Barfoot & Thompson Thanks Aucklanders

15 September 2003

Media Release

Barfoot & Thompson Thanks Aucklanders
for 80 Years of Success

Barfoot and Thompson is celebrating 80 years in Auckland real estate and total annual sales of $5.7 billion for the year to date through sponsorship of a major free outdoor event for all Aucklanders this weekend.

Since 1923, the firm has grown to become the clear market leader in Auckland property, making one in three sales in the region. It now has a network of 55 branches from Kerikeri to Pukekohe and over 900 sales people.

Director Peter Thompson says that with the Auckland real estate market currently so buoyant and the average sale price more than $386,000 it’s interesting to reflect on the early days of the firm when Val Barfoot was selling three bedroom kauri weatherboard homes near Cornwall Park for around £1,600.

“Val established ‘V. Barfoot Land Agent’ in 1923, which became known as Barfoot Bros when his older bother Kelland joined the firm. In 1934 the Barfoot brothers were joined by Maurice Thompson and in 1940 the business became Barfoot & Thompson, as we know it today.”

Retired Director Chris Barfoot, who is the son of Val, says his father started out selling leasehold sections in Maungakiekie Avenue, fronting Cornwall Park. The lease was held by the Cornwall Park Trust Board and the rent was £20 a year, reduced to £14 during the depression. Mr Barfoot, who has written a history of the company, says the firm initially concentrated on Epsom, Greenlane and Remuera and then branched out along the tram routes.

Barfoot and Thompson is delighted to be celebrating its 80th birthday with all Aucklanders this weekend though its sponsorship of the opening event of the Auckland Festival, two free open air performances of ‘Sticky.’

Peter Thompson says, “Supporting this spectacular free outdoor event is our way of saying thank you to Aucklanders for supporting Barfoot and Thompson for 80 years.”

ENDS

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