Central Region
RMA Reform Made Simple: Bay of Plenty Briefing
Big changes are coming – and if you work in property, you’ll want to be ready. The Government has confirmed its intention to retire the Resource Management Act 1991
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 infrastructure and transport that enables development."
Regional Events
Central Region
RMA Reform Made Simple: Waikato Briefing
Big changes are coming – and if you work in property, you’ll want to be ready. The Government has confirmed its intention to retire the Resource Management Act 1991
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 Supporting Growth through a Development Levies System consultation
February 23, 2026
On 20 February 2026, Property Council submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs on the ‘Supporting Growth through a Development Levies System’ consultation document. Why this matters to our members The Government’s proposal to replace development contributions with a new development levy system represents a major shift in how growth-related infrastructure is funded. From a property sector perspective, the current development contributions regime has become increasingly opaque, difficult to scrutinise, and subject to sudden and unpredictable price changes, undermining cost certainty, development feasibility, and housing affordability. Reform is both necessary and timely, and Property Council welcomes the opportunity to engage on the proposed framework. Our view Property Council supports the intent to reform the development contributions system and sees the
Submission
Property Council submission on the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Act 2025
February 20, 2026
On 20 February 2026, Property Council submitted to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill 2025. Why this matters to our members New Zealand faces a longstanding infrastructure funding deficit, driven by population growth, historic underinvestment in renewal and maintenance, and over-reliance on local authority balance sheets. The Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 was intended to address these challenges but the framework has proved overly complex and difficult to use in practice, resulting in very low uptake and limited impact. Our view Property Council supports the intent of the Bill to improve the accessibility and usability of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing framework. However, aspects of the Bill retain unnecessary complexity and
Submission
Property Council submission on Simplifying Local Government Consultation paper
February 20, 2026
On 20 February 2026, Property Council submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs on the Simplifying Local Government consultation – a draft proposal. Why this matters to our members The simplifying local government consultation looks to disestablish regional councils to create new Combined Territory Boards comprised of the mayors in the regions. Combined Territory Boards will be in charge of creating regional reorganisation plans which look to amalgamate key services and will be drafting spatial plans under the new Planning Bill 2025. Members want to make sure Combined Territory Boards are fit for purpose, efficient and focused on delivering outcomes. Our view Property Council broadly supports the intent of the proposal to improve regional coordination, enable clearer leadership, and support
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:
