Nelson Raines has joined Colliers as the General Manager of the West Auckland office and will lead a team of high-performing Brokers.
Raines has more than eight years’ experience in commercial and industrial brokerage, having started at only 20 years old following his studies at the University of Auckland, where he completed a Bachelor of Property.
While studying, Raines also worked for 18 months as a research analyst, contributing to his strong understanding of the underlying dynamics that impact the property market.
Having established himself as a Broker in the thriving South Auckland industrial market, he will switch gears to the rapidly growing West Auckland area that has experienced considerable change in the past 10 years.
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Raines, who replaces Josh Coburn following his recent move to the Capital Markets team in the Auckland CBD office, began with the Colliers West Auckland team this week and will recognise some familiar faces.
Raines undertook his studies alongside Industrial Sales Broker Benson Tarm, while Director of Investment Sales Caroline Cornish is a long-time family friend.
“Throughout my time in brokerage, while I was based in South Auckland, I completed a number of deals in the west and I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Colliers office in one of the city’s key growth areas,” Raines says.
“I love the face-to-face element of the property industry. Being able to get out and meet people is something I really enjoy. I look forward to building on my previous experience to strengthen Colliers’ existing presence in West Auckland.”
West Auckland’s expansion has been underpinned by considerable population growth. The area had an estimated population of approximately 312,000 last year according to Stats NZ, a figure that has grown from 282,129 at the 2018 New Zealand Census.
There have also been notable infrastructure improvements with an enhanced motorway network, more public transport options, and major commercial developments with the likes of the Westgate Lifestyle shopping precinct, and the construction of New Zealand’s first Costco.
While there have been market headwinds in various parts of the country this year due to the inflationary environment, rising interest costs, and general uncertainty among investors, Raines says people need to look at things through a different lens.
“The opportunities we are discussing with clients may have a long-term focus because this period of relative inactivity in the market will not last and when there is a strong rebound you want to be in a position to capitalise.
“West Auckland is well placed to continue to grow in the future given its expanding population and land that is being freed up for further development.”
Gareth Fraser, CEO of Colliers New Zealand, says the arrival of Raines underscores Colliers’ commitment to acquiring market-leading professionals who set the standard in their respective fields.
“Nelson has a great reputation in the industry and is very well connected across the Auckland market, including holding many good contacts at Colliers,” Fraser says.
“He is at exactly the right stage of his career to advance our big growth plans for West Auckland, and we are thrilled to have him onboard.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
