Award-Winning Realtor Secures Third Straight National Honor

Mr. Staite, the director of industrial sales and leasing at Colliers, has been recognized as the individual commercial and industrial salesperson of the year at the REINZ Awards for Excellence for the third consecutive year. This achievement underscores his significant role in facilitating major industrial property transactions across the South Island of New Zealand.

Major Transactions Highlight Success

Mr. Staite has been instrumental in several high-profile deals, including the sale of the $75 million Countdown Fresh Distribution Centre and a $54 million portfolio of 13 buildings known as Castle Rock Industrial Park. Other notable transactions include the $40 million sale of Hellers HQ and the $39 million sale of Goodman Glassworks Industrial Park.

Expressing his gratitude for the award, Mr. Staite stated, “I am honoured to receive the award again as it is always good to be recognised against every agency nationally.” With over 17 years of experience in the commercial market, he attributes his success to a robust network of clients and the strength of the Canterbury market.

Canterbury’s Growing Appeal

The Christchurch region has increasingly attracted national investment, which Mr. Staite describes as a positive trend that enhances market liquidity. “Out-of-town capital interest in Canterbury is increasing year on year, which is really positive,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong client relationships. Many of Colliers’ business deals stem from loyal clients who return for further transactions.

Mr. Staite leads an industrial team of nine brokers who collaborate on significant listings. Recent successful sales include the historic 32-hectare Smithfield meat processing plant site in Timaru, sold by Alliance Group. He explained that while some deals occur quickly, others can take years to finalize. “Sales can come together at the snap of a finger, while some require long-term dedication,” he remarked.

Despite not setting specific career targets, Mr. Staite takes pride in surpassing the $1 billion mark in total sales value throughout his career. He highlighted a recent sale of a property exceeding $40 million as an example of the rewarding nature of his work.

Impact Beyond Sales

For Mr. Staite, the rewards of his profession extend beyond sales commissions. He finds satisfaction in witnessing the growth of the city and region, particularly when helping businesses secure suitable premises that foster expansion and job creation. “One of the most enjoyable parts of the job is assisting businesses with finding the right premises to help them expand,” he said, noting the subsequent boost in local employment.

The landscape of industrial real estate is diverse, encompassing sales and leasing of various properties, including vacant buildings and design-build projects. Mr. Staite observed that Canterbury has excelled in attracting investment due to low capital rates and increased interest from external investors, even during challenging national market conditions over the past three years.

Recently, there has been a resurgence in large-scale leasing transactions, with a notable uptick in land sales after a prolonged period of sluggishness. He explained that Canterbury’s performance is often linked to the agricultural sector, which drives production, export, and distribution activities more than other regions that are more consumer-focused.

The REINZ Awards recognized a total of 46 winners from across the real estate industry. Chief Executive Lizzy Ryley commented that real estate professionals are navigating a shifting market, finding innovative ways to adapt and support their clients. In the residential sector, Bayleys Wānaka was awarded medium residential office of the year.

As Mr. Staite continues to lead in the commercial and industrial property market, his commitment to fostering client relationships and contributing to the growth of Canterbury remains evident, marking a significant impact on the region’s real estate landscape.