Our region will see the rollout of key regeneration projects for Christchurch’s city centre and the first stage of Dunedin’s new public hospital build. These projects reflect the vision, commitment and leadership of our members and the strength of our communities.
The often talked about opportunities that would arise, particularly in tourism, hospitality and retail are now fast becoming a reality, and these will continue to drive the South Island’s economy. In Christchurch, the Global Settlement was an important milestone and we’ll continue to work towards the city’s return to local leadership by engaging and assisting local and central government, and key regeneration agencies. The vision of the Blueprint and Central City Recovery Plan is coming to life in central Christchurch. It reflects the vision, commitment and leadership of property, New Zealand’s largest industry. We have a reshaped city; now it is time to make it thrive.
Our members will benefit from our advocacy across multiple topics as we go into bat on their behalf to open the doors for further development and supporting infrastructure. Key areas include:
These issues will have a huge impact on the future of the property sector and it’s our job to ensure that the collective voice of our members is heard by policy makers.
Rider Levett Bucknall
South Island 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 the South Island’s being:
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Journeys Join us on Wednesday, 25 June at Ilex Cafe in the Botanic Gardens for a relaxed and inspiring lunch event celebrating women in the Ōtautahi property
Get your game face on, it’s quiz time, baby! The Property Council Quiz Night is a fast-paced, fun and interactive night where we test your knowledge of property (and
A Power Lunch for Wāhine in Property💡 Join us for an energising afternoon of connection, inspiration, and good vibes! A networking lunch created especially for women working across the property
The South Island 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 2024.
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 South Island Property People Awards celebrate and recognise the people behind the projects in the South Island region.
On 9 June 2025, the Property Council submitted on Waipā District Council’s Local Water Done Well. Why this matters to our members The proposal for Waipā District Council to form a multi-Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) governed by an independent Board of Directors is important for our members as it will allow for a more strategic approach to decision-making and asset management. Our view We support the establishment of a CCO between Waipā District Council and Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo, South Waikato and Taupō to enhance governance standards and enable strategic, coordinated decision-making for water infrastructure. Councils across New Zealand have historically underinvested in infrastructure, resulting in today’s funding and financing challenges. The establishment of a CCO would allow a separate
On 9 June 2025, the Property Council submitted on Waipā District Council’s Long Term Plan 2025-34. Why this matters to our members The Long Term Plan outlines the direction of Waipā District Council for the next nine years, so it is therefore important that decisions made by the Council have fair and equitable outcomes for the property sector. Our view Overall, we oppose the increases to rates and development contribution fees. At a high level, we recommended that Waipā District Council: Reduce the proposed rates increase to better reflect the financial reality of commercial and industrial businesses; Investigate alternative funding and financing mechanisms; Pause its draft development contributions review until the new levy system is in place; and Implement benchmarks
On 17 April 2025, the Property Council submitted on Hamilton City Council’s Local Water Done Well. Why this matters to our members The proposal for Hamilton City Council to form a multi-Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) governed by an independent Board of Directors is important for our members as it will allow for a more strategic approach to decision-making and asset management. Our view We support the establishment of a CCO between Hamilton City Council and Waikato Regional Council to allow for improved governance and a more strategic approach to decision-making and asset management. Councils across New Zealand have historically underinvested in infrastructure, resulting in today’s funding and financing challenges. The establishment of a CCO would allow a separate balance sheet
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:
