"I liked the selling game, even though I was only selling milk back then."
Along with his long-service award, the fourth-generation Masterton man has been in the top 2 per cent of LJ Hooker agents internationally.
"It's actually quite an achievement for provincial New Zealand."
In his time, Mr McHattie has seen many changes in Masterton and commented on the now vibrant and busy Queen St.
"We are incredibly well served by national retailers for a town of our size," he said. People such as Florus Bosch were a "godsend" to Masterton and made contributions to the way it is today, the businessman said.
Mr McHattie has also noticed a shift in what people want in homes such as open-plan living, natural light, indoor-outdoor flow and large deck areas.
"You don't have as many separate dining rooms. Parents, when they're cooking tea, want to see what their kids are doing," he said.
The Christchurch earthquakes, Mr McHattie said, had also changed the way buyers thought about property and a home.
"They are a lot more nervous about their properties having earthquake issues," he said. "Even in our town there are some commercial tenants moving out of earthquake-prone buildings."
Mr McHattie said over the years he had met people who were very passionate about character homes.
A home that stuck in his mind was a property on Masterton's McKenna St, which still remains in its original space and is being restored.
"I've seen a lot of old buildings leave Masterton and go to Greytown and Martinborough.
"We've lost some of our historic character. It's a pity," he said.
