REINZ champions 2022 National Property Managers’ Day

REINZ is championing New Zealand’s first National Property Managers’ Day on Wednesday 6 July 2022 — recognising the dedication and resilience of property managers nationwide.

Property management is no easy feat — balancing the management of someone’s largest asset and someone’s place of residence, and supporting both landlords and tenants. REINZ is aware of the hard work and tireless hours our property management members put into delivering great service.

Having gone through a couple of challenging years, property managers have shown resilience and capability of adapting their work. We want to celebrate with a day dedicated specifically to the heroes themselves — by sharing stories, support and recognition.

Jo Rae

REINZ Head of Property Management

Jo has worked in the property management sector for several years.

Starting as a receptionist for Bay Realty Ltd in Ponsonby, Jo progressed on to trust accounting and property letting. It wasn’t long before she realised that the small property management department of the highly successful sales office wasn’t as much of a priority as she had hoped. So, Jo approached the owner of the business and asked if he would sell her the rental roll — all 25 properties.

Being in her early 20s with next to no business experience, Jo began her property management journey and enjoyed the interaction with landlords and tenants, and the satisfaction that came with seeing her rental roll grow.

Jo remained a business owner until December 2020 before selling and joining REINZ. Her passion for the sector is immense and working at REINZ has given Jo the opportunity to support and increase the resources for others in the profession.

“Yes, we rent out homes, but we deal with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, and having the skills, awareness and empathy to communicate confidently through both the good and bad is vital,” Jo says.

Zack Cathcart

Property Manager, Lodge City Rentals

Recognised as the top property manager at Lodge amongst many other highperforming colleagues, Zack has worked hard in building his property portfolio and ranking in the business. Despite working in the sector for several years, Zack says he’s constantly kept on his toes and learns something new every day.

“No day is ever the same. Every day has its new challenges — the landscape of the sector is constantly changing with legislation and tenant notices to name a couple,” says Zack.

Previously working in business banking, Zack always had an interest in the investment side of property and understands how difficult it is to get onto the property ladder. “I know how much a home or investment property means to someone, so I strive to manage my owners’ properties as if they were my own,” he adds.

Zack sees the future of the sector becoming more regulated — as he believes it should be. He believes that property managers should be licensed considering their level of responsibility in managing tenants, owners and their property investments. As the sector continues to grow, he also looks forward to property managers being more recognised.

Catherine Goodwin

Chief Executive at Goodwins Property Management

Catherine is a fourth-generation realtor having entered the property management profession in 2005 after stepping away from a legal career.

Her father, Ashley M. Goodwin is soon to celebrate a successful 50 years in real estate, and her Great Uncle Horace Cassidy owned real estate offices in Takapuna and Avondale — remaining active in his career well into his late 80s. Horace served as President of REINZ and was later awarded Life Membership for his services to the profession. But Catherine and her family’s story in real estate started with her greatgreat-grandfather, who commenced his real estate journey in Whanganui after immigrating from Ireland and relocating to Auckland in the 1920s.

“We understand that my great-greatgrandfather was operating only one of three real estate agencies in Auckland at that time,” Catherine says.

Undeniably passionate about the sector, Catherine says that relationship management is a fundamental aspect of the role.

“For me, it’s about the length and quality of relationships. With landlords we’re often managing their most valuable asset — we’re a part of their retirement plan. When I look at tenants, it’s the variety of tenants we look after. It’s providing quality accommodation for people with so many different reasons for why they are tenants,” says Catherine.

Grace Wu

Managing Director at LJ Hooker Mount Albert

Grace has been working in property management for 12 years — however, a couple of years ago, she mustered up the courage to move from employee to business owner by opening her own property management office and pursuing her passion.

Being a property manager brings her joy — particularly being able to solve issues and provide solutions to owners and tenants. Property managers are a conduit — bringing people and hopes together — a core part of this is ensuring healthy, safe and secure homes. As Grace says, “It’s satisfying helping people live in a better housing environment.”

Grace explains that no matter how much experience you have, there is always room for improvement. Having experienced a change in tenancy laws with emergency legislation in the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, Grace and her team realised they needed to increase their knowledge, systems and procedures to deal with a multitude of challenges.

“While we all have property management qualifications and regularly enrol for training and conferences, we believe you can never be too experienced to learn more,” she says.