Agent News

In Memoriam: Mark Stevenson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Stevenson, one of the founding members of First National Real Estate New Zealand. 

Mark passed away in Blenheim, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped our organisation and the wider real estate community.

Mark will be fondly remembered for his larger-than-life personality, and his unwavering dedication to First National

Our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends during this difficult time. His positive impact on our company will not be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Mark. You will be deeply missed.

Farewell, but not goodbye

This December, First National Australia's respected Network Performance Manager, Ted Piteo, will formally retire, concluding a distinguished career dedicated to supporting real estate agencies across the nation. 

Ted has helped countless First National members achieve significantly greater profitability in their businesses, and we are grateful for the commitment he has shown. While he steps away from his official role, there is the potential for Ted to remain connected with First National members in 2025, sharing his sought-after profit-focused insights and guidance on a flexible basis. 

We’ll provide an update in the New Year.

Congratulations Ambi & Rupi

Congratulations to Ambi Basati, General Manager of FN Pinnacle, (Royal Oak) and Rupi Kaur on the arrival of their beautiful baby boy, Yuvraj Singh Basati, weighing 3,110 grams.  

Kiwi-Initiation Hens Do

Rachel Morrow,  an administrator from FN Gore has officially earned her Kiwi stripes after an unforgettable initiation-style hens’ do amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. The celebration was packed with fun, featuring gumboot shoeys, jandal slaps, hobbit feet lunges, and poi swinging by the stunning Lake Wanaka. Ali Green, salesperson from FN Gore is counting down the days to the January wedding.

Happy Birthday Trudy

Trudy Weston, general manager for FN NSO celebrated her birthday by brunching with the ladies, then on to cake with the rest of the FN Pinnacle (Royal Oak) team. Happy Birthday Trudy!

Conquering Paritutu Rock

Haylie Gargan, administrator for FN Collective (New Plymouth), conquered her fear with a challenging Sunday climb up Paritutu Rock. Known for its steep and demanding trail, the ascent was no small feat.

Christmas is in the air

With December's arrival, Lisa Given, salesperson for FN Gore, has fully embraced the festive season, decking out her home with a Christmas tree and decorations, while a mischievous elf has made its cheeky debut back at the office!

Bold Steps 2024: Women Leading the Way in Innovation and Resilience

Trudy Weston, general manager for FN NSO, attended the Bold Steps Conference 2024 at Spark Arena in Auckland, an empowering women's leadership event that offered unique insights into navigating future challenges and fostering innovation.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis, set an inspiring tone with their keynote addresses, highlighting the importance of women in key leadership roles. A standout session featured Laura Anderson's showcase on AI technology, specifically demonstrating how Chat GPT with custom personas can revolutionise workplace efficiency.

A particularly impactful moment was the conversation with Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, former Optus CEO, who shared profound insights about turning challenging experiences into significant learning opportunities. 

The conference also provided exceptional networking opportunities, allowing attendees like Trudy to connect directly with top executives, including Neil Barclay from Meridian Energy and Cathy Quinn ONZM.

Throughout the event, leaders openly discussed personal strategies for managing stress and overcoming professional obstacles, offering valuable guidance for aspiring leaders and creating a supportive environment of shared experiences and mutual growth.