Wellington Development Stocktake
Taking stock of the Wellington development landscape As we wrap up the financial year, join Property Council Advocacy Advisor, Bella Leddy, for a clear and timely snapshot of the factors
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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:
Taking stock of the Wellington development landscape As we wrap up the financial year, join Property Council Advocacy Advisor, Bella Leddy, for a clear and timely snapshot of the factors
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. 👉
The Wellington Property People Awards celebrate and recognise the people behind the projects in the Wellington region.
Tickets for the Wellington Property People Awards are now available – book today!
On 17 November 2025, the Property Council submitted on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill (2025). Why this matters to our members This Bill looks to reform and enhance the efficiency of the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024 ensures the streamlining and speeding of decision-making of consents for significant development projects. The property sector relies on predictable and transparent processes that can accelerate development while maintaining due diligence and ensuring compliance. Our view Property Council supports the Bill, which adopts a more permissive approach for commercial, industrial, and retail development projects that offer significant regional or national benefits. At a high level, we recommend that the Bill proceed with adjustments. Property Council recommends that: Ensure Ministerial decision-making remains project-neutral, with assessments guided
On 7 November 2025, the Property Council submitted on the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill 2025. Why this matters to our members This Bill looks to reform Auckland’s transport governance by establishing the Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC) to jointly oversee long-term transport planning between central and local government. The Committee is responsible for preparing a 30-year transport plan that sets Auckland’s strategic direction for land transport and aligns future investment priorities. Our view We do not hold a position on the proposal to bring Auckland Transport decision-making under the authority of local and central government. However, we emphasised the importance of transport decisions requiring long-term certainty and an understanding of property and land use. At a high level, Property Council recommends that:
On 24 September 2025, the Property Council submitted on the Regulatory Systems (Internal Affairs) Amendment Bill 2025. Why this matters to our members Under Part 7 of the Bill, changes are being proposed to the apportionment rules for mixed-use commercial buildings under the FENZ levy regime. Where the building is predominantly commercial focused, the entirety of the building will be charged the commercial rate levy with no residential carve-out or cap. Our view We opposed the changes in the amendment bill, as the proposed apportionment method is inequitable, lacks transparency, and disincentivises mixed-use commercial developments within communities. At a high level, Property Council recommends that the Committee: Introduces robust accountability and transparency measures for how FENZ levies are apportioned; Consider
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:
