Property Council New Zealand is proud to celebrate two of its members among those recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours — Peter Thompson and Evan Davies, both of whom have made outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s business, community and civic life.
Peter Thompson — Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot & Thompson, has been recognised for his exceptional services to philanthropy and rugby.
Under Peter’s leadership, Barfoot & Thompson has contributed more than $6 million to the Starship Foundation over more than 20 years — one of New Zealand’s most enduring corporate-community partnerships. His commitment to giving back extends to rugby, where he has coached and managed teams from school level through to provincial sides within the Auckland Rugby Union. He also led Barfoot & Thompson’s sponsorship of the World Masters Games in 2017 and has supported the New Zealand Olympic Committee since 2010.
This honour reflects decades of quiet, consistent generosity — and a leadership philosophy that puts community at the centre.
Evan Davies — Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Evan Davies, currently group chief executive of Todd Corporation, has been recognised for his services to business and governance.
Evan served as the inaugural chief executive of SkyCity Entertainment Group from 1996 to 2007, overseeing the development of one of New Zealand’s most iconic structures — the Auckland Sky Tower. He was named chief executive of the year at the Deloitte Top 200 Awards in 2000 and led SkyCity to Company of the Year in 2001.
Beyond his corporate career, Evan has given considerable time to not-for-profit and civic roles. He has been a trustee of the Melanesian Mission Trust Board since 1998, a trustee of the Anglican Trust for Women and Children since 2005, and a director of the Auckland City Mission since 2017. He chairs the Finance Committee of the Auckland Arts Festival and the Tāmaki Regeneration Company and has held a range of central and local government appointments — including chairing the Health Capital Investment Committee and serving as deputy chair of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His career embodies the kind of leadership Property Council champions: commercially astute, community-focused and committed to shaping the places where New Zealanders live and work.
Property Council extends its warmest congratulations to both Peter and Evan on this well-deserved recognition.
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Property Council members recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
