Rotorua realtor Ian McDowell, who retired this year after selling the family business, has been awarded the industry's highest accolade by being inducted as a Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) life member.
Only around 60 people have been admitted to the life members' club in the century since REINZ was founded, and there are currently 27 members, including Mr McDowell, the institute said.
"This is very highly regarded in the real estate industry," said Steve Lovegrove, who acquired the McDowell Professionals Rotorua office early this year.
"It's a major achievement for Rotorua to have someone in the equivalent of the real estate industry hall of fame."
Mr McDowell was a prominent figure in the Rotorua real estate market for almost 50 years. Four generations of the family, beginning with his great-grandfather in 1911, have been active in Rotorua real estate.