Real estate group opens largest office in New Zealand.
Followingfiveyearsoffruitlesssearchingfor the right premises to expand their South Auckland operations, Ray White A T Realty Group’s Adam Thomson and Tom Rawson started planning the network’s largest office expansion.
DeliveredontimeinMay2023,thepremisesat 603 Great South Road in Central Manukau has undergoneamulti-milliondollarrenovationandis now the jewel in the crown of Ray White operationsnationally.
“Wewantedtobuildacentralhubforourentire South Auckland team, a high-quality space to enhance the team experience and allow us to thrivetogetherasabusiness.Peoplespendabout 60 per cent of their waking time at their workplace,soweoweittoourpeopletomakeit anenvironmentthey’reproudtobeapartof,”says Ray White A T Realty Group Director Adam Thomson.
Since purchasing the original property in 2021,ThomsonandbusinesspartnerRawson have completely remodelled the dual-level premises, enhancing the configuration to high specifications with an industrial aesthetic,substantialcarparkingfacilities,a high-capacity auction room, and green spaces.
Ambitious fit-outs are no new feat for the pair, which in 2022 completed a refurbishmentofa750sqmex-BankofNew Zealand premises which serves as their Manurewaoffice.
The high-spec overhaul included the installation of a commercially-sized gymnasiumandsauna,children’screche,and an executive meeting room which incorporated the old bank vaults into its design.
Ray White New Zealand’s A T Realty Group directors Adam Thomson and Tom Rawson have recently concluded a multi-million dollar renovation of their South Auckland headquarters, an ambitious project they say has already exceeded their expectations by improving team culture and productivity“The gym installation was an opportunity to create more social connectionamongstourteam.Wehave yoga classes, Friday morning boxing sessions, and it has been an excellent wayforourpeopletoformconnections and improve their work-life balance,” says Ray White A T Realty Group DirectorTomRawson.
“We wanted to replicate this atmosphere with the Manukau renovation and consulted with the broader team about what’s important for them within the workplace. The result is an integrated environment that has improved our culture and increased staffsatisfaction.”
Beginning the renovation process on the back of consecutive lockdown restrictions and the rise of work-fromhome flexibility, the directors say innovation was essential to attract peoplebacktotheofficeenvironment.
“Additionally,ourin-housepropertymanagementteamare oneofthetopfiveinthecountrywitharentrollof1,550 properties, and in a challenging market, we have also retained our position as the leading auction callers in the Ray White business internationally - with the dedicated auctionspaceenhancingourabilitytogrowfurther.
“Wefirmlybelievethatanemphasisonpeopleandculture continuestoallowustoattractandretainsomeofthebest industry talent, enhancing productivity which is evident in ourcontinuedsuccess,”hesays.
“The majority of our workforce have families, they’re Mums and Dads with school drop-offs, pickups and all the responsibilities associated with family life, so it was invaluable that we created an environment that works within their day, and allows them to be productive when it worksforthem,”Thomsonsays.
Installing a children’s play zone and creche has been a popular feature with the team, who find theflexibleworkingconditionsandabilitytobuild the workday around their lifestyle a particularly attractiveemploymentfeature.
Reports have noted a greater proportion of real estateagentsleavingtheindustryamidstdifficult conditions.
However, our business continues to grow, and we are attracting a high calibre of salespeople, management and support staff who see value in ourethosofinvestinginourpeople.”
WiththenewheadquartersinManukauopenfor almost one month, Thomson says the reception from clients and the broader group has been outstanding, with a marked increase in the vibrancy and buzz across the office translating intosalesresults.
"Our market share between four branches (Manukau, Manurewa, Mangere and Mangere Bridge) accounts for almost a quarter of all sales across the South Auckland region – making us theleadinggrouplocally.
