After graduating from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Property degree in 2020, Channa Munasinghe joined the NAI Harcourts Cooper & Co team initially in the Commercial Property Management division where he assisted with the portfolios of two senior property managers. He recently moved into the Sales and Leasing team, focusing on the North Shore and the greater Auckland area.
Why did you decide to join NAI Harcourts?
The NAI Harcourts Cooper & Co office has a great culture and working atmosphere, which is a testament to the leadership and values of our managers Andrew Bruce and Rob Meister who have set a fantastic precedent.
Collaboration and teamwork are heavily encouraged, which has been hugely beneficial for me as a new agent. In a short span, I have been able to reach out within our team and take invaluable knowledge and work on many projects on behalf of our vendors, buyers, landlords and tenants.
Who do you work with?
I work as part of a group with two other agents: Dan Lemkus and Marty van Barneveld.
To our clients, investors, buyers and tenants, we are known as Run-D.M.C. (Dan, Marty, Channa), named after the iconic 1980s hip hop group from Queens, New York City.
Like the formidable hip hop trio, we strive to make a positive and lasting impact on the North Shore commercial property market. Banter aside, I appreciate Dan and Marty for their guidance, hard work and commitment.
Do you specialise in a sector of the Market?
I’ve chosen to focus on industrial sales and leasing in the wider North Shore area, going as far out as Hobsonville and Silverdale.
People you look up to in the industry?
A few people come to mind, for starters my boss and mentor Andrew Bruce. He believed in me and provided me with an opportunity.
Next, my previous manager Inge Kidd. Her mentorship has very much contributed to my growth in my career thus far.
Lastly, Mat Steinwede, a well-known agent from Australia. Love his story, energy, and in my opinion, is the greatest agent of all time.
What do you do with your time off that also reflects on the kind of the person you are?
Quoting the great Jay Z, “I’m Not a Businessman, I’m A Business, Man” would be the best way to answer this question.
In this role, I believe you are never truly switched off, as part of you will always live and breathe real estate. In spite of this, I am a big believer in taking time out of each day in order to do something that you enjoy.
Hence, outside of the hustle and bustle, I enjoy unwinding to music, sports and spending quality time with family and friends.
