South Island Property People Awards 2026
Join us at One NZ Stadium! As we celebrate the people behind the projects Get ready for an unforgettable night of connection, celebration, and recognition at the 2026 South Island
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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:
Join us at One NZ Stadium! As we celebrate the people behind the projects Get ready for an unforgettable night of connection, celebration, and recognition at the 2026 South Island
Ōtautahi Christchurch’s leading property market event returns! Join us at the Christchurch Market Summit for an update on the economic and property trends shaping our city and region. Hear
Just starting out in your property career, or still working out where it might take you? This one’s for you. Join us for a relaxed, pull-up-a-stool evening at Loft
We’re thrilled to continue the South Island Education Trust Grants – aimed at bolstering the education and professional growth of South Island members.
This exciting programme offers funding for employees of Property Council New Zealand member companies in the South Island. These grants cover costs associated with attending a wide array of industry events and training programs, ensuring our members stay at the forefront of industry knowledge and leadership.
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 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 South Island Property People Awards celebrate and recognise the people behind the projects in the South Island region.
In 2025, we brought together a crowd of 250 guests for an unforgettable evening of exceptional networking and celebration.
Watch this space for future announcements!
On 24 April 2026, Property Council submitted on the Commerce (Commerce Commission Reform) Amendment Bill. Why this matters to our members Strengthening the governance and decision-making framework of the Commerce Commission will mean more efficient, timely, and consistent regulatory decisions. This improves accountability and builds confidence in the system, giving the property sector greater certainty that outcomes are robust and transparent. Our view Our comments focus on the interaction between the Bill and the proposed development levies scheme and are not intended to address the Bill more broadly. The detailed regulatory approach for how the Commerce Commission will oversee development levies is not yet fully clear. While we support the proposed governance reforms, their effectiveness in the context of development
On 24 April 2026, Property Council submitted on Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27. Why this matters to our members The Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 outlines the budget for Greater Wellington Regional Council for the next twelve months and will influence outcomes across the Wellington region. The regional council is proposing a 9.7% rates increase which includes a 9.1% increase in the targeted rates for Wellington CBD businesses. Our View Property Council opposes the proposed rates increase as Wellington businesses already face a range of cost pressures. This rates increase risks undermining business viability and investment opportunity in Wellington. Read the full submission
On 24 April 2026, Property Council submitted on Hutt City Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27. Why this matters to our members The Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 outlines the budget for Hutt City Council for the next twelve months and will influence outcomes across the Wellington region. The council is proposing a 9.2% rates increase for Hutt City commercial businesses. Our View Property Council opposes the proposed rates increase as Wellington businesses already face a range of cost pressures. This rates increase risks undermining business viability and investment opportunity in Lower Hutt, Wellington. Read the full submission
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:
