With new faces and fresh energy across the regions, our members continue to shape the future of property from every corner of Aotearoa.
Harmans promotes Rebecca Kettle to Partner
Harmans Lawyers proudly welcomes Rebecca Kettle to its partnership — Rebecca is a rising star with sharp insight and proven leadership.
Rebecca Kettle joined Harmans in 2018 with a strong academic background, including a first-class honours degree from Otago and experience at a large national law firm. Rebecca has quickly become an integral member of the Commercial and Property Law Team, specialising in business and commercial law, franchising, residential and commercial property, and asset protection.
Rebecca is an active member of the Canterbury Women’s Legal Association and is an advocate for gender equality in the profession, having recently championed enhancements to Harmans’ parental leave policy. Known for her sharp insight, approachable and collaborative style, we are delighted to welcome Rebecca to the partnership and look forward to the fresh energy and expertise she brings.
MinterEllisonRuddWatts appoints next Chief Executive Officer
MinterEllisonRuddWatts are pleased to announce that Aaron Hockly has been appointed as the firm’s next Chief Executive Officer.
Aaron has almost 25 years of experience across corporate governance, financial services, property, and law. His career began in private practice law and in-house legal roles in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, before progressing into senior executive roles.
Most recently, Aaron served as CEO of the NZX-listed Vital Healthcare Property Trust, where he successfully led the $3.6 billion trans-Tasman healthcare landlord through a period of significant growth and improved stakeholder relationships. Prior to this, he was COO and General Counsel at the ASX-listed Growthpoint Properties Australia.
Current Chief Executive, Andrew Poole, played a pivotal role in the firm’s success over the past 7 years, fostering a strong culture and providing exceptional leadership through challenging times, including the Covid era. MinterEllisonRuddWatts are grateful for his continued energy and commitment as he drives key initiatives and supports our people during the transition period.
Aaron will join MinterEllisonRuddWatts in March 2026. Congratulations Aaron!
Holmes appoint Sam Cooper as Manager Director
The Holmes Group Board is delighted to announce Sam Cooper will step into the Holmes Group Managing Director role in July 2026.
Sam first started with Holmes in 2001, adding US and international experience with Thorton Tomasetti based in New York, before returning to Holmes in 2013. As Managing Principal for Holmes in Australia and New Zealand, Sam has been leading the largest part of the business since 2022. During his time as Managing Principal, Sam has presided over a highly successful period for the business in Australasia.
Sam will take over from John Hare, who held the role over a very prosperous decade for Holmes Group, during which the business nearly doubled in size and significantly extended its international reach. John will continue at Holmes, guiding strategy, supporting the development of our leaders, and continuing to make a strong contribution to the engineering industry at the highest level.
Mark Whiteside, current Regional Manager for the South, takes over from Sam as the Managing Principal for Holmes in Australia and New Zealand. Mark has been at Holmes since 2004, including many years as a Project Director and Business Manager for the Christchurch office, and most recently as Regional Manager in the South Island.
These changes all take effect on 1 July 2026, with a long transition period ensuring continuity and stability for Holmes, its clients and partners.
Hamish McLauchlan appointed as Kiwi Property’s new Head of Development - Drury
Hamish McLauchlan has joined Kiwi Property as Head of Development – Drury, bringing extensive experience across Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Previously from Fletcher Building, Hamish held senior roles leading the Industrial Development and Asset Management businesses. His deep expertise spanning multiple asset classes makes him a fantastic fit to lead Kiwi Property’s Drury development.
Kiwi Property also farewell David Schwartfeger, who is departing after six years of outstanding contribution to the Drury development – from negotiating major land sales to navigating complex planning processes, resulting in a recent Fast-track approval.
Kiwi Property thank David for his exceptional contributions and look forward to building on this momentum as Hamish leads Drury into an exciting new chapter.
TSA Riley Expands Infrastructure Offering in the UK and Enters Canadian Market
Global project consultancy TSA Riley has announced a significant expansion of its UK infrastructure team and entry into the Canadian market through a merger with D2.
The addition of D2 brings TSA Riley’s team to nearly 1,100 expert project consultants, enhancing its already robust linear infrastructure services, with deep expertise in planning, project controls, risk management and digital products and delivery. D2 is an independent project management consultancy with offices in Manchester, UK, and Toronto, Canada. Founded in the UK in 2011, D2 entered the Canadian market in 2021 and has since established a strong presence.
TSA Riley continues to pursue strategic growth across geographies, services, and headcount, with a strong presence already in Australia, the UK & Ireland, New Zealand, and South-East Asia. This latest partnership builds on the successful integration of Henry Riley, DGA Group, and RGB Assurance into the TSA Riley group over the past 2 years.
Ruruku Grows Team with Two New Appointments
Priyanka Durga recently joined Ruruku as an Assistant Project Manager after finishing her double degree at university. With a background in architecture and building science, Priyanka brings practical experience in structural engineering, site surveying, and project coordination. She’s passionate about sustainable solutions and thrives in collaborative environments, using clear communication, adaptability, and a detail-focused approach to support efficient delivery and meaningful outcomes across diverse projects.
Pete Sciascia recently joined Ruruku as a Quantity Surveyor/ Project Manager. With over 12 years in commercial construction, Peter brings a hands-on approach to managing projects and keeping things running smoothly. He values collaboration and clear communication to deliver quality results on time and on budget. Having played team sports all his life, Peter brings the same teamwork, commitment, and competitive spirit to every project he’s involved in.
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