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2026 Programme
Unlocking Progress: Housing, Infrastructure and the Opportunities Ahead
The 2026 conference programme has been designed by a collective of industry leaders for property professionals like you.
Please note this is a preliminary programme and is subject to change.
Biography
Samantha Hayes is a leading New Zealand journalist and presenter, currently anchoring Stuff’s ThreeNews Live at 6pm. Beginning her career at 17 with an exclusive Nightline story, she became one of the country’s youngest newsreaders by 23. Over 15 years, Samantha has fronted major programmes, reporting on climate change in Antarctica, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the rise of Lorde. As co-anchor of Newshub Live at 6pm from 2016, she covered events including US elections and Prince Harry’s wedding, interviewing world leaders and celebrities across Europe, Africa, America, India, Antarctica, and the Middle East. Beyond the newsroom, she has hosted the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame and An Evening with Sir Richard Branson. Winner of Dancing with the Stars 2018, she raised over $120,000 for NZ Riding for the Disabled. A Victoria University graduate, Samantha champions environmental and philanthropic causes, while enjoying mountaineering, baking, and life with her two children.
Thursday 26 March
Master of Ceremonies
1:00 – 5:30 pm
Optional Pre-Summit Site Tour
Get an exclusive look at some of Auckland’s most exciting residential developments!
Explore innovative projects, meet the people behind them, and hear about new schemes set to be announced. A perfect warm-up for the Residential Development Summit’s insights and conversations.
Featured developments:
One Saint Stephens – located in Parnell, this stunning collection of apartments represents luxury beyond all expectation. Winner of the Best in Category for Multi Unit Residential category at the 2025 Property Industry Awards, as well as a Housing – Multi Unit Award at the 2025 Auckland Architecture Awards.
The Domain Collection – A new project from Precinct Properties & INT.RE, The Domain Collection converts this office building into a new residential complex of 66 homes. Designed by Warren and Mahoney.
Waiatarua – Simplicity Living’s 330 home Build-to-Rent development in Remuera. The 1.4ha site is part of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s (ATR) land holdings at Ellerslie.
PPE required: High-vis, hardhat & sturdy closed in shoes. Please advise us if you are unable to provide your own PPE.
👉 Register here 👈
Please note: Site tours are exclusively for attendees of the Residential Development Summit, but are not included in the general admission ticket and will need to be purchased in addition to your registration. Limited tickets available.
7:45 am Registration desk open
8:40 am Conference Opening
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
8:50 am Conference Opening
Samantha Hayes
Master of Ceremonies
8:55 am Welcome
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
9:00 am Premier Sponsor Address
Nigel McKenna
Chairman and Founder, Templeton Group
9:05 am Keynote | Economic Horizons
Tony Alexander
Independent Economist
9:40 am Building and Construction Reforms Reshaping Residential Development
Hon Chris Penk
Minister for Building and Construction
Nigel McKenna
Chairman and Founder, Templeton Group
Speaker to be announced
10:20 am Paramanawa
Morning Tea
10:55 am Innovation for all Kiwis: Dynamic housing models
Joanna Brain
General Manager Strategy & Masterplanning, Tāmaki Regeneration
Lale Ieremia
Co-Chair, Waikato Housing Initiative
Neil Donnelly
Head of Property, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa
11:30 am Government Update
Hon Chris Bishop
Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform
12:00 pm The Labour Party Update
Hon Kieran McAnulty
Spokesperson for Housing
12:20 pm Tina
Lunchtime
1:20 pm Panel | Building the foundations for future communities
Facilitated by Sarah Sinclair, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Daran Ponter
Chair, Greater Wellington Regional Council
Cate Kearney
Chief Executive, Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
Geoff Cooper
Chief Executive, Te Waihanga
Priyan Perera
Chief Strategy & Planning Officer, Watercare
2:00 pm Panel | Future-proofing the market: Insights for a thriving decade ahead
Dan Bosher
Director – NZ, Icon Co
Kelly Galbraith
General Manager – Properties, BNZ
Mark Macky
Chief Executive Officer, Bayleys Real Estate Group
2:35 pm Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:10 pm Replacing the RMA
Janette Campbell
Chair, RMA Expert Advisory Group
3:40 pm Building smart: The future of construction is here
Johnny Gordon
General Manager, Iconic Construction
Marty Verry
Group Chief Executive Officer, Red Stag
Jennian Homes
4:15 pm Closing Keynote | Coming Soon!
