Tauranga-based real estate agent made REINZ life member

Tauranga based real estate agent Brian Waldegrave has been elected a life member of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. Photo / Supplied

Tauranga-based real estate agent Brian Waldegrave has been elected a life member of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand.

Waldegrave has been actively involved in the Bay of Plenty real estate industry for nearly 40 years.

He is one of three new life members, including Euon Murrell of Wellington and Auckland's Graham Crews.

"It is a lovely way to round off 40-odd years in an industry that I have enjoyed so much and naturally I am delighted at the accolade," he said.

Until recently, Waldegrave had been the co-owner and director of Realty Services Holdings Limited, which has won the Tauranga Business Awards "Supreme Winner" category twice.

The company was also awarded the Community Service Award.

Waldegrave was a member of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty/Gisborne District Committee and was chairman of the investigation sub-committee.

He also served on the licensing sub-committee and membership for many years and has been a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute since 2008.

Fellow life member Euon Murrell has been in the real estate industry for more than 35 years in Wellington.

Murrell said he was extremely humbled to receive the life membership and thanked everyone who had supported him throughout his career.

"I am very proud to be a member and to have served such an outstanding organisation, one that is constantly striving to support its members."

The Wellington real estate agent' has had more than 20 years' experience with the Real Estate Institute. He served on the Wellington District Committee for 10 years – eight of which were as president.

Euon was also a member of the old REINZ Council for two years. In 2008 he was elected to the REINZ board as a regional director for region 3, before retiring in 2016. He was made a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute since 2012.

Auckland agent Graham Crews made his entry into the real estate industry in 1986 as a salesperson prior to his current role as a highly regarded compliance trainer, mentor and arbitrator.

"I was deeply moved by the award of Life Membership," he said.

"It was very gratifying to have received this honour as recognition for my role as a trainer and educator in an industry I have always been proud to serve. My sincere thanks to both my peers and to the institute."

Crews was instrumental in liaising with the Government during 2007/2008, assisting in the development of the new Real Estate Agents Act.

He has served tirelessly in the pursuit of justice, often preparing briefs of evidence or featuring as an expert witness in front of various judicial bodies - and was made a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute in 2004.

REINZ chief executive Bindi Norwell said it was fantastic to welcome three new life members to the Real Estate Institute.

"Brian, Euon and Graham have all contributed a significant amount to the real estate industry over the years and this recognition from the industry and their peers speaks volumes to their service and value."

The first REINZ life member was appointed in 1926 - the addition of Waldegrave, Murrell and Crews brings the total number of life members to 62.

A significant contribution to the industry award was presented to Dame Rosanne Meo, who has chaired the REINZ board since its formation in 2010.

Norwell said the award was reserved for individuals who have personally contributed to REINZ and the wider real estate industry.

"Dame Rosanne has absolutely gone above and beyond in her service to the industry and is most deserving of this award," she said.

"She will be sincerely missed by many in the industry as she has been such an influence over the direction of the institute over the last eight years."