Simon Damerell found Ponsonby rather late in life!
Damerell succeeded and staunched the flow of white flight which was threatening Ponsonby Intermediate with closure. It was down to
a roll of about 86. Followed by the somewhat controversial, but highly successful young Ian Taylor, Ponsonby Intermediate went quickly from success to success.
Shortly after that, Simon Damerell took a drastic career turn. He became a real estate agent in Ponsonby. He joined United Realty which later became the Ray White franchise and soon bought into the company.
Simon had a stellar career in real estate. I’m sure his teacher training and background was of great help to him. He managed a big group of salespeople - not always easy to corral. He won multiple awards for both himself and for his team.
I was told by a young salesperson that Simon’s presence could be felt in a room, not through an overbearing personality, but through sheer empathy. He was a quiet listener and a doer. There are lots of photos of Ray White Damerell staff at Coxs Bay clean ups and trees for survival. In the middle of the action every time is Simon Damerell, dressed for hard work.
Simon joined United Realty in 1997 as sales manager. He became full time manager in 2001.
After being co-owner of Ray White Ponsonby for more than a decade, Simon sold all but 20% of his shares to Gower Buchanan in 2017. That marked the beginning of the end for Simon Damerell’s career in real estate. He decided to retire at the end of 2018, presumably to undertake long-distance walking!
I met Simon one day a year or so ago on Ponsonby Road and he talked about his walking exploits. We are both Whangarei born and bred, so he regaled me with good walks in the North, but he also told me he has been catching the train at Britomart station and going wherever that train is going. He then walked home - wait for it - once from Papakura!
He’s a lovely man, Simon, and my definition of a real gentleman. He has done wonders for both teaching and the real estate worlds and
I sincerely hope he has a long and enjoyable retirement.
Ponsonby News wishes you well, Simon Damerell. We’re glad you found Ponsonby. (JOHN ELLIOTT)