Rhys McKenzie Appointed Property Council National Board Intern

As the leading voice of New Zealand’s property sector, Property Council New Zealand has a responsibility to invest in the future of our industry. Through our National Board Internship, we are creating a meaningful pathway for emerging leaders to gain first-hand governance experience, contribute to sector-wide decision-making, and build capability at the highest level of our organisation. This initiative reflects our directors’ commitment to strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring the long-term depth, diversity, and resilience of leadership across the property sector.

Far from being a token role, the National Board Internship offers a genuinely immersive governance experience. The intern is expected to actively contribute to board discussions, share their perspective, and support the development of advocacy and business strategy, operational matters, and the general business of Property Council.

In return, National Board Directors provide informal mentorship, a supportive and inclusive environment, and the opportunity to connect with—and learn from—some of the most experienced property professionals in the country. The appointment is for a two-year term, commencing on 1 January 2026.

Applications for the 2026–2027 National Board Internship opened in late 2025, with seven outstanding applications received before the closing date. The calibre of applicants exceeded all expectations, and directors were delighted by the depth of talent and strong interest in both the property industry and Property Council’s work.

We are very pleased to announce that Rhys McKenzie, Project Manager at Hawkins, has been appointed to the National Board Intern position.

Rhys is an experienced Project Manager with more than 15 years of leadership experience delivering complex, high-risk construction projects, including live, custodial, and public-facing environments. He entered the construction sector straight out of school as a labourer with Arrow International during the 2009 global financial crisis, later completing a construction cadetship and a Diploma in Construction Management.

By 2014, Rhys had progressed through the ranks from Foreman to Site Manager, and at just 24 years old was promoted to Construction Project Manager. He remained with Arrow International until 2019 before joining Hawkins, where he continues to lead major projects across the sector.

Rhys is deeply passionate about the property and construction sector and has had the opportunity throughout his career to collaborate with exceptional individuals and organisations on a wide range of successful projects. His leadership on his most recent project, Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct Stage 3 (WQIP Site 6), was formally recognised when the Building Institute of Aotearoa awarded him Winner of the BBD Projects over $50M category at the Building People Awards.

Property Council looks forward to welcoming Rhys to the National Board and to the valuable contribution he will make over the 2026–2027 term.

Find out more about the Board Internship here.