property management business grounded in professionalism and client care. Peter Best was recognised for a real estate career spanning more than 35 years and Tony McPherson was also recognised for more than 35 years in real estate spanning residential sales, business ownership, leadership and property management. 

Ray White New Zealand also presented its CEO Cup, awarded not only for what the recipient has achieved but for the way they have gone about it, with respect, fairness and humility.

Anton Huang joined Ray White Howick from a position of personal market leadership, placing significant trust in the group and what could be achieved together. Since the beginning of last year, his leadership helped lift the group's collective market share by nearly 20 per cent, to 44.8 per cent of the $2.6 billion market, a result made possible, Mr Coulson said, by decision-making that consistently reflects the best interests of his business and his people.

Mr Coulson pointed to the group's ongoing partnership with the All Blacks, Black Ferns and New Zealand Rugby as a reflection of the standards Ray White holds itself to.

"This means that when you engage with a Ray White member, you are engaging with someone who aligns with the highest standards and expectations," he said.

Ray White New Zealand is part of the wider Ray White Group, which spans more than 1,055 offices internationally, and works alongside partner Loan Market Group to support its members' growth.

"The strength of Ray White New Zealand lies in the momentum we create together, the careers we are entrusted to grow, and the market leadership our members demonstrate every day," Mr Coulson said.

"To our award winners, we offer our warmest congratulations, and to our clients, we extend our deepest gratitude for your trust and contribution to our collective success."

See full list of award winners below: 

OFFICE OF THE YEAR
Ray White Remuera (also No.3 International Office) 

RESIDENTIAL SALESPERSON
Richard Thode, Ray White Epsom (also No.3 International Salesperson) 

COMMERCIAL SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR

Paula Raine, RWC Christchurch

GROUP BUSINESSES
Ray White A T Realty (also No.2 International Group (Number of Sales) & No.2 International Group)

RURAL SALESPERSON OF THE YEAR
Alan Thorpe, Ray White Gisborne

LIFE MEMBERS
Mary Taylor
Pat Taylor
Peter Best
Tony McPherson

CEO CUP
Anton Huang, Ray White Howick

ADMINISTRATOR / PERSONAL ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR
Janet Watters, Ray White Whangarei

ADMINISTRATION TEAM OF THE YEAR
Ray White Tauranga

RISING STAR – PROPERTY MANAGER
Rachel Frass, Ray White Co-Lab Property Management

BDM OF THE YEAR – PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Jessica Currie, Ray White 360 Property Management

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE YEAR – SMALL
Ray White Upper Property Management

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF THE YEAR – LARGE
Ray White Beach Realty Rentals

PROPERTY MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Jack Hu, Ray White Taylor Rentals (also Joint-No. 2 International Property Manager) 

LEADING REFERRING OFFICE
Ray White Pukekohe

LEADING REFERRING SALESPERSON
Rachel Findlater, Ray White Invercargill

RISING STAR
Daniel Huang, Ray White Flat Bush

DIGITAL MARKETER OF THE YEAR
Rachel Berry, Ray White Mt Eden (also No.9 International Salesperson) 

AUCTIONEER OF THE YEAR

Cameron Brain, Ray White Titirangi 

EXCELLENCE IN AUCTION – OFFICE
Ray White Whangarei

EXCELLENCE IN AUCTION – SALESPERSON
Tom Harbott, Ray White Gisborne (also No.5 International Competition Creator) 

MARKET SHARE – METRO
Ray White Beach Haven
Ray White Milldale
Ray White Pegasus

MARKET SHARE – REGIONAL
Ray White Masterton
Ray White Opotiki
Ray White Pukehina

BUSINESS GROWTH
Ray White Mangere Bridge

SALESPERSON GROWTH
Scott Wither, Ray White Grey Lynn

COMMUNITY AWARD – OFFICE
Ray White Whangarei

COMMUNITY AWARD – SALESPERSON
Jadyn Dixon, Ray White Glenfield

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE – OFFICE
Ray White Grey Lynn
Ray White Napier
Ray White Papamoa
Ray White Rangiora (also International Clients' Choice)
Ray White Whangarei (also International Clients' Choice) 

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE – SALESPERSON
Estelle Johnson, Ray White Papamoa
Habeeb Urrahman, Ray White Parnell
Justin Hartley, Ray White Pegasus
Shaan Joshi, Ray White Mangere Bridge
Stuart Morris, Ray White Rangiora

Download the high res image here

Media Contact
Alex Tilbury
Ray White 
Head of Media
media@raywhite.com
+61 413 842 112

About Ray White 

Ray White stands at the forefront of real estate in Australia and New Zealand. Founded in regional Queensland in 1902 and still owned and led by the White family, the network spans almost 1,000 offices. Powered by a collective of more than 13,500 members, the group achieved over 100,000 property sales last year, exceeding $103 billion in value. Combining regional reach with local market expertise, the group continues to deliver market-leading results. Under Managing Director Dan White’s leadership, operations extend across residential, commercial, and rural property, as well as hotels, marine, property management, and investment advisory. Holding strong momentum and commanding market share, the group called 39,035 auctions across Australia and New Zealand last year, reflecting Ray White’s championing of open, competitive sale processes to elevate outcomes for clients.

Ray White (Real Estate) Pty Ltd (ACN 054 743 510)
as agent for the Ray White Real Estate Partnership 

Level 26, 111 Eagle St | Brisbane, 4000 AU

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