Celebrating
50 Years of
City Shaping
We've been championing
New Zealand's largest industry for 50 years
In 2026, Property Council New Zealand marks 50 years of shaping cities where communities thrive.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re launching Built to Last — a year-long anniversary campaign honouring the people, projects and purpose that have defined Property Council since 1976, and the role our members continue to play in shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s future.
A year of stories,
people and impact
At the heart of the campaign is a cinematic video series rolling out across 2026.
Through a collection of short films, we reflect on Property Council’s origins as a collective voice for a growing industry, the influence it has had on our towns and cities, and the legacy being built today.
The flagship hero film premieres at the 50th Anniversary Celebration on 12 March, followed by themed chapters released throughout the year exploring advocacy and industry influence, leadership and collaboration, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and future thinking and the members who make it all possible.
Our story
The Full Film
In this five-minute edit, we reflect on the journey of Property Council over the past five decades – not just milestones and moments, but the people and purpose that have shaped its direction.
As you watch, we encourage you to think about the role you have played in this story – because this is not an organisation that exists apart from its members – it is an organisation that exists because of them.
Fifty years on, the mission continues – and the next chapter begins with all of us.
Voices across
five decades
The anniversary films feature past and present leaders from across the property sector, including:
Garth Barfoot, Mark Thomson, Peter Mence, John Dakin, David Rankin, Richard Disbury, Scott Pritchard, Simon Woodhams, Kerin Russell-Smith, Paula Ormandy, Caroline McDowall, Morgan Jones, James Spence, Helen O’Sullivan, Mal McLennan, Davina Henderson, Amelia Linzey, Kirat Narayan, Marisa Lorigan and Leonie Freeman.
Together, their stories capture the evolution of an industry — and the power of a united voice.
Watch this space - there's plenty more to come!
The Beginning
The first film, The Beginning, tells the story of how Property Council came to be — through the voices of early leaders, long-standing contributors and today’s city shapers.
Property is...
In this clip, our contributors were asked to finish the sentence “Property is…”. The results are as varied, entertaining, and heart-warming as you might expect.
Our Story:
A Timeline
30 March 1976
The Beginning
Property Council New Zealand is established as BOMA, the Building Owners and Managers Association, bringing together a handful of property owners, developers and investors to create a unified industry voice.
1980s
Building Influence
Membership grows as the organisation begins shaping national conversations around commercial property, planning and investment.
1990s
The Voice of Commercial Property
In 1996, BOMA became the Property Council of New Zealand, positioning itself as a collective industry voice, strengthening its advocacy role and helping position property as a critical driver of economic growth and urban development.
2000s
Professionalising the Sector
Events, research and education expand, connecting members and lifting industry capability across Aotearoa.
2026
50 Years of City Shaping
Today, Property Council New Zealand represents 600+ member companies and more than 10,000 property professionals, making us the sector’s first choice for industry membership.Â
Through advocacy, education, research and connection, we support the people shaping the cities and spaces where New Zealanders live, work, play and shop — continuing a legacy 50 years in the making.
2021-2025
Momentum & Modernisation
The organisation evolves its strategy, strengthens member engagement and delivers major advocacy wins across planning, development levies, infrastructure coordination and sustainability.
2020
Navigating Change
The sector responds to unprecedented disruption, with Property Council supporting members through uncertainty while continuing to advocate for long-term development and investment.
2010s
Collaboration & Impact
Property Council deepens partnerships with government, councils and industry stakeholders, influencing planning reform, infrastructure delivery and city growth.
Built by people,
Strengthened by collective action.
For 50 years, Property Council has helped shape the places New Zealanders live, work, learn and connect.
The next chapter focuses on faster housing delivery, smarter infrastructure funding, resilient buildings, thriving communities and a property sector that reflects the diversity of Aotearoa.
This anniversary is a celebration of progress — and a commitment to what comes next.
Because city shaping is never finished. And the best chapters are still to come.
