The lights were bright, the room was electric, and the Bay’s number one Real Estate Agency was dressed to impress. More than 270 EVES Salespeople, Property Managers, and support staff gathered at the Lion Foundation Centre, Mercury Baypark, for an unforgettable evening at the 2025/26 EVES Annual Awards. Hosted by MC Jesse Mulligan, it was a night that sparkled with energy from the first toast to the final award.

This year’s event was more than an awards ceremony - it was a celebration of what happens when people choose to show up, every single day. Heath Young, Chief Executive Officer of EVES Real Estate, set the tone perfectly. “Tonight is about more than trophies. It’s about the exceptional people who make EVES a great company. The energy, the passion, and the experience in this room is extraordinary. I couldn’t be prouder of every single person who has contributed to our success this year.” Heath Young, Chief Executive Officer, EVES Real Estate. 

Charlotte Gardner Takes the Top Salesperson Award

If there’s one name that had the room on its feet all night, it was Charlotte Gardner of EVES Pāpāmoa. In a stunning display of sustained excellence, Charlotte claimed the coveted Salesperson of the Year title for the second year in a row.

Alongside Salesperson of the Year, Charlotte also swept up the Top VMI Generated Award, Top Auction Achiever, Top Office Achiever at EVES Pāpāmoa, and Greatest Number of Deals Settled.

Rising Star Turns Superstar: Ritchie Wright Named Individual Salesperson of the Year

Few stories on the night were as compelling as Ritchie Wright’s from EVES Pāpāmoa. Just four years ago, Ritchie Wright took his first steps into real estate. On Friday night, he walked away with the Individual Salesperson of the Year award - recognised as one of the standout individual performers across the EVES network. He also claimed Greatest Growth Year on Year, capping a year of truly remarkable personal achievement. His trajectory speaks for itself.

EVES Pāpāmoa Reigns Supreme: Top Office of the Year

EVES Pāpāmoa is no stranger to the winner’s podium. They are a consistent force among the Top Office finalists, and this year they made it count when it mattered most. Up against EVES Cherrywood and EVES Mount Maunganui, EVES Pāpāmoa was named Top Office of the Year. This is a team that delivers year after year, and Friday night was their moment to be fully celebrated.

The Remarkable Rise of EVES Whakatāne

EVES Whakatāne, which joined the EVES network only two years ago, was recognised for its rapid growth, taking out both Property Management Divisional Growth Year on Year and EVES Office Sales Growth Year on Year.

More Moments to Celebrate

Rookie of the Year

Tara Kehoe of EVES Katikati took home the Rookie of the Year award after delivering outstanding sales results in her first year in the industry. One of the most anticipated awards of the night, Rookie of the Year recognises emerging talent and future leadership within the EVES network.

Property Manager of the Year

Katy Laidlaw of EVES Pāpāmoa had an extraordinary evening, claiming both Property Manager of the Year and the Property Manager Excellence Award. Recognised for the genuine relationships she builds with clients every day, and her consistency across every aspect of the role, Katy’s double win was thoroughly deserved.

Marketing Campaign of the Year

Amy Retief claimed the Marketing Campaign of the Year with a standout campaign which demonstrated what happens when creativity meets strategy. Her campaign didn’t just look beautiful, it told a story that resonated with buyers, generated exceptional interest, and delivered extraordinary results for her vendor. It’s a powerful reminder that in property, exceptional marketing doesn’t just support a sale - it defines it.

Top Auction Clearance

Fran Harman of EVES Pāpāmoa claimed the inaugural Top Auction Clearance award, a brand-new award recognising precision and performance under pressure in the auction room.

EVES Exceptional Community Spirit Award

Dynasty Holtz of EVES Waihi received the EVES Exceptional Community Spirit Award for her ongoing support of local sport across Waihi and Katikati, including junior rugby, basketball, and karate.

EVES Exceptional Every Day Award

Craig Wilson of EVES on Cameron was honoured for consistently living the EVES values in everything he does - day in, day out.

The Backbone of EVES: Support Staff Excellence

No awards night is complete without recognising the people who keep everything running behind the scenes. And EVES does it in style. Specifically;

Sales Administrator of the Year went to Annette Matthews of EVES Rotorua making this her second time winning Sales Administrator of the Year. An encore worthy of a standing ovation.

•  Personal Assistant of the Year: Courtney Shelton (EVES Pāpāmoa)

•  Realty Services Excellence: Sarah McLean (Finance)

•  Property Management Support Person of the Year: Kirsten Horwood (EVES The Lakes), another brand-new award this year.

A Culture That Keeps People: Years of Service

One of the strongest signs of a great workplace is how long people choose to stay. And EVES has plenty to be proud of. The night celebrated remarkable long-service milestones, with 19% of EVES staff having been with the company for five or more years, 13% for ten or more years, and an incredible 8% who have dedicated 20 or more years to the EVES family. In an industry known for high turnover, these numbers speak volumes and reflect a culture where people genuinely love what they do and who they do it with.

Excellence Is the Standard

The 2025/26 EVES Awards celebrated the people, performance, and culture driving one of the Bay’s leading real estate businesses. From record-breaking sales achievements and emerging talent to long-standing service and community impact, the evening recognised excellence across every part of the EVES network.

Congratulations to all winners, finalists, and teams recognised on the night.