This includes a direct impact of $3.6 billion and flow-on (indirect and induced) impacts of $2.2 and $2.7 billion respectively. It is important to note that this does not include capital gains from the appreciation of land and property values. In addition, 24,820 employees were directly employed in the property industry, accounting for 9% of total employment in Wellington. That is a significant involvement by our members and others.
The cost of doing business in Wellington remains high, with ever-increasing commercial rates and seismic issues leading to high insurance premiums that inhibit the city’s prosperity.
As a region, we are continuing to effect change through our advocacy, events program, and collaboration with like-minded organisations including, of course, Wellington City Council.
To do that we need your support. Our members are at the very core of what we do every day. Get involved! Also, please tell us what you seek from your membership, what events, topics and speakers you would like to hear.
Rolle Property
Wellington Regional Chair
In the regions, our regular projects include Long-term Plans, Annual Plans, District and Spatial Plans, rates differentials and development contributions. In addition to this, each Regional Committee also choose one priority to focus on for the year, with Wellington’s being:
Hear directly from policymakers, engineers and finance experts on navigating New Zealand’s seismic reform. The Seismic Risk Management Review represents one of the most significant potential shifts in how New
Step inside one of Wellington’s leading commercial refurbishments with an exclusive site tour of 80 The Terrace. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the building’s comprehensive seismic strengthening, showcasing
The Wellington Regional Committee assists the Property Council team to formulate our local advocacy strategy and plan member events and initiatives in the region.
The current Committee is in effect from 1 November 2025.
The Local Government Briefing Paper has been produced in advance of the 2025 Local Government Elections to provide candidates – many of whom are unfamiliar with the property industry – with a simple guide to the challenges faced, solutions available and potential impact for their city or region.
The document outlines five key workstreams:
Singing off the same song sheet nationwide also helps ensure consistency across our national and regional advocacy workstreams. It is a working document that will evolve over time as policies are announced and issues arise, with the current version available for download by members upon logging in here. 👉
Friday 14 November saw us host an unforgettable night of connection, celebration, and recognition at the 2025 Wellington Property People Awards!
Over 380 industry leaders, changemakers and rising stars joined us in honouring the people driving progress across the region. Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate the occasion, and congratulations to all the winners!
We’ll be back in 2026!
On 8 May 2026, Property Council submitted on Wellington City Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27. Why this matters to our members The Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 outlines the budget for Wellington City Council for the next twelve months and will influence outcomes across the Wellington region. Council is proposing an average rates increase of 7.4 percent and an increase to the downtown targeted rate of 6 percent. Our view These increases come as pressure continues to build across Wellington’s commercial property market. Wellington already has the highest business differential in the country at 3.7:1, alongside high water rates from the newly formed Tiaki Wai. Rising vacancy rates and reduced CBD foot traffic mean Wellington City Council needs to consider how
On 1 May 2026, Property Council submitted on Hamilton City Council’s Financial Contributions Policy 2026. Why this matters to our members Under Hamilton City Council’s Financial Contributions Policy, a new charge of $996 per PUD (per unit of demand) is proposed on new growth development in Hamilton to fund Waikato River revitalisation and regeneration efforts. Our view Property Council recognises the importance of improving the health of the Waikato River and its catchment for both the region and New Zealand as a whole. However, we do not support recovering these costs from new development through financial contributions. Instead, we support a funding approach where costs are more broadly shared and clearly allocated to those who directly benefit from the investment.
On 1 May 2026, Property Council submitted on Tauranga City Council’s Draft Development Contributions Policy 2026/27. Why this matters to our members The Draft Development Contributions Policy 2026/27 is proposing a 7.3% increase to citywide development contributions. Our view Property Council opposes the 7.3% increase to citywide development contributions, as this sits within wider cost pressures Tauranga developers are facing. Development contributions for a standard three-bedroom dwelling have risen from $12,200 to almost $43,000 since the 2021–2031 Long Term Plan, alongside rising construction, financing, and holding costs. Property Council is concerned these increases will undermine development feasibility and housing delivery, and recommends community infrastructure instead be funded through alternative mechanisms such as targeted rates or user-pays models. At a high
Property Council has several dynamic and engaged member taskforces and committees, who provide insight and support our team with a range of initiatives. These groups are ever-changing and are open to all members.
We also have numerous opportunities for sponsors to partner with us to produce and support local events.
Please contact your Regional Manager for further information:
