Property has a new minister at the table. Simon Watts has taken on the Building and Construction portfolio, adding to an already full plate. Here’s what it means for members.
Simon Watts has taken on the Building and Construction portfolio as part of a recent cabinet reshuffle, adding to his existing climate change, local government, revenue and Auckland portfolios. He takes over from Chris Penk, who previously held the role.
When a portfolio changes hands, the priority for our sector is maintaining momentum on the work already underway and giving certainty about what comes next. This is what our members want most.
We got some reassurance on this last week, when Property Council attended an introductory stakeholder engagement meeting with Minister Watts alongside a group of other industry stakeholders. He confirmed that the work previously led by Minister Penk would continue.
Property Council has met with Minister Watts on several occasions, and it was great to have him join us at our recent Enabling Auckland: Infrastructure for Growth event, where he spoke on his continued commitment to the building legislation already underway and his commitment to supporting Auckland in the city deal.
We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the minister and officials to ensure our members’ views are heard and support positive legislative change.
Author | Denise Lee
Bringing a fresh perspective and strong political nous in both central and local government, Denise is well-known as the former New Zealand Member of Parliament (MP) for the Maungakiekie electorate and a former Auckland Councillor for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.
Denise holds a BA in Political Studies and History and a MA in Public Policy, with specific skills in engagement and a natural ability to build rapport with an extensive network of stakeholders. Personable and warm, Denise’s exceptional strategic planning, communication and management skills are highly valued by both the Property Council team and its members.
