“Even though they are back in India, they are cheering me on from afar.” Tarun Marwah remembers his parents as he recalls how the seeds for his success in New Zealand were sown back in his hometown of Delhi.
Tarun was recently awarded the ‘Industrial and Commercial Rising Star Award’ by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ), the country’s biggest trade body for realtors.
Tarun is based out of Auckland and works with the real estate marketing firm James Law Realty. He took the plunge into real estate when he was just 17 years old.
“I was studying at Amity University in Noida [a suburb of Delhi]. I decided to drop out and jump into the family business as a part-timer,” he recalls.
“I helped with buying and selling properties, learning the ropes of the trade. I learned how to spot good deals, negotiate like a pro, and pay close attention to details. All these lessons have helped shape my approach to both business and studies.”
Tarun arrived in New Zealand to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business, specialising in marketing. One of the reasons he chose the country as his future home was because he “heard that New Zealand police don’t even carry guns”.
“It made me think, ‘Wow, this place must be super safe!’ I wanted a country where I could get a great education and enjoy a peaceful life, and New Zealand was the perfect fit.”
Post-grad life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, though—he started out with nothing but sheer grit and a dream. Before jumping into the property world, he worked as a luxury hotel front office host, honing his customer service chops and mastering the art of hustle.
Tarun joined James Law Realty in 2023. Starting from scratch, he was ready to take on the typical newbie struggles—but not for long. In just 18 months, Tarun went from the bottom rung to one of the top agents, reportedly hitting six figures within his first six months.
Tarun’s influence stretches beyond personal wins. He’s been busy shaping Auckland’s commercial landscape, locking in leases for big-name clients like Big Village Clothing and giving the city’s food scene a facelift by snagging top-tier locations for prime hospitality players.
Looking back, Tarun says, “Winning this [REINZ] award was a huge moment for my family and me. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, and every achievement feels like a victory over the odds.”