About
Professional Summary
Exceeding client expectations throughout her career, Greta draws on nearly 30 years of experience working customer-facing and logistics roles in tourism, hospitality, community sport and high profile national and international events. In these diverse roles, strong communication ensured Greta provided exceptional customer service, combined with exemplary problem-solving and negotiation skills, both of which are fundamental to a successful career in real estate.
Growing up on a dryland farm in Central Otago, attending Otago Polytechnic and working in Queenstown for a decade, she returned to the Manuherikia in 2004 after several years overseas, now living in Alexandra with her daughter. Greta’s commitment to a career in real estate stems from a desire to help others, her considerable experience in customer service and sales, as well as a long-time interest in the industry.
Greta’s strengths lie in her ability to engage and collaborate with people from a variety of backgrounds with warmth, empathy and absolute integrity. A good communicator with excellent attention to detail, her strong work ethic and high level of personal motivation ensure she goes above and beyond. She has a wide network and is committed to providing an honest, professional and supportive approach to real estate, ensuring she thoroughly understands people’s individual needs and that their experiences are enjoyable, informed and above all lead to successful outcomes.
Greta is proud to be part of Colliers, working in the Rural and Lifestyle Team in an area that has always been her home.
Education
- Licensed Agent (Real Estate Authority 2008)
- Certificate in Tourism – Otago Polytechnic
Memberships & Involvements
- Licensed Real Estate Agent
Services
Service Lines
Property Type
My Team
My Team
Ruth commenced her career in rural real estate in August 2009 before establishing the first Colliers Rural and Agribusiness franchise in New Zealand with Shane O’Brien in September 2014. Her experience and acumen led to a role operating at a national level, spearheading growth in Colliers’ Rural business between 2018 and 2021.
Now based in the Southern-Lakes district, Ruth is Managing Director of the Otago and Southland Rural business, of which she was one of the co-founders in January 2019.
Growing up on a large-scale, high-country farm in Central Otago set the foundation for Ruth’s involvement in the rural industry throughout her working life. After achieving a first-class honours degree from Otago University, Ruth commenced a career in rural finance that spanned nine years with the National Bank. She then joined the progressive new dairy company, Synlait, as Business Development Manager, focusing on growing their farming assets via key acquisitions around the Canterbury region.
Ruth is also involved in the rural building industry with her husband Nigel, and the experience of the incredible highs and lows that this industry has encountered over the past 13 years has honed her management and problem-solving skills to the highest level.
As a rural real estate professional, Ruth's strategy is based around the cornerstones of people and their farming businesses. Focussing on these rather than solely the physical assets is key to how she achieves positive outcomes regardless of market conditions. Her underlying principles of trust and integrity ensure she continues to form long-lasting, genuine relationships and she applies an open, honest approach to all situations.
Furthermore, Ruth's comprehensive understanding of an often complex and evolving rural market together with her ever-present proactive attitude allow her to provide solutions that go beyond the traditional real estate model.
Mike is a Central Otago local with 10 years sales experience across a number of different industries. A University of Otago graduate with a Bachelor in Consumer and Applied Science Degree (BCapSC), Mike spent three and a half years working for Lion Breweries in Central Otago where he made sure the area was well watered with Speights but also gained his love and knowledge of the NZ wine industry.
Growing up in Central Otago, Mike has spent time on and off farms in Otago and Southland. His family has a shareholding in a 300ha Sheep and Deer farm in Five Rivers where he spends time helping out when he can.
Mike works closely with key business partners across the agribusiness, viticulture and horticulture space and is passionate about building relationships and knowledge in these areas. He is excited to be working alongside experienced rural consultant Ruth Hodges and is backed by a strong local and global brand in Colliers International.
