New Zealand’s housing system is at a critical turning point. While demand continues to grow, the ability to deliver well-planned, affordable and resilient homes increasingly depends on one thing: infrastructure. From transport and water to funding models and long-term planning, the foundations we lay today will shape the communities of tomorrow.
At the Residential Development Summit 2026, leaders from across housing, infrastructure and development will come together to tackle these challenges head-on. One of the key conversations shaping this year’s programme is the panel session “Building the Foundations for Future Communities” focused on how infrastructure planning and delivery will influence the next wave of residential development across Aotearoa.
Infrastructure as the enabler (or constraint) of housing delivery
Infrastructure is no longer a background consideration in residential development; it is the defining factor. Decisions about transport networks, water capacity, and funding mechanisms can either unlock growth or stall projects before they begin. As planning reform and housing demand accelerate, the need for coordinated, long-term infrastructure investment has never been greater.
This panel will explore how regional and national infrastructure decisions interact with development outcomes, and what it will take to better align public and private investment to support thriving, resilient communities.
Regional realities, national priorities
Facilitated by Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, the discussion will span diverse regional perspectives while keeping sight of national priorities. Panellists bring first-hand experience from across the country:
- Christchurch’s evolving social housing environment, and what it reveals about partnership, delivery models and community outcomes
- Wellington’s major transport shifts, and the implications for urban form, density and housing supply
- Auckland’s water network challenges, and how infrastructure capacity shapes development feasibility
- National infrastructure priorities, and how long-term planning can better support residential growth
With insights from Daran Ponter (Greater Wellington Regional Council), Cate Kearney (Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust), Geoff Cooper (Te Waihanga) and Priyan Perera (Watercare), the panel will examine how investment decisions, governance structures and coordination across sectors can enable — rather than hinder — housing delivery.
Collaboration is the critical ingredient
If New Zealand is to unlock smarter, faster pathways to progress, genuine collaboration between developers, iwi, councils, government and infrastructure providers is essential. This panel will challenge siloed thinking and explore what effective partnership looks like in practice — from early planning through to delivery on the ground.
The conversation will also highlight the importance of aligning infrastructure investment with community outcomes, ensuring growth is not only efficient, but sustainable and inclusive.
From ideas to action
The Residential Development Summit 2026 brings together the people driving change across the housing system. With expert speakers, real-world case studies and global perspectives, the summit creates space for meaningful dialogue and practical solutions.
The “Building the Foundations for Future Communities” panel is a cornerstone of that programme — offering insight into how infrastructure decisions made today will shape where and how New Zealanders live tomorrow.
From the site tour to the closing keynote, this is where ideas turn into action — and where the future of residential development takes shape.
Tickets available now – register today.
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Residential Development Summit 2026 – Pre-Summit tour
Book your tickets! Get an exclusive look at some of Auckland's most exciting residential developments. Explore innovative projects, meet the people behind them, and hear about new schemes set to be announced. The […]
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Residential Development Summit 2026
New Zealand International Convention Centre 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central, Auckland, New ZealandBook your tickets! Registrations are open now!New Zealand’s premier residential development forum will return to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Thursday 26 March 2026, as leaders from the residential development sector gather for […]
