Central Region
Bay of Plenty Market Outlook 2026
Stay ahead of the curve at the Bay of Plenty Market Outlook – your essential mid-year briefing on the trends shaping our economy and property sector. Join industry experts
Welcome to
Te Puku-o-Te-Ika-a-Māui
The Central region is fast becoming New Zealand’s best place to live, work and do business.
Waikato and the Bay of Plenty are in a unique position, leveraging off the economic drive of the ‘Golden Triangle’. Our region is a key North Island hub, poised to respond positively to the planned transport connections to Auckland.
The Central Committee advocates for a thriving commercial property industry that has a positive impact on the region and its people. With substantial population growth forecasted in the region over the next 30 years, a comprehensive sub-regional spatial plan that outlines where future development will occur is needed.
We are calling for an integrated approach to planning that will provide investment certainty for the industry and ensure a diversified, modern economy that grows jobs and enables the property sector to thrive.
Morgan Jones
Veros Property
Central Regional Chair
Central
Advocacy Priority
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 Central’s being:
“A thriving and resilient region with effective, affordable and timely infrastructure that enables quality development, investment and growth.”
Regional Events
Central Region
Waikato Market Outlook 2026
SOLD OUT // With market conditions shifting rapidly, staying informed isn’t optional – it’s essential. Our apologies, this event is now sold out.If you would like to be added to
Central Region
Central Property Industry Quiz Night
A night of laughter, rivalry, and quick-fire questions awaits At the annual Central Quiz Night, held at Zone Sports Bar and hosted by our local quizmaster extraordinaire from BCD
Central
Regional Committee
The Central 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.
Local Government
Briefing Paper
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:
- Foster stronger relationships with the property sector
- Improve local government funding and financing
- Fairer investment in infrastructure
- Connect regional planning and transport; and
- Increase housing supply and improve consenting.
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. 👉
Ngā mihi nui / Thank you
Thursday 24 October 2024
Wintec, Hamilton
The Central Property People Awards celebrate and recognise the people behind the projects in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.
We did it again! Thursday 23 October 2025 saw us host an unforgettable night of connection, celebration, and recognition at the Central Property People Awards!
Over 300 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!
Recent Submissions
Submission
Property Council submission on the Modern Slavery Bill
May 29, 2026
On 28 May 2026, Property Council submitted on the Modern Slavery Bill. Why this matters to our members A number of Property Council members are already undertaking modern slavery reporting through international regulatory requirements or contractual obligations, and therefore recognise the importance of New Zealand also having an effective regime to help combat modern slavery and exploitation domestically and across global supply chains. Our view While Property Council supports the intent of the Bill, we are concerned that aspects of the proposed regime go further than comparable international frameworks and may create uncertainty for reporting entities. Alignment with established international approaches will be important to minimise unnecessary compliance burden and support practical implementation. We also consider that the initial focus
Submission
Property Council submission on Wellington City Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27
May 8, 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
Submission
Property Council submission on Hamilton City Council’s Financial Contributions Policy 2026
May 1, 2026
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.
Contact Us
Help champion the
Central property industry
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:
