Real estate stalwart Christine Fowler started her journey with Ray White Howick in 1993, and will end her career at the same office in 2023 as she heads into retirement.
Christine’s real estate career kicked off in 1988, before she became a foundation member of Ray White New Zealand when they purchased United Realty Group.
A celebrated agent and mentor, Christine has had a profound impact on the east Auckland real estate industry.
During her time working for Bob Mountfort, the originating franchise owner of Ray White Howick, Christine became the number one salesperson at Ray White New Zealand, and was a recipient of Ray White New Zealand’s most coveted award, the CEO Cup.
“Winning the Ray White New Zealand CEO Cup was the highlight of my journey with Ray White,” Christine said.
“After the awards I remember Alan White coming up to me and asking me to sit down and have a catch up with him.
“It was quite a thrill, and I look forward to the CEO Cup lunches every year with other Ray White CEO award winners .”
Christine said another highlight was meeting current Ray White Howick principal and leading agent Anton Huang.
Christine met Anton during a short period working for another agency. When Christine was asked to come back to Ray White Howick, and in part worked in recruitment, she eventually brought Anton over to the business.
“I took him under my wing and he took everything on board, I have been privileged to be with him every step of his journey.” Christine said.
Anton said Christine had been his personal mentor, as well as a mentor to many others in the Ray White East Auckland network.
“She has guided me through from a brand new agent to be the number one agent for the company, as well as assisting me in the process to purchase the business,” Anton said.
“She is greatly respected in our group and in East Auckland. Lots of people have been influenced and supported by her in the past.
“She was a top agent and then she was a branch manager as well as a mentor and a coach. She has done all those things and she’s done great.
“It’s a loss to us in the business and we want her to enjoy her retirement with her family, but she will be missed by people in the business and the community.”
Ray White New Zealand executive chairman Carey Smith said Christine had had a remarkable career, firstly as a leading salesperson, then moving into a management role and in more recent times as part of the leadership team in the Ray White East Auckland network.
“Her influence has been considerable. Even from the early days Christine has always been well considered and thoughtful,” Carey said.
“Her ability to gain trust through quality decision-making has been a constant throughout her career.
“We’ve been blessed to have Christine as part of our Ray White New Zealand business over such a long period of time.”
At 76 years old, Christine said she felt she was ready to retire.
“I’ve retired, I’m not gone, and if someone needs me they just need to ring,” she said.
“We’re hoping to go on a holiday but at first I’m just going to sit still and catch my breath.
“I have no regrets throughout my career, I’ve learnt so much, and it’s been a wonderful journey.”