The 7th of March marked my 20th anniversary working in real estate in Auckland! A date that, in the lead-up, I hadn’t given much thought to—but one that has prompted plenty of reflection since.
In March 2005, I was a 28-year-old female, fresh from my 4.5-year OE, engaged to be married, and closing the door on my career as a solicitor. At the time, many simply couldn’t understand why I would leave law to become a real estate agent!
The real estate landscape then was vastly different: Auckland’s median house price sat around $320,000, compared to over $1.1 million today. Interest rates were in the 7%+ range, climbing even higher by 2008, while 2025 sees a market still navigating the aftershocks of historic lows and rapid hikes. Back then, digital marketing was barely a thought—print ads and office windows did the heavy lifting.
Another major shift? The role of women in real estate. While real estate has long had strong female representation, leadership roles in 2005 were still largely male-dominated. Today, women are not only top-performing agents but also hold significant leadership positions across the industry. At Goodwins, I’m proud to lead a company that values expertise, innovation, and family—one that continues to evolve alongside the market. Unlike franchise agencies, where decision-making is often dictated by corporate mandates, our independence allows us to be agile, adapting quickly to market changes and putting clients first, rather than answering to shareholders.
An absolute highlight of the actual date, Friday 7 March, was Goodwins’ broader team pulling off a complete surprise party—attended by two of my key mentors, Judy Rainford and Philip Somerville. Tears flowed as I reflected on the people who have guided me along the way, and I was reminded just how important it is to give back to younger colleagues. Real estate is a people business in every sense, and mentorship plays a huge role in shaping the next generation of professionals.
As I look to the future, the pace of change in real estate shows no signs of slowing. Technology, from AI-driven analytics to immersive virtual property experiences, will continue to reshape how we buy, sell, and manage homes. The Auckland market will no doubt face new cycles of challenge and opportunity, but if the past 20 years have taught me anything, it’s that adaptability is key. I’m also excited to see more women stepping into leadership roles, shaping the industry with fresh perspectives and a focus on long-term sustainability. At Goodwins, we remain committed to staying ahead of these shifts—embracing innovation while holding firm to the values that have always set us apart. Being independent means we’re free to set our own course, build genuine relationships, and prioritise quality over quotas. Here’s to the next 20 years!
