RE/MAX International franchising announced it is to start franchise operations in New Zealand, the 43rd country for the global franchisor.

Tayte Marcel Cozens, a 12 year veteran of the real estate industry, and a New Zealand native will serve as operations director for the new regional office located in the country's largest city, Auckland. A top salesperson throughout his career, Cozens has also been a sales manager, business owner, area manager, franchise trainer and is an award winning auctioneer, coach and mentor.

Offering RE/MAX franchises in New Zealand is going to be exciting," said Cliff Shillington, RE/MAX vice president of international development. The RE/MAX property franchise was established in New Zealand and is now the second largest independent real estate organization in the country, Leaders Real Estate in the greater Wellington area, became RE/MAX Leaders Real Estate. Since then, twelve additional franchises have been sold are scheduled to open soon.