Ruth Hodges

Ruth commenced her career in rural real estate in August 2009 before establishing the first Colliers Rural and Agribusiness franchise in New Zealand with Shane O’Brien in September 2014. Her experience and acumen led to a role operating at a national level, spearheading growth in Colliers’ Rural business between 2018 and 2021. Now based in the Southern-Lakes district, Ruth is Managing Director of the Otago and Southland Rural business, of which she was one of the co-founders in January 2019.

Growing up on a large-scale, high-country farm in Central Otago set the foundation for Ruth’s involvement in the rural industry throughout her working life. After achieving a first-class honours degree from Otago University, Ruth commenced a career in rural finance that spanned nine years with the National Bank. She then joined the progressive new dairy company, Synlait, as Business Development Manager, focusing on growing their farming assets via key acquisitions around the Canterbury region.

Ruth’s comprehensive understanding of an often complex and evolving rural market together with her ever-present proactive attitude allows her to provide solutions that go beyond the traditional real estate model. She is excited to be back working in the South and to offer new clients the benefit of her vast knowledge and experience.

She has extensive experience in selling a wide range of rural assets and an impressive track record of over $850,000,000 in farm sales over a short period.

Ruth has ten years of specialised expertise in rural property marketing and sales and has an outstanding sales track record of over $650,000,000 in sales over this period. She also has a background in business development and finance and credit management and continues to be involved in roles outside of real estate in rural business governance roles. Since embarking on her career in rural real estate her achievements have been nothing short of astounding including being awarded a number of regional and national real estate awards.

In 2018, Ruth was engaged as the National Co-Director for Colliers - Rural & Agribusiness. She is also the Managing Director and shareholder for the Otago-Southland Colliers Rural & Agribusiness franchise and a Director and Shareholder of the Canterbury Colliers Rural & Agribusiness franchise.

Property Type

Land, Rural, Cropping, Dairy, Deer, High Country, Horticulture, Lifestyle Bare Land, Lifestyle Dwelling, Lifestyle Property, Lifestyle Section, Mixed, Rural, Rural/Lifestyle, Sheep Beef, Forestry, Vineyard, Viticulture, Winery

Services

Property Marketing, Rural and Agribusiness Sales, Business Sales, Forestry, Property Syndication

“Over the years I have purchased and sold rural properties in both the North and South Island and have dealt with a number of real estate agents. I have recently had the pleasure of dealing with Ruth regarding two properties, one in which I was successful in purchasing. I have found Ruth to be highly professional at all times and her communication skills were excellent. Simple tasks like returning a phone call certainly means a lot to me. I was appreciative of Ruth’s valuable contribution in assisting me. I would be happy to utilize Ruth’s skills and attributes in the future.” Tom Mason –Mid Canterbury dairy farmer

“Having worked with Ruth and the Colliers team on a professional level for many years, getting their help to sell out own lifestyle blocks was an easy decision to make. We had completed a subdivision many years ago, but the property had always been run as one unit. Complications around the water infrastructure, consents, access, fencing, title boundary adjustments, easements etc needed understanding and careful consideration, and were key in the messaging to potential purchasers. The team were very professional and respectful in their dealings with us and the purchasers and we are very happy that al the blocks were sold in what was a difficult market. We would have no hesitation in recommending Ruth and the Colliers team to perspective vendors.”  Geoff and Julie Lill – Central Canterbury

“We have recently purchased a farm where Ruth has been the agent and we have found her to be very professional in her approach. Ruth is innovative in her approach, she has excellent communication ensuring both sides of the deal are well aware of the issues and they are resolved early. Ruth due to her background has a very commercial approach. Happy to recommend her.”  Mark Cox – Head of Operations and Strategy for Craigmore

“We have found Ruth to be honest and hardworking in all of our real estate dealings. We feel she as advised us well in both buying and selling properties.” Mike and Anne Prattley – North Canterbury dairy farmers​