CBRE appoints new Commercial Valuation Director for Northland

Melody Richards has re-joined CBRE's Northland team as Commercial Valuation Director, bringing her extensive local knowledge and commercial valuation experience back to the Whangārei office.

Richards will lead CBRE's Whangārei commercial valuation team, with coverage spanning the Whangārei, Far North and Kaipara districts. 

She returns to CBRE after five years away from the region, during which she ran her own valuation practice in Thames. While there she completed a wide range of work across Thames and the Coromandel, gaining experience across diverse property types and market conditions.

Previously, Richards was with TelferYoung in Whangārei, which CBRE acquired in 2022. During that time she specialised in commercial and industrial valuations, developing comprehensive knowledge of the Whangārei property market and the firm's local client base. Combined with her subsequent practice experience, she now returns to the CBRE team with extensive knowledge and well-established client relationships.

Craig Russell, leader of CBRE’s Whangarei office, said Richards' appointment is a significant addition to the team at a time when demand for expert property valuation and consultancy services remains strong.

"Recruiting experienced and skilled valuers is central to our goal of continuing to serve clients well and support the valuation industry across the Northland region. Melody brings a combination of local knowledge, trusted relationships and broad commercial expertise. Having built and run her own practice, she also has a level of commercial understanding and management skill that is well suited to a senior leadership role. We are very pleased to welcome her back."

CBRE is the leading commercial valuation provider in the Northland region by market share and is targeting further growth, said Campbell Stewart, Managing Director of Valuation & Advisory Services at CBRE New Zealand.

"Given the size of the Northland region, it's important for the industry, our clients and lenders to have skilled and experienced valuers providing good geographic coverage. There is strong potential to grow the team further to meet demand, and Melody's appointment is an important step in that direction."

CBRE's wide-ranging client base in Northland spans large rural landowners, private property owners, councils and community organisations. The region also includes significant growth areas such as Mangawhai, where CBRE has expanded to provide coverage. The business is looking to grow its presence further in key locations as development activity continues, he said.

“Our Whangārei office had one of its busiest months on record in March, coinciding with the first anniversary of its move to new A-grade office space in the town centre. The upgraded premises are already delivering better outcomes for both staff and clients as the team continues to expand its services in the region.”