Press Releases

LJ Hooker Expands into South Auckland and North Waikato with Two New Offices

Written by Lyall Russell | Apr 13, 2025 8:00:00 PM

LJ Hooker has strengthened its presence in South Auckland and North Waikato with the opening of two new offices: LJ Hooker Southern Partners and LJ Hooker Pokeno.

Under the leadership of Principal Darren Brady, this move brings the strength, innovation and legacy of the LJ Hooker brand to the region’s dynamic property market. Brady, who has built a highly successful real estate business over 40 years, including 24 years as a business owner, said the decision to join LJ Hooker was driven by a vision for long-term growth and sustainability.

“The most rewarding thing about business ownership is building something with a sense of legacy. Moving to LJ Hooker ensures we have something tangible to offer the next generation—a business that will continue to make a difference in the market,” Brady said.

“The validity of the brand is real; it’s woven into the fabric of society and now it adds strength to our feet on the ground, allowing us to deliver bigger, better services.”

Brady had rebranded his existing office to LJ Hooker Southern Partners, but he also recognised the growth of communities further south. This prompted him to establish a new LJ Hooker location in Pokeno.

"Auckland’s southward expansion has spurred significant development in the north Waikato region. With our presence in Pokeno, we can deliver a unique advantage to clients in the area and surrounding suburbs, providing them with the distinctive LJ Hooker difference."

Brady’s team has embraced the transition with enthusiasm, seeing immediate benefits in their ability to support clients and grow their business.

“One member told me this completes the picture for us,” Brady said.

“The excitement comes from knowing we’ve got so many more advantages—whether it’s in the living room talking about marketing solutions or through the automation processes that free us up to engage with our community. The innovation and technology have been driving forces in our decision. It’s about growth and opportunity, not just for our business, but for our agents, clients, and the community we serve.”

A key factor in Brady’s decision to join LJ Hooker was the brand’s commitment to innovation, automation, and marketing excellence. The recently relaunched LJ Hooker brand has been designed to give agents a competitive edge in the market, with new tools and resources to enhance service delivery.

Brady specifically highlighted the impact of LJ Hooker’s Acceler8 marketing programme, which provides agents with a comprehensive suite of automated tools, digital efficiencies, and lead-generation strategies that help streamline their business.

“LJ Hooker’s rebrand has been truly invigorating and has given us the confidence that we’ve made the right decision,” Brady said.

“The quality of the rebrand has immediately resonated with the market immediately, making us more viable and reinforcing our commitment to achieving outstanding results. The automation and efficiencies we now have access to will allow us to deliver better marketing outcomes, more effectively manage campaigns, and ultimately drive stronger results for our clients.”

LJ Hooker Group Head of Network NZ, Campbell Dunoon, welcomed Brady’s decision to join LJ Hooker, noting it as a reflection of the brand’s strong momentum and forward-thinking approach.

“Darren joining LJ Hooker is a testament to the direction of our brand and where it’s heading. His move underscores the strength of our network, our innovative approach, and our commitment to empowering agents and business owners with the tools and support they need to thrive,” Dunoon said.

“We’re thrilled to have Darren and his team join LJ Hooker as we continue to grow the brand in New Zealand.”