From Gold Medals to Sold Signs: Former All Blacks Sevens Star Joins Bower Real Estate

By Real Estate Today New Zealand

Independent real-estate-industry publication | NZ’s most influential property news platform for agents and professionals

After 14 years representing New Zealand on the world stage, former All Blacks Sevens star Kurt Baker has made the ultimate career pivot — from the pitch to property.

The two-time Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic medallist has officially joined Bower Real Estate as a sales consultant, bringing the same discipline, drive and leadership that made him one of the nation’s most competitive athletes.

Baker’s appointment is one of two major announcements from the fast-growing Bower Real Estate group, which also confirmed respected financial expert Dave Lathan as its new Chief Financial Officer.

A Brand Attracting Heavy Hitters

Bower co-founder and managing director Anton Jones says the appointments highlight the company’s evolution and growing presence across the Bay of Plenty.

“Our refreshed brand and high-performance culture are attracting incredible talent,” Jones said.“As a sportsman, Kurt is used to elite environments — he knows what it takes to deliver. And having Dave Lathan join us, with his financial expertise and business acumen, shows the calibre of people we’re now drawing into the company.”

A Career Rebuilt, Not Retired

Baker hung up his boots in 2022, but the transition has been years in the making.Before turning professional, the Palmerston North native worked as an electrician, in banking, and in national brand merchandising — gaining a first-hand understanding of business and people long before stepping onto the field.

“Sport was my dream job,” Baker says. “But if you asked me now — this would be it.”

Having lived in Pāpāmoa since 2010, Baker developed a genuine passion for the property market, buying and selling homes locally and witnessing how stressful the process could be for clients. That experience inspired him to complete his real-estate licence in 2021 and, more recently, partner with experienced sales consultant Lisa Swney.

“For me, it was a no-brainer,” Baker says. “We’re just good people helping good people.”

Financial Strength Meets Front-Line Strategy

A Chartered Accountant, Dave Lathan graduated university with honours in 2002 and began his career with multinational insurance giants Swiss Re and GE in the United Kingdom.

After relocating to New Zealand in 2006, Lathan transitioned into public practice before becoming a partner in a private accounting firm. In 2013, he founded Lathan & Associates, growing the business from just two clients to more than 800 — building expertise across taxation, accounting, insolvency and forensic accounting.

Last month marked a major milestone as Lathan returned to the commercial sector, joining Bower as CFO on the 12-year anniversary of taking over Lathan & Associates.

“The stars really aligned,” Lathan said. “I started running the business on 21 July 2013, and exactly 12 years later to the day, Hayden Duncan [Bower CEO] called about the CFO opportunity.”

After more than a decade leading his own firm, Lathan says the move allows him to channel that experience exclusively into Bower’s growth.

“I’ve been able to get under the skin of the business and provide impactful advice to the board, putting the train tracks in place to steer the company in the right direction,” he said.

With its fresh, new look and expanding market presence, Lathan believes Bower is now attracting the same calibre of professionals he once called clients.

“Success attracts successful people,” he said. “I’m really excited for the future of the Bower group.”

Bower’s recruitment of two high-profile professionals from outside the traditional property path sends a clear message: real estate in New Zealand is evolving.

Athletes, executives and entrepreneurs are increasingly recognising real estate as a career that rewards discipline, authenticity and connection — qualities that sit at the heart of Bower’s brand.

For Baker, the formula is simple — apply the same focus that built a gold-medal career to building client trust. For Lathan, it’s about scaling structure to match momentum.

Together, they represent the next generation of professionals shaping the independent real estate sector — driven by performance and powered by purpose.

Editorial Note

This article was independently written and edited by Real Estate Today New Zealand. All information included was sourced from public statements and factual records. The narrative, structure, and commentary are original to RET NZ and provided for informational and industry-analysis purposes. © Real Estate Today NZ 2025 — All Rights Reserved.

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