Celebrating our Women of Impact in Property 2026

Earlier this month, we had the privilege of bringing together an extraordinary group of wāhine toa to celebrate the inaugural Women of Impact in Property 2026.

Launched last year, the initiative recognises 30 outstanding women who are shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment — from placemaking and design through to development, investment, and community impact. Following their announcement on International Women’s Day, this event marked a moment to come together, reflect, and celebrate the collective impact of these inspiring leaders.

The room was filled with energy, pride, and a shared sense of purpose. Each of the honourees represents not only individual excellence, but also the growing strength, diversity, and leadership within our industry. From established leaders to emerging voices, their contributions are influencing how our cities and communities are designed, built, and experienced.

This initiative is an important part of Property Council New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By recognising and elevating the achievements of women across the property sector, we aim to highlight the breadth of talent within our industry and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The celebration event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of this year’s honourees, connect with peers, and hear firsthand the stories behind their impact — from leading major projects to driving meaningful change behind the scenes.

We extend our sincere congratulations to all those recognised in the 2026 Women of Impact in Property list. Your leadership, innovation, and commitment are helping shape stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient communities across Aotearoa.

We also thank our members and the wider industry for their nominations and continued support of this initiative.

This is just the beginning. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and champion the women making a lasting impact on our built environment for years to come.

Whakamihi — congratulations once again to our 2026 Women of Impact in Property.

Meet the 2026 Women of Impact in Property

The list is non-ranked and presented alphabetically.

Abi Richards — Project Manager, Antarctica New Zealand
Alexandra Isherwood — Partner, Tavendale and Partners
Ana Moriarty — Senior Investment Manager, Kiwi Property Group
Anna Kennedy — Director Valuation Services, FordBaker Valuation
Bernie Pitt — Quantity Surveyor, Hampton Jones Property Consultancy
Chagalle Ellis — Partner, Real Estate, PwC
Claire McLellan — Director, Quality and Risk Management, CBRE
Davina Henderson — National Director – Strategic Business Development, Bayleys Real Estate
Elisapeta Heta — Principal & Kaihautū Whaihanga – Māori Design Leader, Jasmax
Jane Holland — Partner, Bell Gully
Jane Kelly — Director / Architect, TEAM Architects
Jenna Adamson — CEO / Director, Private Family Office / Southern Infrastructure
Jennifer Andrews — Asset Manager – Retail Portfolio, Oyster Property
Jenny Zhang — Shop Drawing Manager, Summerset Group
Jo Hatchman — Director – Quantity Surveyor, Hatch Consulting
Karin Speight — Sector Lead – Land Development, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Tonkin + Taylor
Kerry O’Donnell — Partner, Property and Private Client, Anderson Lloyd
Laura Johns — Director, RDT Pacific
Lauren Joyce — Head of Auckland Office Portfolio, Precinct Properties
Louise Martin — Head of Legal & Company Secretary, Auckland Airport
Marilyn Storey — Head of Development, Argosy Property Limited
Mitika Chaturvedi — Sustainability Lead, Fosters Construction Group
Nikki Mazur — Head of Property – New Zealand & Pacific, ANZ Bank New Zealand
Rachel Morgan — Director, Barker & Associates
Rebecca Ryder — Partner | Landscape Architect, Boffa Miskell
Renée Young — Associate Director | New Zealand Mechanical Lead, Norman Disney & Young
Renee Smith-Apanui — Pou Tāhū | Managing Director, ŌRUA
Sarah Toase — Chief Executive, Crane Association of New Zealand
Tamba Carleton — New Zealand Research Director, CBRE
Tessa Beetham — Wellington Buildings Structures Lead, Aurecon

Celebrating impact across the sector

Honourees were selected from nominations received across Aotearoa and represent a wide range of disciplines, regions and career stages. Together, they reflect the growing influence of women across every corner of the property industry — from engineering and architecture to development, investment, governance and research.

The 2026 honourees were recognised at a dedicated celebration event hosted by programme partner MinterEllisonRuddWatts in May.

Property Council looks forward to continuing to celebrate the wāhine making a difference across the industry when Women of Impact in Property 2027 nominations open in October.

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