This International Women’s Day, Property Council New Zealand has unveiled the inaugural Women of Impact in Property list, recognising 30 wāhine whose work over the past year is shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s built environment.
Spanning developers, designers, engineers, strategists, policy leaders and project specialists, the list reflects the depth and diversity of talent across the property ecosystem. From major infrastructure and urban regeneration projects to research, policy and sustainability leadership, each honouree is making a meaningful contribution to the places where New Zealanders live, work, play and connect.
Importantly, Women of Impact in Property is not a competition. The list is intentionally non-ranked, with every honouree recognised equally for the influence and impact they have delivered across the sector.
Property Council Chief Executive Leonie Freeman says the programme aims to shine a light on the many forms leadership takes across the property industry.
“Our cities are built by people, and behind every great place are women creating change: leading teams, mentoring others, challenging thinking and delivering outcomes that benefit us all,” says Freeman.
“Women of Impact is about visibility, recognition and inspiration. We want the sector – and the public – to see what leadership looks like in all its forms.”
The initiative reflects Property Council’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and will become an annual International Women’s Day tradition, celebrating the wāhine who are helping shape a stronger and more inclusive industry.
Women of Impact in Property is proudly supported by MinterEllisonRuddWatts.
Meet your 2026 Women of Impact in Property
The list is non-ranked and presented alphabetically.
- Abi Richards — Project Manager, Antarctica New Zealand
- Alexandra Isherwood — Partner, Tavendale and Partners
- Ana Moriarty — Senior Investment Manager, Kiwi Property Group
- Anna Kennedy — Director Valuation Services, FordBaker Valuation
- Bernie Pitt — Quantity Surveyor, Hampton Jones Property Consultancy
- Chagalle Ellis — Partner, Real Estate, PwC
- Claire McLellan — Director, Quality and Risk Management, CBRE
- Davina Henderson — National Director – Strategic Business Development, Bayleys Real Estate
- Elisapeta Heta — Principal & Kaihautū Whaihanga – Māori Design Leader, Jasmax
- Jane Holland — Partner, Bell Gully
- Jane Kelly — Director / Architect, TEAM Architects
- Jenna Adamson — CEO / Director, Private Family Office / Southern Infrastructure
- Jennifer Andrews — Asset Manager – Retail Portfolio, Oyster Property
- Jenny Zhang — Shop Drawing Manager, Summerset Group
- Jo Hatchman — Director – Quantity Surveyor, Hatch Consulting
- Karin Speight — Sector Lead – Land Development, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Tonkin + Taylor
- Kerry O’Donnell — Partner, Property and Private Client, Anderson Lloyd
- Laura Johns — Director, RDT Pacific
- Lauren Joyce — Head of Auckland Office Portfolio, Precinct Properties
- Louise Martin — Head of Legal & Company Secretary, Auckland Airport
- Marilyn Storey — Head of Development, Argosy Property Limited
- Mitika Chaturvedi — Sustainability Lead, Fosters Construction Group
- Nikki Mazur — Head of Property – New Zealand & Pacific, ANZ Bank New Zealand
- Rachel Morgan — Director, Barker & Associates
- Rebecca Ryder — Partner | Landscape Architect, Boffa Miskell
- Renée Young — Associate Director | New Zealand Mechanical Lead, Norman Disney & Young
- Renee Smith-Apanui — Pou Tāhū | Managing Director, ŌRUA
- Sarah Toase — Chief Executive, Crane Association of New Zealand
- Tamba Carleton — New Zealand Research Director, CBRE
- Tessa Beetham — Wellington Buildings Structures Lead, Aurecon
Celebrating impact across the sector
Honourees were selected from nominations received across Aotearoa and represent a wide range of disciplines, regions and career stages. Together, they reflect the growing influence of women across every corner of the property industry — from engineering and architecture to development, investment, governance and research.
The 2026 honourees will also be recognised at a dedicated celebration event hosted by programme partner MinterEllisonRuddWatts in May.
Property Council looks forward to continuing to celebrate the wāhine making a difference across the industry when Women of Impact in Property 2027 nominations open in October.