Property Council Champions for Change Initiative Sets a New Standard for Industry Diversity

Property Council New Zealand has marked a pivotal moment in the drive to create a more inclusive property sector in New Zealand with the launch of the inaugural Champions for Change (CFC) programme at the recent Property Conference.

This initiative brings together 20 prominent industry leaders, at Chief Executive level, all committed to advancing gender diversity and representation within the industry with an initial priority supporting women and Māori in senior leadership roles.

Modelled on a successful programme by the Property Council of Australia, the New Zealand coalition aims to identify and then implement transformational changes across the industry. By pushing for top-down inclusivity, the Champions will lead their organisations—and the broader property community— as we make a sector-wide move and embrace leadership that better reflects the communities they serve.

Leonie Freeman, Chief Executive of Property Council New Zealand, stressed the importance of addressing these issues now. “If we want to attract and retain top talent, achieve high performance, and play a crucial leadership role in shaping positive change, we must start now,” said Freeman. “As the largest industry in Aotearoa, the property sector has a responsibility to champion diversity and inclusion.”

In Australia, the Champions for Change programme has been running since 2015, boasting 29 members representing more than 26,000 employees. These members hail from various sectors, including development, construction, investment, and agency, and work both within their organisations and across the industry to promote gender equality. The New Zealand Champions for Change programme will officially kick off on 17 October with an inaugural workshop, where participating leaders will establish shared commitments and outcomes. Progress will be measured, and member organisations will be held to account.  Each member organisation must report annually on their efforts to meet the programme’s key principles. Accountability is central to the programmes success. Organisations that fail to uphold their commitments may have their signatory status removed by the Property Council, ensuring that progress is driven by genuine action rather than symbolic gestures.

An annual DEI survey will also help to measure the collective impact of the programme.

Freeman’s call to action for the property industry echoes the wider business imperative for inclusivity. “This is our opportunity to leave a lasting legacy not just for our industry, but for New Zealand as a whole.”