Together, shaping cities
where communities thrive
Property Council is the leading advocate for Aotearoa
New Zealand’s largest industry – property
Property Council members shape New Zealand’s cities, one property at a time. They are the dreamers, the makers and the doers who bring to life spaces for Kiwis to live, work, shop and play.
Property is New Zealand’s number one industry, accounting for 15% of our total GDP ($41.2 billion) and employs around 200,000 New Zealanders every year. There are nearly $1.6 trillion in property assets nationwide. As an industry, we are committed to getting policy settings right so we can get on with building our nation.
Over the last couple of years, we have seen unprecedented times, with a global pandemic that resulted in the nation going into ‘lockdown’ in 2020 and temporarily pushing pause on our construction and building sectors. Moving forward, New Zealanders need confidence in our economy in order to prepare for future growth. New Zealand needs investment in robust infrastructure and sustainable and resilient cities that can weather whatever the future holds. It is critical we shift the conversation from ‘problems’ to ‘solutions’, focusing on the outcomes we want to achieve, and how to get there.
The Property Council Advocacy Briefing Paper has been crafted in partnership with members, proposing a range of policy initiatives that aim to shape thriving cities and communities. These include reforming the planning system, increasing housing supply, encouraging smarter investment and improving the sustainability and resilience of our building stock.
This platform aims to spark conversation, raise questions and engage policy makers to consider alternative solutions to the hurdles our country is facing. We look forward to working with policy makers to create thriving cities, communities and opportunities for all New Zealanders.

Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive
2023/24 Priorities
Regional Priorities
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:
Auckland
An efficient, effective and resilient transport and infrastructure system in Auckland.
Contact Logan Rainey for further information.
Wellington
Upgrading Wellington's transport and infrastructure.
Contact Sandamali Ambepitiya for further information.
Central
Integrated planning that enables the funding and delivery of regional growth and infrastructure in the central region.
Contact Logan Rainey for further information.
South Island
Support effective reform of the planning system through engagement with regional stakeholders and members.
Contact Sandamali Ambepitiya for further information.
Recent Submissions
Property Council submission on Wellington’s draft Future Development Strategy
On 9 November 2023, Property Council submitted on Wellington’s draft Future Development Strategy. This draft strategy outlines how and where the Wairarapa-Wellington-Horowhenua region should grow and change over the next
Property Council submission on Wellington City Council’s Rating Policies Review
On 13 October 2023, Property Council submitted on Wellington City Council’s Rating Policies Review. Why it matters to our members Property Council has long supported a fairer and more equitable
Property Council submission on the draft SmartGrowth Strategy 2023-2073
On October 20 2023, Property Council submitted on the draft SmartGrowth Strategy 2023-2073. This is the proposed 30–50-year urban development strategy which sets the strategic vision and direction for the
Property Council submission to Tauranga City Council on Civic Precinct IFF levy consultation
On October 03, Property Council provided a letter submission to Tauranga City Council (“TCC”) regarding the Civic Precinct IFF levy consultation. TCC is proposing to use the Infrastructure Funding and
Meet the Team

The Property Council advocacy team: Advocacy Consultant Denise Lee, Head of Advocacy Katherine Wilson, Advocacy Advisors Sandamali Ambepitiya and Logan Rainey, and Chief Executive Leonie Freeman.
Want to get involved?
Property Council has several dynamic and engaged member taskforces, who provide insight and support our advocacy team on a range of issues, from Build-to-Rent and resource management reform, to infrastructure funding and changes to the building code.
These groups are ever-changing and are open to all members.
