RE/MAX New Zealand Managing Director Michael Davoren yesterday announced the master franchise was being sold to one of its leading individual franchise owners, with Don Ha to take up the CEO role in April next year. This move puts the master franchise 100 per cent in New Zealand ownership for the first time in 23 years.

Mr Ha owns RE/MAX Revolution.

“Don brought his award-winning independent business, Don Ha Real Estate, to our powerful global brand in January 2018 and RE/MAX Revolution quickly thrived as a powerhouse in our network and in the real estate industry,” Mr Davoren said.

As a businessman, property investor, mentor and acclaimed speaker, Don Ha is considered an expert in his field. In 1995, Don Ha was selling homes in South Auckland for a mere $49,000. Now in 2019, he is controlling over two billion dollars’ worth of housing developments throughout New Zealand.

“Don’s real estate experience and business acumen is exceptional,” said Mr Davoren. “He also shares the values and beliefs that are at the very core of RE/MAX, and his passion for real estate is intense.”

Family, tradition and culture figure strongly in Don Ha’s philosophy and approach to business and underpin his business success.

When he opened RE/MAX Revolution, he invited his father, N K Ha, to play a prominent role in the celebration’s proceedings, showing respect and recognising the huge role he has played in Don’s life. More than 250 attended, representing many more who Mr Ha has formed lasting relationships with through his 25 years-plus in real estate.

Mr Ha was also quick to acknowledge others on the announcement of the ownership change.

“I want to give thanks to all who have believed in me and stuck by me,” he said, “and especially my RE/MAX Revolution team. This is such a special honour. It is truly a wonderful story.

“When I began in real estate in 1994, I wanted to be the #1 sales agent in New Zealand. I achieved that. I wanted to have a top office in New Zealand. I achieved that. I wanted to be recognised through RE/MAX globally. That occurred.

“I wanted to expand my RE/MAX franchise throughout Auckland – with multiple offices. There was opportunity to do so and I could see my goal taking shape.

“But now, I have this opportunity. This is a dream come true… to own the RE/MAX master franchise for New Zealand. It was a goal I dreamed of fulfilling one day but didn’t expect to be there so soon.

“I’m humbled to think the directors and RE/MAX global heads give me this opportunity. I believe they recognise my passion, my ability to lead this master franchise in continued growth and acknowledge my extensive contacts both here in New Zealand and globally.

“To grow this wonderful brand and lead our New Zealand network is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It also fills me with immense joy to contribute to the RE/MAX legacy.

“After being a business owner within the network, I am truly excited to work more closely with our membership in New Zealand and promote a new era of growth,” said Mr Ha who has acquired a network of 25 offices.

RE/MAX is a global real estate franchise with more than 125,000 agents in 8000+ offices and 110+ countries. The red, white and blue hot air balloon became its official logo more than 40 years ago, representing the brand’s ‘above the crowd’ promise.

RE/MAX expanded to Australia and New Zealand in 1996. In December 2012, the global real estate franchisor sold its regional RE/MAX Australia and RE/MAX New Zealand master franchises to a ‘local’ management group led by Michael Davoren, who said the bond between the two regions would continue through a sharing of resources.

While Mr Ha is still formalising his master franchise structure, he says Michael Davoren will be a RE/MAX New Zealand board advisor.

Don Ha will take up his role as CEO, RE/MAX New Zealand, at the start of the New Zealand 2020 financial year.

Media contact:

Michael Davoren, Managing Director, RE/MAX Australia – M Mob: +61 403 571 571

Don Ha, incoming Regional Owner and CEO, RE/MAX New Zealand – M. +64 21 968 309

Lyn Cox, Public Relations – M. +61 418 793 096, E. lcox@remax.com.au

About RE/MAX: RE/MAX was founded in 1973 with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Its global reach is in more than 110 countries and territories, with more than 125,000 agents.By Lyn Cox