PHOTO: Ray White Manukau. SUPPLIED
Ray White AT Realty Group directors, Adam Thomson and Tom Rawson, have finally found the ideal property after a five-year search to expand their South Auckland operations. The newly acquired premises, located at 603 Great South Road in Central Manukau, has undergone an extensive multi-million dollar renovation and now stands as Ray White New Zealand’s largest office.
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The vision behind this expansion was to create a central hub for the entire South Auckland team—a space that would not only elevate the team experience but also foster business growth. “We recognized the significance of the workplace environment, considering people spend a substantial portion of their waking hours at work. It was crucial for us to create a space our team could be proud of,” explained Mr. Thomson.
The extensive renovation, completed in May of this year, completely transformed the dual-level premises into a state-of-the-art facility. With a sleek industrial aesthetic, ample parking, a high-capacity auction room, and green spaces, no detail was overlooked. This undertaking is not unfamiliar territory for the ambitious duo, who previously refurbished a 750sqm former Bank of New Zealand building for their Manurewa office in 2022.
Mr. Rawson highlighted the notable features of the high-spec renovation, including a commercially-sized gymnasium and sauna, a children’s creche, and an executive meeting room that creatively incorporated the old bank vaults into its design. “The gymnasium served as a means to foster social connections within our team. We offer yoga classes and Friday morning boxing sessions, allowing our people to form bonds and improve their work-life balance,” said Mr. Rawson.
Drawing inspiration from the success of their Manurewa office, the team sought to replicate the same positive atmosphere with the Manukau renovation. They actively involved their broader team, seeking input on what was essential to them in a workplace. The result is an integrated environment that has significantly improved company culture and boosted staff satisfaction.
Embarking on the renovation amidst consecutive lockdown restrictions and the rise of remote work flexibility, Mr. Thomson emphasized the importance of innovation in enticing employees back to the office. He explained, “Our workforce consists mostly of parents who juggle school drop-offs, pickups, and family responsibilities. It was crucial to create an environment that aligns with their daily lives and allows them to be productive when it suits them.”
The addition of a children’s play zone and creche has been particularly well-received by the team, as it provides flexible working conditions that cater to their lifestyles—a highly attractive employment feature. Despite challenging market conditions leading some real estate agents to leave the industry, Ray White AT Realty Group continues to grow and attract top-tier talent, thanks to their commitment to investing in their people.
With the new Manukau headquarters open for nearly a month, Mr. Thomson expressed delight in the positive response from clients and the wider group. The office’s vibrant and energetic atmosphere has translated into notable sales results. “Our four branches in Manukau, Manurewa, Mangere, and Mangere Bridge collectively account for nearly a quarter of all sales in the South Auckland region, establishing us as the leading group locally,” he proudly stated.
He also highlighted the accomplishments of their in-house property management team, which ranks among the top five in the country with a rent roll of 1,550 properties. Despite market challenges, they have maintained their position as the leading auction callers within the Ray White business internationally. The dedicated auction space within the new office will further enhance their ability to grow.
The firm’s steadfast belief in prioritizing people and fostering a strong company culture continues to attract and retain exceptional industry talent, resulting in increased productivity and ongoing success.
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