George Fox on community, connection and Canterbury.

North Canterbury is in George Fox’s blood.

Raised on a sheep and beef farm in Scargill and with a lifelong passion for grassroots rugby, the former farmer is now firmly on the other side of the fence - selling rural property in the heart of Canterbury.

“I think my background has really helped me in this role,” he says. “I have an empathy for farmers, because it’s not just about a property transaction - especially with farms. There is an emotional side to it as well.”

Fox now lives on a lifestyle block in Omihi with his wife Erin and their 19-month-old daughter Indie.

He joined Colliers nearly a year ago and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s a natural progression from farming,” he says.

After studying agriculture at Lincoln University, Fox worked on the family farm in Scargill and spent time on farms in the U.K.

“Working in the U.K really highlighted to me how progressive and innovative New Zealand farmers are. People just think differently over here.”

Fox is also a Kellogg Rural Leadership scholar, where he produced a paper on boards and governance - an experience he says broadened his horizons.

“The thirty or so other people on the course were like-minded and involved in the rural sector all over New Zealand,” he says. “It’s really helped me in terms of leaning on them for advice, and it helped me think more broadly, and think bigger than just being in my own silo on the farm.”

He's been involved in several rural development initiatives, including the Farming for Profit programme, which brought local farmers together in focus groups.

“It was a great way to get people off the farm and together. It’s a great thing for the community, and I got a lot of value out of it as well.”

Fox describes North Canterbury as a “special place” with a strong, tight-knit community that’s been shaped by tough times.

“Those adverse events like drought and earthquakes have probably made the community ties a bit stronger than in other places. It’s a fantastic place to live.”

He still plays for the iconic Glenmark - Cheviot Rugby Club and says community remains a huge part of his life.

“I still enjoy it, and it’s a great way to be part of the community,” he says. “I’m kind of in the middle now - I’ve played with the dads and with their sons. It’s really rewarding helping the next generation coming through.”

Community and family are what get Fox out of bed in the morning.

“Family is a big motivator, and at the end of a marketing campaign, I just like to feel like I’ve done a good job for people. It’s about the whole process: communicating well with vendors and buyers throughout the whole marketing process, not just the end goal.”

He describes the Canterbury rural property market as “buoyant,” with renewed optimism off the back of dropping interest rates and improved commodity prices.

“We are slowly seeing a bit more of an appetite for sheep and beef country, and there is a pool of active buyers in the dairy market,” he says. “It’s great seeing how positive everyone is after a tough couple of years. Confidence is definitely on the up.”

Fox says the selling process can often begin years before a property comes to market.

“Vendors should be talking to their key advisors early to put their property in the best position when the time comes to list,” he says. “It’s about removing obstacles that buyers will see. Buyers are particularly well informed in the current market.”

When it comes to buying, he emphasises the importance of due diligence.

“Front of mind for most buyers currently is environmental,” he says. “However, we are seeing an increased amount of ‘vendor due diligence’ which gives buyers confidence and removes obstacles.

“The buyers we see winning through in a competitive environment are the ones who remove as many of the ‘grey areas’ as possible before making an offer. This presents the cleanest offer with as few conditions as possible.”

When he’s not working hard for his vendors, Fox is usually on the rugby field or enjoying downtime at home with family.

“Being outside on the rugby pitch or enjoying a good steak on the barbie at home.

“Those simple things are gold.”