Karl Davis didn’t set out to become New Zealand’s top rural real estate agent. In fact, he often quips that he is a rugby player who happens to sell real estate, rather than the other way around.
If you’d told the dairy farm kid from Waiktakaruru that he’d be winning awards and representing properties worth millions one day, he might have laughed it off. But Karl’s roots, grounded in the values of hard work, community, and the rugged charm of the North Waikato countryside, have shaped a remarkable career.
He learned the value of perseverance early on – a trait that served him well when he first entered the real estate industry in 2005. It wasn’t an immediate success story.
“I didn’t start as a superstar and made just $7000 in my first year. I was only half in, still tied to my work as a Microsoft engineer. But once I was committed, results followed.”
That determination quickly paid off. Over the years, Karl has sold more than $980 million worth of rural and lifestyle property across North Waikato and Thames Valley, maintaining an impressive 85% auction sale rate.
His dedication has also earned him and his team the title of New Zealand’s Overall Rural Salesperson of the Year, across all companies, at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) Awards for Excellence for three consecutive years – an achievement that firmly establishes him as a leader in the field.
But Karl’s success isn’t just measured in dollar signs and accolades. His real passion lies in his deep connection to the community, a bond that has strengthened over time.
His sports journey began in 1976 as a junior rugby player for Waitakaruru, and 48 years later, Karl played his final game for Hauraki North in 2024. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he proudly represented Thames Valley, and for more than two decades, he has been a steadfast supporter of local sports, contributing more than $60,000 in sponsorships and coaching.
The community connection is also evident in the charity golf tournament Karl has run for nearly two decades. What started as a modest initiative raising $1500 for Guide Dogs New Zealand has grown into a significant community event that has produced more than $198,000 for various local and national causes, including the Bayleys Foundation and Make-A-Wish New Zealand.
The tournament, known for its relaxed Ambrose style and the sheer fun of it all, has seen good times, good food, and a community come together for a shared purpose. “There’s no big prize at the end, only the glory of victory, a mighty large trophy, and a charity auction at the end if you want to take home a prize.”
These charitable efforts have made a tangible difference to those around Karl, from funding the first blind Pilates instructor to get her certification in Canada to injecting over $400,000 into local and national initiatives.
Despite his success, Karl remains grounded, often meeting with clients at 5am in the milking shed or around the dinner table at night.
“Farmers work long hours, and I adapt to their schedule. I’m grateful for their trust and believe in doing whatever it takes to make their lives easier,” he explains.
His client-centric ethos is clear – real estate is like an iceberg, with two-thirds of the work happening beneath the surface.
