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.
Veros Property
Central 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 Central’s being:
Join us over lunch in Hamilton for an engaging Women in Property panel discussion exploring the many pathways to leadership, ownership, and long-term career progression within the property industry.
SOLD OUT// Step inside one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant infrastructure projects. Our apologies, this event is now sold out.If you would like to be added to the waitlist
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
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.
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. 👉
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!
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
On 24 April 2026, Property Council submitted on Selwyn District Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27. Why this matters to our members The Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 is part of Selwyn District Council’s planning cycle. It outlines what Selwyn District Council proposes to deliver in the coming financial year and how services and activities will be funded. Our view The Draft Annual Plan proposes a range of rates increases, with trade-offs clearly explained, Property Council supports this approach. However, we are concerned about proposals to increase regulatory services fees, particularly building consenting fees, as this will impact project feasibility and investment. A stronger focus is needed on managing expenditure, aligning capital projects to minimise business disruption, improving transparency, and adopting alternative
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:
