This includes a direct impact of $3.6 billion and flow-on (indirect and induced) impacts of $2.2 and $2.7 billion respectively. It is important to note that this does not include capital gains from the appreciation of land and property values. In addition, 24,820 employees were directly employed in the property industry, accounting for 9% of total employment in Wellington. That is a significant involvement by our members and others.
The cost of doing business in Wellington remains high, with ever-increasing commercial rates and seismic issues leading to high insurance premiums that inhibit the city’s prosperity.
As a region, we are continuing to effect change through our advocacy, events program, and collaboration with like-minded organisations including, of course, Wellington City Council.
To do that we need your support. Our members are at the very core of what we do every day. Get involved! Also, please tell us what you seek from your membership, what events, topics and speakers you would like to hear.
Rolle Property
Wellington 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 Wellington’s being:
Hear directly from policymakers, engineers and finance experts on navigating New Zealand’s seismic reform. The Seismic Risk Management Review represents one of the most significant potential shifts in how New
Think you’ve got the brains to take the crown? Put your knowledge (and your team spirit) to the test at the annual Wellington Quiz Night at Precinct Flex’s Rumbles
The Wellington 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. 👉
Friday 14 November saw us host an unforgettable night of connection, celebration, and recognition at the 2025 Wellington Property People Awards!
Over 380 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!
We’ll be back in 2026!
On 5 June 2026, Property Council submitted to the Commerce Commission on the Ring-fencing Revenue for Regulated Water Services discussion paper: monitoring and enforcement of the ring-fencing principle. Why this matters to our members Water service providers are required to ‘ring-fence’ money relating to water services. The Commerce Commission is responsible for monitoring and enforcing this principle for regulated water services (currently water supply and wastewater). The Commission is consulting on how it should carry out that monitoring and enforcement role. Our view Property Council have recommended the ring-fencing of development contributions, future development levies and IGCs under an account separation model for new growth infrastructure. As more water CCOs are created, effective regulatory oversight is crucial and we need
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
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
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:
