Bidding farewell to two influential REINZ Regional Directors

At REINZ’s 2021 Annual General Meeting held virtually in November 2021, we said farewell to two of our Regional Directors: Wendy Alexander and Mark Coffey. Wendy Alexander (FREINZ) stepped down as Regional Director (Region 1), having completed the maximum number of years as a Director on the REINZ Board. Wendy was recognised as a Life Member at the AGM. Mark Coffey’s (AREINZ) term as Regional Director (Region 3) also came to a close.

Wendy Alexander (FRIENZ/Life Member)

Wendy is well-known and respected across the real estate profession. She has been on the REINZ Board as Regional Director for eight years, has been actively involved in the profession for nearly 45 years, and is a staunch supporter of the Institute and a Fellow of REINZ since 2011. Wendy was also the Chairperson of the Remuneration and Human Resource Committee for REINZ and oversaw the Residential Property Management Sector Group.

Her professional knowledge stems from executive experience in real estate, including 21 years at Barfoot & Thompson where she was Chief Executive for nearly 11 years. In 2018, she retired from this role to create time to pursue other interests and became a consultant. Later, Wendy took on the role of Property Brokers’ regional manager in Waikato.

Anyone who knows or has worked with Wendy understands her passion for helping people. Wendy has mentioned that she loved working at Barfoot & Thompson and Property Brokers because they are family-owned businesses, and they cared for people — something she holds close to her heart.

After her long tenure at REINZ, Wendy will leave a lasting legacy of service. As many of you may know, she has served twice as interim Chief Executive at REINZ, most recently in March 2021 to cover the period between Bindi Norwell’s departure and Jen Baird assuming the role of Chief Executive in July 2021.

Wendy loves to see people operate outside of their comfort zone and succeed as a result. She has helped many within REINZ and in the profession do just this. By awarding Wendy Life Membership, REINZ confirms that we — as her colleagues — admire her high standards, achievements and reputation, and are proud to recognise people of her integrity and service.

The team at REINZ are forever grateful for Wendy’s valued input over her tenure and the positive impact she has had on our organisation. We wish Wendy all the very best for her future endeavours and trust she will take her wisdom, wittiness, passion, and kind spirit wherever she goes.

Mark Coffey (AREINZ)

After working in mechanical engineering for 18 years, Mark had a change of heart and completed a diploma in management and went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) via Henley Management College in 2001. Mark then attained his AREINZ in 2003.

As the Owner and Managing Director of Tommy’s Real Estate in Hutt Valley, Mark has extensive experience and knowledge of the real estate profession. As well as being on the REINZ Board, Mark is currently a Chairman of the NZ Realtors Network and works closely with the wider NZ Realtors group in his role with the organisations Board since 2014.

Mark’s knowledge as a business owner and Chairman was a huge asset to the Board — he added immense value, a different perspective, and was known to have a down to earth manner which REINZ and the Board greatly appreciated.

Throughout Mark’s tenure on the Board, he has advocated for his regional members and understood the differing needs of all members.

Mark never failed to bring his astute understanding of the profession and the concerns and opinions of his region and the wider profession to the forefront of REINZ. Not only this, but he provided underlying support of discussions with the ADLS and valuable contribution on the ADLS/REINZ Copyright Working Group.

His commitment to REINZ has made a tangible difference to how and what we deliver. We wish Mark well and sincerely thank him for his dedication and commitment to REINZ, the Board, and most importantly, our members.