The 2026 Residential Development Summit has announced a powerhouse addition to its keynote programme: Harry Mowbray, co-founder of Zuru and one of New Zealand’s most inventive entrepreneurial minds.
25–26 March 2026
NZICC | Auckland
The Summit will bring together leaders from across housing, infrastructure and development to explore how bold thinking and coordinated action can unlock smarter, faster pathways to progress.
A groundbreaking approach to construction
In his keynote session, Harry Mowbray will share insights from Zuru’s disruptive approach to residential construction, an approach that is challenging conventional models and redefining what’s possible in the sector.
Drawing on Zuru’s industrialised building methods, Harry will explore how innovation, efficiency and technology are transforming every stage of the building process, from design through to delivery. His session will delve into:
- How advanced manufacturing principles can streamline housing production
- The role of technology in improving precision, speed and scalability
- Practical lessons learned from implementing new systems at scale
- The measurable impact of innovation on project outcomes, timelines and cost management
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how forward-thinking construction approaches can drive productivity, reduce risk and inspire new ways of working across the residential sector.
From Hamilton roots to global enterprise
Born and educated in Hamilton, Harry Mowbray’s journey is defined by curiosity, experimentation and a drive to build things that last.
After graduating from University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Science in physics and chemistry, Harry began his career at the Kinleith Pulp and Paper Mill, where he rose to assistant superintendent of the #6 paper machine. Even in those early years, his entrepreneurial instincts were unmistakable. He built his first home largely by hand, established forestry blocks and rehabilitated multiple run-down farms — hands-on projects that reflected both ingenuity and grit.
Harry later founded an engineering, supply and consulting company serving the pulp and paper sector across New Zealand and Australia. But it was a school science project with his 10-year-old son Mathew (a handmade hot-air balloon) that would change everything.
The project won national competitions and evolved into Guru Toys, which would eventually become Zuru — now one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers and a global consumer-goods powerhouse led by two of Harry’s sons and daughter. From toys, the business expanded into nappies, pet food, beauty and FMCG, before turning its attention to one of the world’s most pressing challenges: housing.
Today, Zuru’s industrialised housing venture reflects the same DNA that drove its success in manufacturing — systemisation, scale, speed and relentless innovation.
A sector at a crossroads
The 2026 Residential Development Summit comes at a pivotal moment for Aotearoa. New Zealand’s housing system faces mounting pressure, from planning reform and infrastructure funding constraints to delivery bottlenecks and affordability challenges.
Held at the NZICC in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the Summit will unite developers, iwi, councils, government, investors and innovators to tackle these issues head-on. Across two intensive days, delegates will hear from national and international experts, explore real-world case studies and engage in robust discussions on planning reform, funding models, construction innovation and community outcomes.
From the opening sessions to the closing keynote, the event is designed to move beyond conversation and into action — connecting the people who are driving change and shaping thriving communities across Aotearoa.
Inspiration meets action
Harry Mowbray’s keynote promises to be a highlight of the programme. His story — from hands-on builder and engineer to global manufacturer and housing innovator — mirrors the kind of bold, systems-level thinking the sector now requires.
For anyone serious about transforming residential delivery in New Zealand, this is a session not to be missed.
Tickets are available now, with just five weeks to go until the Summit opens its doors.
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