Specialising in forestry sales and investment opportunities, helping clients maximise value from forestry and rural land assets throughout New Zealand.

With over 20 years of experience across the rural sector, James brings a unique combination of practical land management, agribusiness expertise, and commercial insight to his role in forestry sales. As a key member of the Searle Forestry team, he works with forest owners, investors, and rural landholders to maximise value and achieve successful transaction outcomes.

James began his career on a family drystock farm, developing a strong understanding of land-based industries and rural property ownership. He later completed a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Agribusiness Management through Massey University, providing a solid foundation in the financial and strategic drivers of rural businesses.

Following university, James worked as a Rural Banker with BNZ, where he gained extensive experience in rural finance, investment analysis, and asset management. He subsequently returned to the land, managing large-scale farming operations across the Bay of Plenty and establishing his own beef finishing business through leased properties in the Te Puke region.

Prior to joining Searle Forestry, James spent four years with the Colliers Rural Waikato and Bay of Plenty team, where he was involved in the marketing and sale of large scale rural properties, including multi-million-dollar farm transactions. This experience provided valuable expertise in rural real estate, negotiations, and marketing strategies.

Today, James combines his practical farming background, financial expertise, and rural property experience to provide informed advice across the forestry sector. His understanding of land use, investment drivers, and rural markets enables him to assist clients with forest sales, acquisitions, and forestry investment opportunities throughout New Zealand.