What happens when you send 12 of the top real estate agents across the Tasman to learn from some of Australia’s best?   

Tina Lawson, a member of the NZ Chairman’s Club, commented that while the fundamentals of real estate remain the same, there are many ways to achieve success. "Observing high-performing leaders provided valuable ideas that can be adapted and implemented within our own business to improve efficiency, customer experience and overall performance." 

Raine & Horne New Zealand General Manager James Shepherd said the Study Tour, an exclusive incentive reward for members of the NZ Chairman’s Club, highlighted the strength of the Raine & Horne network and the value of collaboration between high-performing teams. 

“Bringing together our top performers with some of the most successful operators in the Australian network creates an incredibly valuable environment for learning and growth,” said Mr Shepherd. 

“This wasn’t just about recognising performance, it was about giving our people direct access to ideas, strategies and insights that can help lift their business and deliver even better outcomes for clients across New Zealand.” 

The importance of structure and systems 

The Study Tour was an opportunity to take a break from the day-to-day demands of real estate, gain fresh perspectives, and connect with high achievers from both sides of the Tasman. 

Over two days, delegates visited leading NSW offices including Northern Beaches, Marrickville, Double Bay and Gosford/East Gosford. Subjects discussed ranged from business growth, leadership and accountability to auction strategy, property management performance, technology, and long-term sustainability. 

One recurring theme was the importance of structure and systems. Many attendees were impressed by the discipline and consistency demonstrated by the Australian offices, particularly around training, business development and performance management. 

"The methods of training and performance innovation in competitive markets were fascinating," said Richard Jordan, a salesperson from the Waihi office. "The state-of-the-art systems and technology being used by the Northern Beaches team were particularly impressive." 

Technology and innovation were also major talking points. Delegates gained insight into emerging AI tools, database management strategies, and operational systems designed to improve both productivity and client outcomes. 

For Nienke Middleton, owner of the Raine & Horne Cashmere office, seeing how successful agents manage their databases was particularly valuable. "It was great to connect with others and learn how they utilise Compass to keep their databases clean and look after current and future clients." 

The tour wasn't just about systems and processes. It also provided an opportunity to see Sydney's diverse property markets firsthand. From the prestige homes of Double Bay to the bustling inner-city markets of Marrickville, delegates gained a deeper understanding of how local market conditions shape business strategy. 

The power of a connected network  

One of the most valuable aspects of the tour was the conversations between members of the Chairman’s Club and the opportunity to spend time exchanging ideas, sharing challenges, and comparing notes. 

"The most beneficial part of the study tour was the time with the other New Zealand participants,” noted Bernadette Griffiths, a salesperson from the Mount Maunganui office. “Talking about their marketplaces, their challenges and what they are doing to be successful was worth the trip." 

Tash Dawson, a salesperson in the Paeroa office, echoed that sentiment, noting that building stronger relationships within the network was a major highlight. "It's reassuring to know there's always someone you can pick up the phone and call for advice, support or simply a chat." 

The itinerary was rounded out with a memorable Vivid dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour, providing the perfect setting to continue conversations, strengthen relationships and celebrate success together. 

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many rating the experience a perfect 10 out of 10. Delegates consistently praised the balance of business learning, networking and market exposure, while many left motivated to implement new ideas within their own businesses. 

Seeing what’s possible in real estate 

For Adrian Louttit, co-owner of the Raine & Horne Rangiora franchise, the experience reinforced the importance of continuing to innovate. For emerging talent such as Best New Salesperson 2025 winner Renee Hayward, it provided inspiration and a glimpse into what is possible within the industry. 

Above all, the Chairman’s Club Study Tour demonstrated the value of collaboration. While the Australian and New Zealand markets each have their own unique characteristics, the willingness to share ideas, challenge thinking and learn from one another remains one of the greatest strengths of the Raine & Horne network. 

As one attendee put it, "Seeing what's possible is the biggest reason to be part of this organisation." 

The connections made, the ideas shared, and the motivation inspired by the trip will continue to support members' professional development while helping strengthen performance and growth within their local offices. 

We look forward to running more of these valuable incentive trips in the future and continuing to leverage the resources and expertise available through our successful multinational real estate network. 

If you are interested in joining the Raine & Horne network, we invite you to contact our Network Performance & Growth Manager, Victoria Koszegi, on 021 0296 7430 or email [email protected] to request a complimentary information pack.