The importance of giving back to the community

Real estate provides an opportunity to help people move forward in their lives — an intrinsic component of the community where agents can meet people and develop close connections that create the potential for a closer and more prosperous community.

The winners of the Community Service Awards at the 2021 REINZ Awards for Excellence, Collective First National Wellington, and Ray White Bishopdale & Strowan in Christchurch, share the importance of giving back, and how their branches contribute to the betterment of their communities.

Collective First National Wellington — Winner of Community Service Award — Medium

The support and enrichment of our local community is something that is extremely important to us at Collective First National. When we rebranded in early 2020, our direction was clear from the outset; we wanted to be a force for good in the area, channeling company profits into programs and facilities that make our local community a better place to live.

The Collective Community Hub opened to the public in May 2021. Since it opened its doors, more than 7,500 community members have made use of the state-of-the-art space. Even more satisfying are the 650 events held in this community space free of charge.

The Collective Community Hub has so far absorbed an investment in excess of $300,000, which Collective First National has fully funded.

A local focus, a space for community

Unlike other local real estate companies that often direct profits offshore, every property sold through Collective First National contributes funds back into this fabulous facility as well as a multitude of other community groups. In addition to the hub, $75,000 has been raised and distributed to worthy causes throughout Wellington and Porirua over the past 18 months.

The Collective Community Hub consists of one large meeting room seating up to 75, one mid-sized meeting room seating up to 25, two board rooms that seat eight and an open plan workspace/meeting space. There are excellent projectors, audio and large screen TV facilities, plus a kitchen and accessible bathrooms.

Some of the groups that have made good use of the space include: The Swans Nest, to provide interactive sessions for children with terminal illnesses; Take 10 to run after-school care for local kids; the Wellington City Council which holds consultation meetings with the community; St John to provide first aid classes, and many more.

These and other groups can provide sessions and classes at no cost because they are able to use the community hub space free of charge.

Our entire team is looking forward to watching the difference this facility continues to make in our community in 2022.

Ray White Bishopdale & Strowan — Winner of Community Service Award — Small

For real estate businesses, giving back is about making a difference and seeing the change we can make, while enjoying the relationships and moments that come from community involvement.

Giving back has the potential to bring a team closer, and this is something we have experienced at Ray White Bishopdale & Strowan. By getting the team involved, we have shared memorable experiences, developed new trusted relationships, and gotten to know each other on a different level.

An opportunity to give back

We are always on the lookout for opportunities to get involved and contribute to community wants and needs — no matter how big or small. Over the last 12 months, our initiatives have included environmental, sponsorship, fundraising, events and special moments, and the team have much fun and laughter along the way.

Amongst the activities we have undertaken, a standout was hosting Batman and Catwoman dinner with the families at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). The charity supports families when their child is in a New Zealand hospital, away from home. It’s a cause close to the heart of the entire Ray White network.

This was an opportunity to bring a smile to these families’ faces and to create lasting memories for the children.

Gareth Robins

Managing Director, Collective First National Wellington

William Yip

Performance Director, Collective First National Wellington

Barry Ellis

Business Owner, Ray White Bishopdale & Strowan Christchurch