Born and educated in Masterton Prue was the third generation to attend St Matthew’s Collegiate School. Her entire thirteen years of schooling was at St Matthew's and so it was of no surprise that her daughters followed the family tradition. On leaving school she left the area and joined the New Zealand Army and became a Commissioned Officer. “The services had a huge impact on my life. We underwent continual training and worked together as a team, caring for one another as a large family. We were challenged and took personal responsibility knowing what was expected of us.” After resigning from the services Prue had various catering types of businesses and returned home to Masterton in 1984, as she wanted her children to enjoy extended family living and the environment within which she knew. “My grandmother was a very important part of my life. She was a very strong woman with wonderful values and I loved and respected her immensely.” Prue is very proud of the beauty and lifestyle Wairarapa offers. She considers herself very fortunate to have been born here. Prue is married to Paul who is a Director of Accord Plastics. They live a very busy lifestyle enjoying travel and sport. Prue sponsors many sports including the Harcourts Premier Netball team. She has four daughters, two step daughters and thirteen grandchildren, eleven of which are living locally. “All my daughters have lived outside the Wairarapa so having them all return home has been absolutely wonderful.” Prue has always worked and her career paths have varied. Upon selling “Tellers Restaurant” in 1989 she decided to sell real estate and within the first year of sales Prue achieved national top 5% recognition. She became a Business Partner of another Brand and then in 1997 she purchased the Harcourts Wairarapa Franchise from Pat Mahony. Prue had huge respect for Pat and appreciated his behind the scene support until he tragically died in 1999. Pat had set up the first Harcourts Franchised office. There are now more than 830 offices in 10 countries and 188 nationally. In her 21st year of ownership she has a strong passion for the industry and believes in high standards with a personal hand on attitude. She has experienced all sorts of market conditions and has learnt to adapt. “I work continually on how best we can provide our clients with better means of achieving top results.” High standards and strategic thinking is second nature to her. “Goal setting and business planning has us striving for exceptional results. Our clients come first and our values are based around doing the right thing!” What is right for the client, will be right for the company, and in turn will be right for the salespeople. We are proud to be in a company where people come first. The Harcourts slogan ‘with you all the way’ speaks for itself.” Harcourts is a strong and trusted Brand. “We are proud of our Brand and the difference we can make to the real estate transaction. The standards we set are high. For us it is the minimum standards being part of the Harcourts Promise. Getting out and improving on our standards, finding new challenges is exciting and enjoyable. Our business is all about people.” Prue has been a Licensed Auctioneer for the past 19 years. She has called more than 800 property auctions. In 2000 she was awarded Harcourts Wellington Region Auctioneer Champion 1999/2000. As an experienced auctioneer, she advises all Harcourts clients before and during the auction process. Working alongside her consultants, Prue completes the package, providing that extra resource to compliment the consultants’ expertise, understanding theirs and most importantly the clients’ needs. She also has worked within the community calling Charity Auctions to raise funds for local groups and organizations. Prue is involved within the Community and has chaired school PTAs and Board of Trustees. She was part of the steering committee that established the local Army Cadet Unit and was then appointed the first Commanding Officer of that unit. She has served as the area representative of the Real Estate Institute and resided over various REINZ dispute hearings. She joined the Masterton Rotary Club in 1992 and was Club President in 2006/2007. The Company has sponsored numerous individuals, groups and organizations. Today they are pleased to support the Harcourts Foundation. Prue’s team know their job, “It’s all about people…giving excellent service, qualifying people’s needs, communicating by keeping people informed…..being great marketer with top negotiation skills… and finally knowing the market and being honest.”