Despite a challenging economic backdrop, FY2025 was a year of resilience, influence, and impact for Property Council New Zealand. With more than 10,000 property professionals and 550+ member companies represented, Property Council continued to champion the sector, shape policy, and create value for members nationwide.
A year of recalibration
The year unfolded against muted economic growth, persistent inflation, and a cautious investment climate. Businesses consolidated and paused projects, with the sector rallying under the mantra “Survive to 2025.” Recognising the pressures on members, the Property Council held membership fee increases to inflation levels while maintaining full-service delivery. Careful stewardship and strong reserves positioned the organisation to keep delivering exceptional value despite headwinds.
Industry leadership in action
Property Council cemented its position as the trusted voice of property. The launch of the Inclusion Alliance brought together 20 chief executives committed to driving meaningful diversity and inclusion across the industry. Modelled on Australia’s Champions of Change, the initiative sets measurable commitments to gender equity, cultural competence, and pathways for Māori and Pasifika talent.
Honouring outstanding leadership, Antony Gough was named 2024 Member Laureate for his decades of service, including spearheading Christchurch’s rebuild after the 2011 earthquakes.
Practical tools also advanced member value, with the launch of free, modernised commercial lease templates for office and industrial sectors – saving members time, cost, and complexity.
Advocacy that delivers
With 317 stakeholder meetings and 44 submissions across central and local government, the Advocacy Team delivered influence at scale.
Wins included:
- Overseas Investment Amendment Bill creating a Build-to-Rent consent pathway.
- Adoption of PCNZ’s proposal for a National Products Register.
- Confirmation of the Fast Track Consenting Bill.
- Development contributions overhaul introducing an independent regulator.
- Reduced Fire and Emergency NZ levy increases.
At a regional level, Property Council secured tangible outcomes, from reduced business rates in Christchurch to retained free parking in Hamilton and stadium investment in Tauranga.
Exceptional member value
Members stayed connected through an 83-strong events programme attracting over 10,000 attendees nationwide.
Highlights included:
- Political Breakfast with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (448 guests).
- Property Industry Awards (1,586 attendees).
- Property Conference 2024 (387 attendees, 98% recommendation rate).
- Residential Development Summit (313 attendees).
The DevelopU training academy grew its offering, launching the Transformational Leadership Blueprint, a hands-on programme equipping senior leaders with practical tools for navigating organisational change.
Membership remained stable despite economic challenges, with 75 new companies joining. Encouragingly, many were small businesses, highlighting the accessibility and relevance of membership.
Amplifying the voice of property
Property Council’s communications reach grew significantly, with 238 mainstream media mentions, 61 speaking engagements, and a new opinion column in New Zealand Property Investor Magazine. Digital engagement remained strong, with a 32.6% average email open rate and a sharp rise in member satisfaction.
The annual survey recorded a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 27, up from 16 in 2024 – evidence that members increasingly value and recommend the Property Council as their preferred property industry membership association.
A resilient organisation
Behind the scenes, Property Council maintained strong governance, welcomed a refreshed National Board chaired by Mark Thomson (Auckland Airport), and nurtured a stable, engaged team. Staff turnover sat at 21%, supported by professional development opportunities and an embedded culture of collaboration.
Financially, we delivered a $163,000 operating surplus, well above the modest budget target, while maintaining the Financial Resilience Fund at $2.27 million – ensuring long-term sustainability and the ability to weather future shocks.
Looking ahead
FY2026 promises continued momentum: the launch of a standard retail lease template, further development of the Inclusion Alliance, and expanded advocacy influence under a new government agenda. With a strong financial base, stable membership, and proven track record, Property Council New Zealand remains dedicated to shaping cities where communities thrive.