Advocacy team update: Bella Leddy steps up and Denise Lee stays on

Wed, 11 November 2026

We’re delighted to announce Senior Advocacy Advisor Bella Leddy is stepping up as Property Council New Zealand’s new Head of Advocacy. Denise Lee, who has held the reins in the role since late 2025, isn’t going anywhere. She’ll return to her previous role as Advocacy Consultant, sharing her wealth of experience as Bella settles in.

Sandamali Ambepitiya and Samantha Lay Yee continue as Advocacy Manager and Senior Advocacy Advisor, so members will keep working with the same friendly, experienced faces.

“Congratulations to Bella on her new role. She has a sharp analytical mind, a genuine passion for public policy and a real talent for connecting with our members. She has well and truly earned this opportunity,” says Chief Executive Leonie Freeman.

“We’ll manage the transition step by step over the coming months, with Denise there to guide Bella as she settles in. We’re delighted Denise is staying with us. Her expertise in government relations and stakeholder engagement is hugely valuable, and members will continue to see plenty of her.

“With Bella, Denise, Sandamali and Samantha on board, we have a very strong, experienced team ready to support our members and work with the new government.”

Meet the team

Bella Leddy, Head of Advocacy

Already a familiar face to many members, Bella leads Property Council’s policy and advocacy workstreams. Logical, approachable and highly strategic, she has led several key advocacy campaigns, including our advocacy in the Wellington and Central regions, and is known for her consultative approach and her knack for explaining what policy means in practice, quickly. Bella holds a Bachelor of Laws and Politics from the University of Otago and previously worked at the Department of Internal Affairs.

Denise Lee, Advocacy Consultant

A former Member of Parliament for Maungakiekie and Auckland Councillor for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, Denise brings strong political nous from both central and local government. She is an expert in government relations and has an extensive network of stakeholders. Denise holds a BA in Political Studies and History and an MA in Public Policy.

Sandamali Ambepitiya, Advocacy Manager

Sandamali leads Property Council’s advocacy on building system reform, sustainability and seismic strengthening. Valued for her steady hand and process-driven approach, she was previously an advisor with the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

Samantha Lay Yee, Senior Advocacy Advisor

Samantha leads Property Council’s work on resource management reform, along with its regional advocacy in Auckland and the South Island. She holds a Master of Laws specialising in environmental law. Before joining Property Council, she held senior advisory and policy roles at Kāinga Ora, the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Internal Affairs, where she contributed to nationally significant urban development reforms.