Speaker to be announced
4:50 pm Conference Closing
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
5:00-6:30 pm Closing Cocktail Function
Biography
Tony Alexander was Chief Economist at the BNZ for almost 25 years and has been out on his own as an independent economist since late-2019. He distributes the free weekly “Tony’s View” publication to over 10,000 subscribers each week, writes a weekly column for NZ Herald, and speaks at about 80 functions a year around New Zealand. He also runs five monthly surveys which give coalface insight into what is happening in New Zealand industry and the housing market in particular.
9:05 am | Thursday 26 March
Economic Horizons
Independent Economist Tony Alexander will deliver a concise, data-driven outlook on New Zealand’s residential market, examining the key economic influencers that will shape decisions for developers. He will outline inflation and interest-rate expectations, construction and debt cost pressures, and evolving buyer and financing behaviour. Drawing on global trends and government settings, he will highlight the risks likely to emerge over the next 6–12 months and what these developments will mean in practical terms for the sector.
Biography
A well-respected industry leader, Leonie has extensive experience in the New Zealand property industry, having held top positions in both the public and private sectors. From creating the concept of what is now realestate.co.nz, to buying and transforming her own residential property management business, helping establish the new Auckland Council, and managing asset development for Housing New Zealand, there’s not many areas of property that Leonie has not touched.
In 2011, Leonie was appointed to the board of NZX-listed company Goodman Property Trust, and up until her 2018 appointment as Property Council’s Chief Executive, she dedicated her time to leading an independent philanthropic initiative to solve Auckland’s housing crisis.
Leonie holds a Master of Commerce, majoring in valuation and property management and is a life member of the Property Institute of New Zealand, a chartered member of the Institute of Directors, and a member of Global Women. In 2017 she was awarded the Property Institute’s Supreme Property Award, and the Property Council Auckland Property People Judges Choice Award, and in 2020 she received the prestigious Bledisloe Medal from Lincoln University.
One of the most experienced development consultants in New Zealand, Nigel McKenna is renowned for his attention to detail and his ability to achieve quality results within commercial budgets and programmes. Nigel’s enthusiasm for innovation and his ability to identify opportunities others would consider too complex, or simply unattainable, has identified him as a leading light at the forefront of better management and urban planning.
With a first class honours degree in Construction Economics, construction engineering and building management qualifications, and a globe-spanning 25-year career, Nigel has a reputation for managing diverse teams and specialised projects. His work is known for its focus on design, ensuring the finished product is both functional and viable.
Amongst many other projects, Nigel was responsible for the management of the master planning process for the Viaduct, and was the development manager for Metropolis and the DFS Customhouse Galleria. As a senior developer Nigel’s contribution has been recognised by a range of industry awards and accolades, including for Dockside and Shed 5 in Wellington, Beaumont Quarter, North & Stratis at Lighter Quay and The Quadrant Hotel.
Thursday 26 March
The legendary Nigel McKenna welcomes us to the 2026 Residential Development Summit in style.
The regulatory landscape for residential development is evolving rapidly. This session brings together Minister Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction; Nigel McKenna, Templeton Group and Denise Lee, Head of Advocacy at Property Council, to unpack what the industry needs to know.
Topics of discussion include upcoming seismic requirements, the shift from joint and several liability to proportionate liability and other building consent system reform. The panel will explore the rationale behind the reforms and speak to the practical implications. Attendees will gain insights on navigating compliance, managing risk, and adapting to new standards—equipping them to deliver resilient, future-ready housing.
Biography
Joanna joined TRC in 2013 as a strategic planner, leading the development of the overarching Strategic Framework for Tāmaki. She has since taken on the role of GM Regeneration and Placemaking to ensure the regeneration outcomes are delivered through quality neighbourhood design and placemaking initiatives.
10:55 am | Thursday 26 March
Innovating For All Kiwis: Dynamic Housing Models
Different housing models can unlock affordability, strengthen communities, and create more flexible pathways into sustainable, long-term living. This session explores innovative pathways that broaden access to quality homes, strengthen local communities, and support sustainable development. Speakers will discuss emerging approaches, the role of investment and partnerships, and how diverse, culturally grounded models can contribute to a more resilient and inclusive housing future.
