When Elanor first arrived in Hawke’s Bay, the real estate landscape looked very different. Advertisements were uniform, black and white, commissions were fixed, and there was little competition. To her, it felt like a missed opportunity. Homes are where lives are built, and she believed they deserved to be presented in vibrant colour.
Drawing inspiration from her time in Wellington’s marketing scene, Elanor pushed for change. It wasn’t easy; resistance came first, before acceptance, but eventually, the region moved from dull prints to glossy magazines that captured the true character of properties. Later, as technology transformed the world, she embraced digital platforms as another step forward in serving clients better.
These experiences taught Elanor that leadership isn’t about preserving what’s comfortable; it’s about seeing what’s possible and helping others adapt to it. Change is never easy, but it’s essential for raising standards, strengthening trust, and keeping the profession relevant.
Her journey with REINZ has reinforced this belief. For nearly three decades, Elanor has served as both a member and an Ambassador, representing her region and supporting professionals across brands. The events she has helped organise have been more than functions; they’ve been spaces for knowledge, collaboration, and recognition. They’ve reminded her that the industry is at its best when people work together.
Running businesses, first under international franchises and later as an independent, has given Elanor a broad view of the profession. Today, as the leader of Ray White Hawke’s Bay, she focuses on building a culture of innovation and excellence. Awards are gratifying, but what truly matters to her is creating an environment where teams thrive and clients feel cared for.
Looking ahead, Elanor believes technology will continue to reshape the industry, but not in ways that diminish its humanity. Instead, it will provide more space for real estate professionals to do what they do best: connect with people, build trust, and guide them through one of life’s most important journeys.
For Elanor, the future of real estate isn’t black and white; it’s full of colour. It’s about bold ideas, adaptability, and a commitment to professionalism that never wavers.
And that is the journey she is proud to be part of.
For more than two decades, Elanor MacDonald has been a dedicated leader in New Zealand’s real estate industry, serving both as a business owner and as an advocate for the profession through the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ). Elanor joined REINZ in 1997 and quickly became an active … Read more
First impressions matter, and when it comes to your home, kerb appeal sets the tone. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to freshen up your property for the season ahead, spring is the perfect time to make small changes that create a big impact. In Hawke’s Bay, longer … Read more