LJ Hooker has recorded a highly successful presence at the Southern Field Days, held in Waimumu, Gore from 11–13 February, engaging with more than 40,000 attendees over the three-day event and securing significant appraisal opportunities across the rural sector.
The LJ Hooker site proved to be a major drawcard, with interactive experiences setting the brand apart from other real estate exhibitors. A Hughes 500C model helicopter was a standout attraction, inviting people of all ages to jump in, take photos and start conversations about property. The display of a Can-Am side-by-side vehicle, which the LJ Hooker Rural team is giving away later this year, also sparked strong interest, with many stopping to ask how to enter the competition.
LJ Hooker rural salesperson Mitchell Laughton said the focus was on creating an experience that welcomed families and encouraged genuine conversations.
“We wanted a setup that worked for everyone: kids, parents, farmers and lifestyle buyers. The games, competitions and displays gave people a reason to stop and once they did, the property conversations flowed naturally,” Laughton said.
Across the three days, discussions ranged widely, reflecting the depth of interest in the rural market. Visitors asked about hectare rates, dairy and sheep and beef values, buyer demand, overseas interest and the impact of the upcoming Fonterra payout on market timing and confidence.
“People were asking real, informed questions: whether now is the right time to sell, what size platforms buyers are chasing and what values are being achieved on the ground. That level of engagement shows confidence is building,” Laughton said.
The event also highlighted the strength of LJ Hooker’s national rural network, with team members from Alexandra attending all three days and colleagues from Matamata travelling down from the North Island to join for part of the event.
“Having multiple offices working together gave clients a real sense of scale and collaboration. That national team approach really resonated and was something people noticed compared to other stands,” said Laughton.
The Can-Am competition proved to be a strong point of difference, acting as both an engagement tool and a conversation starter beyond the event itself.
“It’s a practical machine that suits both farmers and lifestyle owners. It gives us a great reason to keep the conversation going when we’re out on farm, having a chat over the gate about how things are tracking and how we can help,” he said.
The strong engagement translated directly into business outcomes. Following the Palmerston A&P Show and Waimumu Field Days, the team secured 26 appraisal opportunities, including 16 from Waimumu alone. Five farms are already confirmed for appraisal, with a combined rating valuation of approximately $25 million.
“Farms are generally selling around or above RV at the moment, which makes the level of interest we saw very encouraging. That said, every area and farm type is different, so speaking with a local expert is the best way for sellers to understand where their property sits. Southern Fieldays delivered real results, not just foot traffic,” Laughton said.
LJ Hooker’s interactive, family-friendly approach and strong rural expertise positioned the brand as a clear standout at Southern Field Days, reinforcing its commitment to connecting with rural communities and delivering tangible results for clients.
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