Hon Kieran McAnulty
Labour MP
Shadow Leader of the House
Spokesperson for Housing, Local Government, and Regional Development
Biography
Kieran has been a Labour List MP based in Wairarapa which also includes the Tararua and Central Hawke’s Bay districts since 2017, and served as the local MP from 2020 to 2023. Kieran previously held the portfolios of Minister for Rural Communities, Regional Development, Racing, Local Government and Emergency Management as well as Deputy Leader of the House.
Kieran did his schooling in Carterton and Masterton and, after studies at Otago University and playing some rugby in Ireland, returned home to Wairarapa to live and work in 2008. He’s been a local Work and Income case manager, a bookie at the TAB and economic development manager for the Masterton district. He lives in Masterton and is a life-long, mad keen Wairarapa-Bush supporter.
12:00 pm | Thursday 26 March
The Labour Party Update
Join Hon Kieran McAnulty as he provides a Labour Party update.
Neil is currently the General Manager of Property at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa and oversees Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s commercial and residential property portfolio, currently valued at approximately $1.5b. The portfolio currently includes 18 hectares of Auckland CBD land at Te Toangaroa, a 12,000m2 office building in the same precinct and shared ownership, through a JV vehicle in two other CBD office building. Whai Rawa currently has 111 residential units under construction on part of its land holdings at Bayswater on the North Shore and at Te Kukūnga Waka (ex Unitec land) in Mt Albert.
Prior to joining Whai Rawa, Neil had a leading role in the structure and master planning as well as delivery of the suburb scale residential developments of Long Bay and Stonefields in Auckland. Neil’s involvement these projects commenced prior to earthworks being undertaken on either site and continued until his joining Whai Rawa six years agos.
Neil has a Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Planning and Master of Planning degrees from the University of Auckland and considers it a privilege to have been involved with both the projects and the people he has had exposure to over the past 25 years and is looking forward to this continuing.
10:55 am | Thursday 26 March
Innovating For All Kiwis: Dynamic Housing Models
Different housing models can unlock affordability, strengthen communities, and create more flexible pathways into sustainable, long-term living. This session explores innovative pathways that broaden access to quality homes, strengthen local communities, and support sustainable development. Speakers will discuss emerging approaches, the role of investment and partnerships, and how diverse, culturally grounded models can contribute to a more resilient and inclusive housing future.
Sarah is a highly regarded construction, infrastructure and energy specialist. She has extensive experience acting for both government and private sector clients in large-scale, complex infrastructure projects and public sector reform programmes. Sarah brings a unique whole of system viewpoint and is known for providing commercially pragmatic, strategic advice on infrastructure funding models, procurement strategies, programme delivery, legislative frameworks and contracting structures.
1:20 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Building the Foundations for Future Communities
This panel will explore how infrastructure planning and delivery will shape the future of residential development across Aotearoa. Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts will facilitate a dynamic discussion spanning Christchurch’s leading social housing environment, Wellington’s major transport shifts, Auckland’s evolving water network, and national infrastructure priorities. Together, the panel will unpack how regional and national decisions, investment, and coordination can unlock growth, enable resilient communities, and support the next wave of New Zealand’s residential development.
Cate is the establishment Chief Executive of Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, the South Island’s largest community housing provider and one of the largest in New Zealand. Cate moved to the community housing sector with a belief housing, health and education are the foundations of well-being for whānau and communities. This move also reflected her personal interest in architecture and green technologies. Prior to this role Cate held senior leadership roles in the Mental Health and Addictions sectors. ŌCHT is known for its innovative model of landlord services and property management. OCHT has also built circa 400 high quality homes for people in need of affordable housing.
1:20 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Building the Foundations for Future Communities
This panel will explore how infrastructure planning and delivery will shape the future of residential development across Aotearoa. Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts will facilitate a dynamic discussion spanning Christchurch’s leading social housing environment, Wellington’s major transport shifts, Auckland’s evolving water network, and national infrastructure priorities. Together, the panel will unpack how regional and national decisions, investment, and coordination can unlock growth, enable resilient communities, and support the next wave of New Zealand’s residential development.
