OUR PEOPLE
With his farming background and many years’ sales experience in the agricultural industry, Richard Leach will hit the ground running as a rural real estate salesperson.
Based in Putaruru in the South Waikato heartland, Richard is well known in the area, having sold tractors and farm equipment around the Waikato and surrounding region before becoming a rural real estate salesperson.
Richard is a self-starter who likes to see a project through from start to finish. Real estate allows him to operate autonomously, which sits well with his values system and is the reason why he has set his compass on a new career path. Honest and reliable, he has a strong commitment to integrity, likes to do things properly and follow through on what he says, credibility is foremost in his beliefs.
Having grown up in a rural environment after leaving school Richard joined the farm cadet scheme and progressed through the farming system to 50/50 sharemilking. After moving off the farm Richard embarked on a sales career selling farm machinery for 19 years before heading into Real Estate. Richard understands farmers and all aspects or farming. He favours working in sales as it suits his affable nature. He enjoys meeting people, making friends, building relationships and, best of all, helping people.
During his first year in real estate working under the PGG Wrightson banner Richard was awarded Rookie of the Year. The following year saw him win the prestigious New Zealand Marketing award for the top marketer in the country. Subsequent years he has consistently placed in the top 7 for New Zealand and was 2nd in the Waikato. In 2017 he contributed to winning the Real Estate of New Zealand’s award for small rural office, 1 to 3 salespeople, in New Zealand. In 2018 he was first for auctions held in the company. Setting the standard for his chosen career.
Married to Maria, the couple have three grown children, and six grandchildren. In his spare time, Richard likes to mountain bike, fish and dive. He is a member of several sporting organisations and has community service interests.
In 2019 a new opportunity presented itself in starting up on his own in Putaruru under the Countrywide Real Estate Ltd banner. An exciting opportunity not to be missed. As a rural real estate salesperson, his aspirations are to provide outstanding service and exceed clients’ expectations. His area encompasses, Matamata through to Putaruru and down to Taupo.
Maria Leach
Administration
Maria looks after the office management / administration duties for our office.
With over 30 years’ experience as a survey draftsperson specialising in drafting plans, plan checking and resource consents for subdivisions. She has a sound knowledge of the land side of the property market.
Maria has for the last six years been a Personal Assistant to Richard, giving her experience in the real estate world.
Married to Richard, the couple have three grown children and five grandchildren to keep her busy.
Stacey Parrant
Sales Consultant and Office Administrator
Stacey has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Marine Biology and over 10 years’ experience in the dairy industry specialising in systems management. in 2024 she completed her Real Estate studies. With a genuine passion for people, she brings energy, empathy and a deep understanding of the local community to every client interaction at Countrywide Real Estate in Putaruru. Raised in the South Waikato, she is now proudly raising her own young family in the area. Stacey is part of a generational family with strong ties to the region, and has a true appreciation for the lifestyle, people and opportunities this special place offers.
At Countrywide Real Estate, we are proud to be a locally based team, committed to providing honest, down-to-earth service with a focus on real connections and real results. Stacey prides herself on truly listening, taking the time to understand each client’s goals and guiding them with clarity and care through every step of the buying or selling process.
Stacey has always believed that “it’s about people, not just property,” and that philosophy is at the heart of everything she does. Whether you’re buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, Stacey works hard to ensure your experience is smooth, positive and stress-free. Communication is key, and Stacey makes it a priority to keep her clients informed, supported and empowered throughout their journey.
At Countrywide, we’re a close-knit and experienced team known for thinking outside the square and going the extra mile to get the right results.
Outside of real estate, Stacey is an active member of the community, she plays netball, enjoys time with family and friends and loves exploring everything the region has to offer. Stacey is also a registered marriage celebrant, which allows her to be part of some of life’s most meaningful and joyful occasions.
At the heart of her work is a genuine desire to help people and build lasting relationships based on honesty, care and mutual respect. If you’re thinking of making a move or simply want to explore your options, Stacey would love the chance to chat. Let’s work together to bring your real estate goals to life, right here in beautiful Putaruru and the wider South Waikato.
Stephen Horsfall
Sales Consultant
Driven by a strong desire to be involved in the community, I joined Kiwanis in the late 1980s and later became a volunteer with St John Ambulance in 1994, qualifying as an ICO/Paramedic in 2002. I continued working in construction until 2008, when my passion for ambulance work led me to become a full-time officer based in Putaruru.
I established my own small building contracting business, working across a wide range of construction areas. Notably, I was involved in the early development of Rangiura Village, as well as the expansion and maintenance of its main care home.
After semi-retiring from St John and gaining my real estate license in February 2020, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the social and professional interactions that come with helping clients buy and sell property. I’m dedicated to every task and always strive to achieve the best possible results.
With around 40 years of experience in the building industry—covering rural, industrial, and predominantly residential sectors—I bring extensive construction knowledge and practical insight. This enables me to offer valuable advice when preparing your property for sale.
Real estate has proven to be a fantastic avenue for combining my passion for helping people with my expertise in construction. I’m committed to guiding you through your property journey and achieving the best possible outcome every step of the way.
Angela Watkin
Office Administrator
