Euan Mackenzie, a Scottish-born real estate agent and Westland District councillor, has spent the past two decades in the property industry, with the last ten years running his own firm, Mackenzies Real Estate, on New Zealand’s West Coast. Combining his expertise in real estate with his role in local government, Mackenzie offers insights into both the property market and community life in the region.
Mackenzie, 47, describes his career as one that allows him to engage in a variety of tasks, ranging from negotiation and auctioneering to marketing strategy and business development. His background includes an economics degree from the University of Aberdeen, followed by experience at Lloyd’s of London as an insurance broker, and later a position as private secretary to the chief executive of Transport Scotland. A transition to the property sector began in Edinburgh, where he joined a legal firm’s property department and discovered a talent for valuing homes—a skill that informs his current approach to advising clients.
In his business, Mackenzie places strong emphasis on adaptive marketing. He stresses the importance of monitoring and adjusting campaigns to respond to buyer interest, rather than taking a passive approach. Recognizing that clients have different priorities, he aims to tailor his service to meet individual goals beyond just securing the highest possible price.
Outside of work, Mackenzie is an avid motorcyclist who enjoys riding his Moto Guzzi motorcycles, citing the distinctive engine sound and the joy of exploration. He recalls a month-long motorcycle tour across the United States, which included attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota and visiting notable film locations such as the giant sequoias of Redwood National and State Parks. Locally, he often rides along State Highway 6, which he regards as one of the best motorcycling routes in the world.
Mackenzie and his husband moved to Hokitika five years ago, purchasing a vacant section on the Hokitika River with retirement plans in mind. Shortly after, they acquired a neighboring property featuring a 1910s miner’s cottage and an old greenstone factory, which Mackenzie has been restoring over several years. His community involvement extends beyond real estate; he helped establish the Hokitika Tramping Club, fostering connections through exploration of the region’s valleys, alpine tracks, and geothermal hot springs.
His role as a district councillor provides him with a broader perspective on the issues affecting local residents, complementing his understanding of real estate trends. On challenges for first-home buyers, Mackenzie advises thorough preparation: knowing one’s budget through consultation with financial institutions, inspecting multiple properties to avoid rushed decisions, and asking comprehensive questions before committing.
Regarding the current state of New Zealand’s property market, Mackenzie anticipates continued stabilization despite global uncertainties such as international conflicts and economic pressures. He notes that while some regions have experienced price adjustments, areas like Westland have seen market strength persist. Overall, he views the property market as cyclical, with confidence and activity expected to rebound over time.