Ruth commenced her career in rural real estate in August 2009 before establishing the first Colliers International Rural and Agribusiness franchise in New Zealand with Shane O’Brien in September 2014. Ruth has been integral in setting up the new Rural and Agribusiness systems for Colliers International and has recently stepped in to lead the growth of this business in Otago and Southland. The Otago Southland Rural and Agribusiness team also partners with companies that have strongly established regional connections - Compass Agribusiness and Colliers Queenstown (Otago Realty Limited).

Growing up on a large scale high country farm in Central Otago set the foundation for Ruth’s desire to be involved in the rural industry throughout her working life. After achieving a first class honours degree from Otago University, Ruth commenced her career in rural finance that spanned nine years with the National Bank. Not content to sit still for long, she joined the progressive new dairy company Synlait as their Business Development Manager focusing on growing their farming assets via key acquisitions around the Canterbury region. Ruth has also been involved in the rural building industry with her husband Nigel, and the experience of the incredible highs and lows that this industry encountered over the past 12 years has honed her management and problem solving skills to the highest level.

As a rural real estate professional, Ruth's business is about people and their farming businesses - and focussing on this instead of just the physical assets is key to how she achieves positive outcomes regardless of market conditions. Her underlying principles of trust and integrity ensures she continue to form long lasting, genuine relationships and apply an open, honest approach to all situations. Furthermore, 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.

Ruth has ten years of specialised expertise in rural property marketing and sales and has an outstanding sales track record of over $500,000,000 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 International - Rural & Agribusiness. She is also the Managing Director and shareholder for the Otago-Southland Colliers International Rural & Agribusiness franchise and a Director and Shareholder of the Canterbury Colliers International Rural & Agribusiness franchise.

Licensed Agent (Real Estate Authority 2008)

University of Otago - B.A. (First Class Honours)

Member of New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management

- Licensed Real Estate Agent

- FREINZ

- NZIPIM

“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​