From navigating school with undiagnosed dyslexia to forming a formidable front-row pairing with his brother, Con, Jason reached the heights of professional rugby, representing the Blues, the Chiefs, and Auckland NPC. His trajectory toward an All Blacks jersey was cut short by a freak on-field accident that resulted in a broken neck.

Refusing to be sidelined by life, Jason transitioned into the New Zealand Police. However, his resilience was tested again when a life-threatening brain tumor and subsequent strokes left him semi-paralyzed at age 32.

After grueling surgery, Jason had to relearn the most basic human functions, from walking to feeding himself.

“I was no longer the rugby player or the cop; I was the brain-injured guy. It was a moral dilemma,” Jason said.

“But those experiences taught me that ‘getting on with life’ is a choice.”

Despite the challenges, Jason keeps reinventing himself, with his most recent evolution leading him to joining the sales team at Ray White Whangarei, further progressing his already successful career in real estate.

Jason said the hardships he’d faced had led him to have a unique attitude towards life.

“It has given me a level of empathy and a ‘no-nonsense’ perspective that helps me connect with my real estate clients on a much deeper level during their own big life transitions,” he said.

Jason Barrell (centre) with his brother Con (left) and son Troy (right).


Jason’s arrival at Ray White Whangarei marks a significant "family affair," as his son, Troy Barrell, also recently joined the agency as a rural salesperson.

Ray White Whangarei director Vanessa McKenzie said Jason’s character is a perfect fit for the firm’s culture.

“Jason is a man of enormous character and warmth. He has faced extraordinary challenges with a 'quiet achiever' attitude that is truly inspiring,” she said.

“In real estate, resilience is everything, and Jason has it in spades. We are thrilled to have both him and Troy on board.”

Rod Parkinson, director of Ray White Whangarei, echoed the sentiment.

“Jason’s deep roots in Whangarei and his broad background means he understands our people," he said.

“He doesn't just sell houses; he builds relationships based on trust and the 'art of grunt work'.”

As the author of Try, Try Again, Jason continues to challenge others to view adversity as a worthy experience.

In his new role, he remains committed to his philosophy that the only true disability is a poor attitude.

For Jason, real estate is simply the next chapter in a life defined by "conquering fear through focus."

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