James Burke

Agribusiness | Farming

With over 20 years of experience across the rural sector, James is a key member of the Searle Forestry team, specialising in forestry and rural farming assets.

Beginning his career on a family drystock farm, James later completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness Management through Massey University before joining BNZ as a Rural Banker. This background has provided him with a strong commercial understanding of rural finance, land use capability, investment analysis, and farm business performance.

James later returned to hands-on farming, managing large-scale operations and establishing his own beef finishing business, before moving into rural real estate where he has been involved in the sales and marketing of large-scale rural assets as part of the Colliers Rural Waikato / Bay of Plenty team.

He is recognised for providing strategic insight into rural asset sales, carbon opportunities, marginal land retirement, and maximising financial performance across differing land classes. His ability to assess rural property through both a practical and investment lens allows him to deliver commercially focused advice and strong outcomes for landowners and investors.