Australasian real estate convention

First National New Zealand: Australasian real estate convention to address economic changes

Nearly 350 real estate agents will converge on Christchurch and Queenstown this week at First National Real Estates largest biannual Australasian convention.

The four day convention, opening at the Christchurch Convention Centre on Thursday May 14, features top business speakers, including Australias foremost business commentator Robert Gottliebsen (of Business Spectator and The Eureka Report), sustainability guru Rob Gell and Mr Contiki John Anderson.

Rob Gell, Australias leading environmental commentator, will launch First National Australias new Becoming Energy Conscious energy efficiency package on Friday May 15.

The convention, which brings property professionals together for the purpose of enhancing business acumen, will also see the presentation of both countries Awards for Excellence. The first half of Convention will be held in Christchurch, followed by two days in Queenstown (May 16 and 17) where former Crusaders coach and current Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will give a keynote address.
First National New Zealand general manager John Stewart said Convention 09 would focus on opportunities resulting from changes in both the market and real estate legislation.

"We see the property market downturn and the November enactment of the tightly prescribed Real Estate Agents Act as a significant juncture for the profession. Over the past year, estate agents have embraced the new Act as it has increased professionalism industry-wide. Long-term, career-oriented property managers, salespeople and business owners all agree that it is a step in the right direction.

"The speakers at this convention demonstrate that real estate, like any other business, recognises the positive role it can play in the community and its responsibility to continuously improve practices. Our members need to be kept informed," Stewart said.

First National Australia chief executive Ray Ellis said this was a crucial time to be examining the role of property in the economy.
With lower housing prices and historically low interest rates making housing affordable for the average consumer, the property market can lead both countries out of the current recession.

ENDS

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