Property Council New Zealand is delighted to announce Chris Gudgeon as the recipient of the 2026 Member Laureate Award, the organisation’s highest individual accolade, presented this evening at the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards.
The Member Laureate Award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership and enduring contribution to both Property Council New Zealand and the wider property sector.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Gudgeon has made a significant contribution across property investment, development, construction, infrastructure and governance. He is widely respected for his strategic leadership, deep sector expertise and role in guiding some of New Zealand’s most significant property organisations and assets.
Gudgeon served as Chief Executive of Kiwi Property from 2008 to 2018, leading the business through a defining period of change. During his tenure, the company transitioned from an externally managed listed REIT with an Australian-owned parent to an internally managed, shareholder-owned New Zealand company. He also led the rebrand to Kiwi Property, giving the organisation a clearer identity and strategic direction for long-term growth.
Under his leadership, the Kiwi Property portfolio expanded and evolved across landmark retail and workplace developments, while strengthening financial performance and building the company’s reputation for innovation and sustainability.
Prior to Kiwi Property, Gudgeon held senior roles including General Manager Property at Auckland International Airport and Chief Executive of Capital Properties in Wellington, building broad experience across public and private sector property.
Property Council New Zealand Chief Executive Leonie Freeman says Gudgeon’s contribution reflects the depth of leadership needed in a sector that touches every part of New Zealand life.
“Chris has helped steer major property organisations through periods of growth, change and increasing complexity,” says Freeman.
“His career reflects a rare breadth of experience across listed property, infrastructure, iwi investment, airport property, commercial development and governance. That perspective has made him a highly respected voice across the industry.”
Gudgeon’s contribution has continued at a governance level. He is currently Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa and a Director of National Infrastructure Funding and Financing and New Zealand Railways Corporation.
Freeman says his influence has extended well beyond the organisations he has led.
“The property industry benefits enormously from people who give their time, judgement and experience back to the sector,” says Freeman.
“Chris has done that consistently. Through his leadership, governance work and service to Property Council, he has helped lift standards, support investment confidence and strengthen the way the industry thinks about long-term value.”
“Chris’ contribution is substantial and enduring. He has played a meaningful role in the evolution of New Zealand’s property sector and has given generously to Property Council and its members over many years. We are honoured to recognise him as the 2026 Member Laureate.”
A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and past National Chair of Property Council New Zealand, Gudgeon has a long-standing connection with the organisation. He has contributed to a range of initiatives over many years, including seven years on the Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards judging panel.
Reflecting on the award, Gudgeon says:
“The best thing about the property industry is the opportunity to work with great people in multi-disciplined teams to create environments that enrich our culture. I am so grateful to all those people and to the Property Council as their champion.”
The Property Council New Zealand Member Laureate Award is presented annually at the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards. It recognises exceptional leadership, vision and enduring service to both Property Council New Zealand and the wider property sector.
ENDS