Daran Ponter is Chair, Greater Wellington Regional Council, a role he has held since 2019. Daran also co-chairs the Wellington Regional Leadership Committee – charged with positioning the Wellington region for the future. Daran brings a wealth of experience in resource management, regional planning, Māori development, Treaty negotiations and public policy. He splits his time as Chair and Director of his own consultancy. Daran continues to blaze a trail at Greater Wellington, having overseen transformative changes and improvements to the region’s much loved and often maligned Metlink public transport network and is committed to delivering quality outcomes for the region’s precious flora and fauna through the council’s environmental protection function.
1:20 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Building the Foundations for Future Communities
This panel will explore how infrastructure planning and delivery will shape the future of residential development across Aotearoa. Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts will facilitate a dynamic discussion spanning Christchurch’s leading social housing environment, Wellington’s major transport shifts, Auckland’s evolving water network, and national infrastructure priorities. Together, the panel will unpack how regional and national decisions, investment, and coordination can unlock growth, enable resilient communities, and support the next wave of New Zealand’s residential development.
Geoff Cooper is the Chief Executive at Te Waihanga. He has a background in global policy having worked for the United States Federal Reserve, the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, and the United Nations. He is a former Chief Economist for both PwC and Auckland Council, where he worked on infrastructure, housing, regulation, and financial policy, including business case development for Auckland’s City Rail Link. At Te Waihanga, Geoff was previously the General Manager of Strategy where he had purview over research capabilities, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, and development of the New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy. He holds a Master of Economics with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland and a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University.
1:20 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Building the Foundations for Future Communities
This panel will explore how infrastructure planning and delivery will shape the future of residential development across Aotearoa. Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts will facilitate a dynamic discussion spanning Christchurch’s leading social housing environment, Wellington’s major transport shifts, Auckland’s evolving water network, and national infrastructure priorities. Together, the panel will unpack how regional and national decisions, investment, and coordination can unlock growth, enable resilient communities, and support the next wave of New Zealand’s residential development.
Priyan is a process engineer and water industry professional who has dedicated his career to the delivery of consistently high-quality water and wastewater services to our communities across Tāmaki Makaurau. His focus on safety and community well-being reflects a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. He has had the opportunity to support communities outside of Tāmaki Makaurau during his career and has a real understanding of the water services challenges faced by communities across the country. He is a proven problem solver and has developed solutions to support communities during periods of stress.
Priyan has held a variety of operationally focused management roles and is a current member of the board of Water New Zealand. Leading the strategy and planning group, he plays a crucial role in developing strategies to meet Aucklanders’ water service expectations, ensuring efficient asset lifecycle management, and delivering infrastructure effectively.
1:20 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Building the Foundations for Future Communities
This panel will explore how infrastructure planning and delivery will shape the future of residential development across Aotearoa. Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts will facilitate a dynamic discussion spanning Christchurch’s leading social housing environment, Wellington’s major transport shifts, Auckland’s evolving water network, and national infrastructure priorities. Together, the panel will unpack how regional and national decisions, investment, and coordination can unlock growth, enable resilient communities, and support the next wave of New Zealand’s residential development.
As NZ Director, Dan leads Icon’s New Zealand business, with full accountability to the CEO and Board for all aspects of the business.
Established in June 2017, Icon NZ has a track record of successfully delivering major New Zealand projects, including the landmark 57 storey Pacifica Tower and Auckland Airport’s Transport Hub 01 projects. The business has grown to an Auckland domiciled staff of 100+, and established a reputation as the go to contractor in NZ for high rise CBD and complex D&C projects.
Icon NZ is a subsidiary of the Icon Group of companies, a large and diversified commercial construction business headquartered in Melbourne, with operations in all Australian states and territories, and New Zealand. The group is owned by the Kajima Corporation of Japan, one of the world’s largest construction and engineering businesses.
Trained in architecture, Dan’s experience has encompassed leadership of multiple large-scale construction projects and businesses in New Zealand and Australia, with a particular focus on design management, preconstruction and procurement, and innovative construction methodology and planning.
2:00 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Future-Proofing the Market: Insights for a Thriving Decade Ahead
This panel brings together a rare mix of perspectives—real estate, construction, and banking—to explore what will shape a thriving residential market over the next decade. Our panel will share on-the-ground insights, emerging trends, and sector predictions. The discussion will unpack contractor views often missing from industry conversations, highlight the gaps, risks, and opportunities developers should prepare for.
Mark is the chief executive of Bayleys Real Estate Group and oversees the operations of the real estate and professional services businesses across New Zealand.
Mark has an honours degree in business from Waikato University and had a diverse background prior to joining Bayleys, working for the Dairy Board in Wellington and Singapore and then for Dunlop Slazenger in the sporting goods industry in the UK and the US.
Having initially joined Bayleys 25 years ago as the Group Marketing and Franchise Services Manager, Mark then built and ran his own successful Bayleys franchise business in the North for many years.
Perhaps unusually, he is a third-generation real estate agent. He’s passionate about the Bayleys brand and helping clients achieve their goals, and is very proud of the team that he works with.
2:00 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Future-Proofing the Market: Insights for a Thriving Decade Ahead
This panel brings together a rare mix of perspectives—real estate, construction, and banking—to explore what will shape a thriving residential market over the next decade. Our panel will share on-the-ground insights, emerging trends, and sector predictions. The discussion will unpack contractor views often missing from industry conversations, highlight the gaps, risks, and opportunities developers should prepare for.
Hon Chris Bishop
Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for RMA Reform
Biography
Chris Bishop is the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Leader of the House, and Associate Minister of Finance. He is the MP for Hutt South.
Chris was born and raised in Lower Hutt where he lives with his wife and young son. He has a first-class Honours degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington, and was the 2006 Young Wellingtonian of the Year.
Before serving as an MP, Chris worked as a researcher for the National Party in Opposition and was later an advisor to Ministers in the John Key-led Government.
Chris was the National Party Campaign Chair for the 2023 General Election.
11:30 am | Thursday 26 March
Government Update
Join Minister Chris Bishop for this exclusive Government update.
A respected Auckland barrister, Janette has practised resource management law for over 30 years. She guides clients through consenting and litigation, and is an independent Commissioner with Chair endorsement. She chaired the Expert Advisory Group advising the Minister for RMA Reform, and continues to assist the government to produce enduring legislative change to replace the RMA.
3:10 pm | Thursday 26 March
Replacing the RMA
Substantive RMA reform is underway. This session, presented by the Chair of the Expert Advisory Group, focuses on the structural changes that the reform contemplates. Janette will outline its fundamental shifts in approach, as well as opportunities to engage with and influence the developing shape of the law.
Johnny Gordon is the General Manager of Iconic Construction, the pioneering team behind New Zealand’s first 3D concrete printed show home. With a passion for reshaping the future of housing, Johnny is leading the charge in scalable, sustainable residential development. His current focus is on designing and delivering single-level 3D concrete printed homes, with plans to expand into multi-home developments across the country. At Resi26, Johnny will share insights into the practicalities, challenges, and transformative potential of 3D concrete printed construction in New Zealand’s residential sector.
3:40 pm | Thursday 26 March
Building Smarter: The Future of Construction is Here
This Pecha Kucha-style session will explore the challenges and opportunities of innovation in residential construction. Innovation is often difficult due to complex regulations, high costs, risk aversion, and the fragmented nature of the sector. The session will highlight the importance of front-end design thinking, new technologies, and collaborative approaches in overcoming these barriers. The session will offer insights into practical strategies for driving meaningful change and improving outcomes in construction projects.
Bio to come.
3:40 pm | Thursday 26 March
Building Smarter: The Future of Construction is Here
This Pecha Kucha-style session will explore the challenges and opportunities of innovation in residential construction. Innovation is often difficult due to complex regulations, high costs, risk aversion, and the fragmented nature of the sector. The session will highlight the importance of front-end design thinking, new technologies, and collaborative approaches in overcoming these barriers. The session will offer insights into practical strategies for driving meaningful change and improving outcomes in construction projects.
Marty Verry leads the Red Stag group of companies, which has vertically integrated business units from forestry and wood processing through to mass timber engineered wood products. Red Stag runs the Southern Hemisphere’s largest sawmill, as well as New Zealand’s only Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) factory and premier mass timber LVL and glulam supplier, Red Stag TimberLab.
With local supply and by making its own energy (heat & power) from biomass, Red Stag TimberLab supplies NZ’s lowest EPD Embodied Carbon building materials. When projects are complex, large or price-sensitive, our construction industry turns to TimberLab. Its engineers are experts in early supplier engagement to ensure cost-effective design, a one-stop-shop for CLT/LVL/glulam and smooth local supply.
The company has recently launched ‘TimberLab 2.0 – Standardised Sector Solutions’ with pre-engineered cost-optimised solutions for industrial buildings, gyms/halls and more. This includes the opening of NZ’s first volumetric modular production line – VoMo – using CLT modules. This European technology brings productivity, speed, certainty and quality to school, student accommodation, hotel, retirement, apartment and office projects.
An avid hunter, Marty can often be seen hosting Red Stag Timber Hunters Club TV episodes on Sky Open.
3:40 pm | Thursday 26 March
Building Smarter: The Future of Construction is Here
This Pecha Kucha-style session will explore the challenges and opportunities of innovation in residential construction. Innovation is often difficult due to complex regulations, high costs, risk aversion, and the fragmented nature of the sector. The session will highlight the importance of front-end design thinking, new technologies, and collaborative approaches in overcoming these barriers. The session will offer insights into practical strategies for driving meaningful change and improving outcomes in construction projects.
Bio to come.
4:15 pm | Thursday 26 March
Keynote | Building the Future: The Mowbray Vision
Harry Mowbray will share his insights from Zuru’s groundbreaking approach to construction. He will explore how innovation, efficiency, and technology are redefining building processes, from design through delivery. The session will highlight lessons learned, practical strategies, and the impact of Zuru’s methods on project outcomes, timelines, and cost management. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how forward-thinking construction approaches can transform the residential sector and inspire new ways of working.
Chris Penk has been the MP for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi since 2017, following in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key. His Ministerial portfolios include Building and Construction, Small Business and Manufacturing, Land Information, Veterans Affairs, Associate Defence and Associate Immigration. In the Building and Construction portfolio he is focused on streamlining the building consent system, reducing red tape and unnecessary regulation, and promoting competition of material and product supply in the market.
Chris studied at the University of Auckland, gaining a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). After his initial studies, he joined the Royal New Zealand Navy, serving on frigate HMNZS Te Kaha, and then the submarine squadron of Australia’s Navy. After practising law for a number of years, including in a firm he co-founded, Chris entered Parliament in 2017 to represent the then-Helensville electorate.”
9:40 am | Thursday 26 March
The Building and Construction Reforms Reshaping Residential Development
The regulatory landscape for residential development is evolving rapidly. This session brings together Minister Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction; Nigel McKenna, Templeton Group and Denise Lee, Head of Advocacy at Property Council, to unpack what the industry needs to know.
Topics of discussion include upcoming seismic requirements, the shift from joint and several liability to proportionate liability and other building consent system reform. The panel will explore the rationale behind the reforms and speak to the practical implications. Attendees will gain insights on navigating compliance, managing risk, and adapting to new standards – equipping them to deliver resilient, future-ready housing.
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.
9:40 am | Thursday 26 March
The Building and Construction Reforms Reshaping Residential Development
The regulatory landscape for residential development is evolving rapidly. This session brings together Minister Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction; Nigel McKenna, Templeton Group and Denise Lee, Head of Advocacy at Property Council, to unpack what the industry needs to know.
Topics of discussion include upcoming seismic requirements, the shift from joint and several liability to proportionate liability and other building consent system reform. The panel will explore the rationale behind the reforms and speak to the practical implications. Attendees will gain insights on navigating compliance, managing risk, and adapting to new standards – equipping them to deliver resilient, future-ready housing.
Bio to come.
10:55 am | Thursday 26 March
Innovation for all Kiwis: Dynamic housing models
Different housing models can unlock affordability, strengthen communities, and create more flexible pathways into sustainable, long-term living. This session explores innovative pathways that broaden access to quality homes, strengthen local communities, and support sustainable development. Speakers will discuss emerging approaches, the role of investment and partnerships, and how diverse, culturally grounded models can contribute to a more resilient and inclusive housing future.
Bio to come.
2:00 pm | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Future-Proofing the Market: Insights for a Thriving Decade Ahead
This panel brings together a rare mix of perspectives—real estate, construction, and banking—to explore what will shape a thriving residential market over the next decade. Our panel will share on-the-ground insights, emerging trends, and sector predictions. The discussion will unpack contractor views often missing from industry conversations, highlight the gaps, risks, and opportunities developers should prepare for.