Our People

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 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 recruitment, driving the business forward through contributing to the strategic planning and the achievement of the company’s objectives and goals.

John Urlich, Manager, City Commercial

John Urlich, Manager, City Commercial:
Contact by email or phone 09 363 1610

John Urlich joined Barfoot & Thompson as Sales Manager in 2004 having already established an extensive track record in commercial property, including 10 years at competitor firm, Bayleys.

John leads a team of 40 sales and leasing agents at the City Commercial branch based at Barfoot & Thompson’s Chancery head office and firmly believes in the Barfoot & Thompson business model which demands a team approach and attitude. "Our centralised non-franchised team allows a better flow of information, enabling us to provide the very best service to our clients. I insist that our people work together, rather than against each other, so that the focus remains firmly on what the client wants to achieve."

Peter Churchill, Manager, South Auckland Commercial

Peter Churchill, Manager, South Auckland Commercial:
Contact by email or phone 09 363 1310

Peter is a highly experienced identity in the NZ property industry. He has been a Registered Valuer, Senior member of the NZ Property Institute and was a foundation member of the Property Council’s Research Committee.

He joined Barfoot & Thompson in 2003 after a 20 year career with the AMP Property group where he spent time in their Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland offices and had significant involvement with major projects, including PWC Tower and Botany Town Centre.
As well as leading Barfoot & Thompson’s South Auckland team, he also liaises with and oversees major commercial negotiations and the city leasing team.

Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts to his team, he prides himself on his ability to engineer solutions to property issues enabling win- win scenarios to be achieved by both purchasers and vendors

David Jenkins, Manager, North Shore Commercial

David Jenkins, Manager, North Shore Commercial:
Contact by email or phone 09 489 3880

David joined Barfoot & Thompson's Birkenhead branch as a salesperson in early 1971. From 1984, he had managed both the Glenfield and Birkenhead offices, moving to the Takapuna branch from 1986 through to 1996, gaining valuable experience in residential, commercial and property management, as well as building a great track record of successful auctions and tenders.

After a period spent travelling throughout Australia, David returned as Branch Manager at North Shore Commercial. David prides himself on his excellent negotiating skills, extensive knowledge of the real estate industry and his trusted and loyal client base built up over 30 years.