Bruce Whillans establishes Ray White Commercial in Auckland CBD
New Zealand’s number one commercial real estate specialist Bruce Whillans is joining with Australasia’s leading real
estate firm to boost its presence in Auckland’s CBD.
Bruce Whillans who has sold in excess of $1 billion of commercial property in a career spanning 25 years will be the
principal of Ray White Commercial (Auckland).
Founded in 1902, Ray White now has more than 1000 offices spanning Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United Arab
Emirates but remains, at heart, a family firm.
“This is a fourth generation company that is very much at the leading edge of real estate in its use of technology yet
retains a very strong focus on people derived from a passion the White family shares for real estate,” Mr Whillans says.
“It is a culture that I believe encourages success.”
In Auckland, Ray White Commercial will focus on transactions in the $5-$50 million space.
“It’s a segment that is usually below the level of interest for the international real estate firms and currently not
fully serviced by the local agents,” Mr Whillans says.
“Yet it’s the focus for people who I have dealt with for many years who continue to be active in the market and are now
either looking for solutions for existing properties or for new opportunities to invest.
“Despite lacklustre market conditions the last two years have been some of my busiest, with 12 sales totaling in excess
of $320 million.” This resulted in Mr Whillans, as top fee writer, taking out the CBRE Award for Excellence in Agency.
Notable sales included West Plaza in Albert Street for $20 million, Beaumont Quarter Freemans Bay for $47million and the
recent sale of the Deloitte Centre, 80 Queen Street, for $177 millon where Mr Whillans was the listing agent
representing Brookfield Multiplex.
Ray White Chairman Brian White says the focus of the fourth generation family-owned business is to move into new
territories only when it has identified the right people to work with.
“Our business very much turns around good people who can make Ray White number one in every segment and location we
choose to operate in. With Bruce’s experience and expertise we are going a long way towards achieving that in Commercial
real estate in Auckland. ”
Ray White Facts
• Founded 1902 in Crows Nest Queensland
• 1000 individually owned and operated offices in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and United Arab Emirates
• 8000 staff
• Annual turnover of $A30 billion
• Eleven business units: residential, commercial, hotels, property development, property leasing, property
management, mortgage broking, funds management, finance, insurance and construction
Bruce Whillans Facts
• Auckland City commercial sales exceed $1 billion in 25 years
• Achieved sales in excess of $320 million in the last two years
• Landmark properties sold include:
Deloitte Centre, Queen St
West Plaza, Albert St
Forsyth Barr Tower, Shortland St
Beamont Quarter, Freemans Bay
Westhaven Marina
Mobil on the Park (Wellington)
• Awards include:
- Seven times winner of Salesperson of the Year with Bayleys
- Eight times winner of Salesperson of the Year for Industrial & Commercial with Bayleys
- Top fee earner for CB Richard Ellis 2009
- Excellence in Agency Award for CB Richard Ellis 2009
ENDS