Rebecca Turley

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.

Ruth commenced her career in rural real estate in August 2009 before establishing the first Colliers International Rural and Agribusiness franchise in New Zealand with Shane O’Brien in September 2014. Ruth has been integral in setting up the new Rural and Agribusiness systems for Colliers International and has recently stepped in to lead the growth of this business in Otago and Southland. The Otago Southland Rural and Agribusiness team also partners with companies that have strongly established regional connections - Compass Agribusiness and Colliers Queenstown (Otago Realty Limited).

Growing up on a large scale high country farm in Central Otago set the foundation for Ruth’s desire to be involved in the rural industry throughout her working life. After achieving a first class honours degree from Otago University, Ruth commenced her career in rural finance that spanned nine years with the National Bank. Not content to sit still for long, she joined the progressive new dairy company Synlait as their Business Development Manager focusing on growing their farming assets via key acquisitions around the Canterbury region. Ruth has also been involved in the rural building industry with her husband Nigel, and the experience of the incredible highs and lows that this industry encountered over the past 12 years has honed her management and problem solving skills to the highest level.

As a rural real estate professional, Ruth's business is about people and their farming businesses - and focussing on this instead of just the physical assets is key to how she achieves positive outcomes regardless of market conditions. Her underlying principles of trust and integrity ensures she continue to form long lasting, genuine relationships and apply 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 allows her to provide solutions that go beyond the traditional real estate model.