Whakatāne real estate auctioneer and salesperson Chris Robson has been recognised for his long-standing contribution to community groups across the region, receiving the Inspiration Award from the Harcourts Foundation for community service.

The award was presented at a Harcourts central region awards ceremony held at Lake Karāpiro last month.  

The award, typically presented to an office rather than an individual, acknowledges exceptional community service across the Harcourts network. In the central region, this covers Coromandel, the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Taupō and Turangi.

Mr Robson said he was surprised to hear he had been selected.

“We’re a small place, so I didn’t expect to get it,” he said. “It’s recognition for ongoing work over time, not just the last quarter.

“And although the award has my name on it, it’s very much both Arlene and myself.”

Mr Robson works as a salesperson and auctioneer in the Harcourts Whakatāne office alongside his wife and teammate, Arlene Davidson, also a salesperson.

Mr Robson has been an auctioneer for some 20 years, and with Harcourts for about six years.

During that time, he has called many charity auctions, lending his skills to a long list of Eastern Bay groups. His recent efforts include the Whakatāne Fishing Club’s grid auction, which this year raised the club’s best result to date.

He also auctioned items for the Eastern Bay Community Foundation at its annual event, again helping the organisation achieve a record fundraising total. The foundation manages and distributes philanthropic donations to support ongoing community needs throughout the region.

Another standout event was a Rotary-organised fundraiser for relief aid in Gaza. Attendees toured the Burt farm gardens at Pikowai, enjoyed afternoon tea and bid on donated goods, with proceeds funnelled directly into water-supply support for communities in Gaza.

Mr Robson said Whakatāne’s generosity continued to impress him.

“People here are very willing to help when it’s for a good cause,” he said. “There’s very strong community spirit.”

Beyond auctioneering, Mr Robson is a trustee for Neighbourhood Support, and earlier this year completed a charity swim for the Coastguard, adding to the many causes he’s backed during his real estate career.

The Harcourts Foundation – funded by a portion of every sale made by Harcourts offices across New Zealand - provides quarterly grants to community groups, clubs and schools.

Ms Davidson assists behind the scenes at many of the charity events he supports.

“She’s there counting bids and helping everything run smoothly,” Mr Robson said.

“We enjoy doing this kind of work, especially when you can see where the money goes and how it helps.”