Our People

After more than 85 years selling real estate, Barfoot & Thompson is still a proudly family owned and managed business. Our current Directors - Garth Barfoot, Peter Thompson and Kiri Barfoot - are the son, grandson and granddaughter of the original owners.

Peter Thompson, Managing Director

Barfoot & Thompson is much more than a business to Peter, it's quite literally part of his family. He started out almost 25 years ago in the rental division at the Otahuhu branch and continued to move through a number of positions in the firm including sales, administration and management. Eventually he was made a Director in 1997.

Peter is the grandson of Maurice Thompson - the original Thompson in the Barfoot & Thompson team which started out in the early 1920s. Eighty years on, those family links are still important to the company and Peter ensures a steady focus is maintained on its core values of honesty, integrity and service.

Peter takes care to balance all aspects of his life - time with his wife Fiona and daughters Paula and Lisa, his commitment to the family firm and his passion for sport.

Peter's ability to drive the business forward with new initiatives is evident with his implementation of computerised listing systems and digital technology. An intensely loyal person, Peter leads a very supportive culture within Barfoot & Thompson while continuing to achieve impressive growth. In 2011 Peter was awarded Life Membership of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ).

Garth Barfoot, Director

Real estate is truly in the blood for Garth. He is the youngest son of Barfoot & Thompson's founder, Val Barfoot, and with his career spanning 45 years of evolution in real estate he is the longest serving member of the team. Two members of the next generation of Barfoots also work for the company, his daughter Kiri and nephew Stephen, continuing a Barfoot & Thompson family tradition.

From his early days as a junior in the accounts office, Garth progressed through the firm to become a Director in 1968. He is also a former President of the Auckland branch of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) and was made a Life Member of the REINZ in 1991.

Garth has witnessed many industry innovations during his long career, such as when Barfoot & Thompson became the first real estate firm to make use of aerial photography in its advertising. However, some things never change. Garth still interviews every new residential and rural salesperson in the greater Auckland area before they are appointed.

Kiri Barfoot, Director & Regional Manager

Kiri Barfoot joined Barfoot & Thompson in 1991 after graduating with a Commerce Degree from Auckland University and represents the third generation of Barfoots with the company. Since starting at Barfoot & Thompson, Kiri has held numerous positions, helping her gain in-depth knowledge of all areas of the business.

Kiri started off as a Property Manager at the Glenfield Branch and then went on to sell at Northcote and Glenfield branches. She later became the Branch Manager at the Waiuku office, before moving on to manage Otahuhu and Highland Park offices.

Now working as a Director as well as Regional Manager, Kiri plays an important role in Property Management, driving the business forward through contributing to the strategic planning and the achievement of the company’s objectives and goals.

Wendy Alexander, Chief Executive Officer

Wendy has more than 30 years experience in the real estate industry, 12 with Barfoot & Thompson. As Chief Executive Officer, she is responsible for the research and development of growth opportunities across the company and ensuring the implementation of company strategy in her areas of accountability: customer relations, training, and human resources.

In addition to her Barfoot & Thompson responsibilities, Wendy filled the role of acting Chief Executive of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand between August and November 2010, helping steer the industry body through a challenging time of change.

With 100% commitment to her role, Wendy is an enthusiastic and dedicated executive who embodies Barfoot & Thompson's values. Wendy can be contacted by email or by phoning 027 493 1978.

Jeff Cate, Business Development Manager

With a distinguished real estate career that spans 30 years, Jeff is well known for both moving with market trends and being a driving force for change. He has not only had a successful selling career but also managed the company’s high performing Remuera office for 14 years.

Now as Barfoot & Thompson’s Business Development Manager, Jeff plans to use his considerable network and industry knowledge to assist the company in improving its market position and remain at the forefront of the industry.

Jeff is interested in listening to business opportunities of all shapes or sizes. His common sense, experience and natural talents can be put to good use in most real estate situations and he is keen to assist with your questions, needs and requirements.

Clinton Hardy, Business Development Manager

Clinton Hardy joined real estate in 1992 following a move to New Zealand. He held various roles including Salesperson, Manager and Franchise Owner of his own business. In 2000 he re-joined Barfoot & Thompson and has since held roles as Branch Manager, Regional Manager and now Business Development Manager.

Prior to working in real estate Clinton was a Detective Sergeant for the Metropolitan Police in London.

His new role as Business Development Manager gives Clinton the opportunity to explore new business avenues and support structures for Barfoot & Thompson’s managers and sales force.

Michael Williams, Regional Manager

Michael joined the company in 1992 as our sole auctioneer and has more than 30 years experience in the real estate industry including extensive experience in the lifestyle, rural and commercial sectors.

Michael was educated at Takapuna Grammar and Massey College (now Massey University). He worked in many areas within the Stock and Station agency industry, the Fruit and Produce industry and later enjoyed owning and operating his own farms. Michael is now in his 6th decade as a licensed auctioneer.

As Regional Manager, Michael is responsible for 34 branches that operate in the residential, lifestyle and commercial property business from Devonport to Kerikeri and Otahuhu to Pukekohe. He has been a leading charity auctioneer and over the years has raised millions of dollars throughout New Zealand for many worthy charities. He regularly donates his time to helping our official charity – Starship Foundation.

Michael completely supports and identifies with the values and integrity of Barfoot & Thompson.

Michael would be very keen to speak with or have contact from any person wanting to pursue a career with Barfoot & Thompson.