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Programme
A full day of ESG exploration
We’re counting down to 15 May at the Grand Millennium, Auckland!
Please note this is a preliminary programme and is subject to change.
7:45 am Registration desk open
8:40 am Conference Opening
Daniel Faitaua
Master of Ceremonies
8:50 am Welcome
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive Officer, Property Council New Zealand
9:00 am Government Address
Hon Chris Penk
Minister for Building and Construction
9:20 am Opening Keynote | Climate Change – Are we doing enough?
Dr Rod Carr
Former Chair, Climate Change Commission
10:00 am Te Ao Māori | ESG in the long term
Lisa Davis
Chief Executive Officer, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
10:30 am Paramanawa
Morning Tea
11:05 am Decarbonising Development: Engaging Your Supply Chain for Impact
Facilitated by Lisa Hinde, Head of Sustainability, Precinct Properties New Zealand
Ben Cannon
Sustainability Manager, LT McGuinness
Gemma Wilson
General Manager Carbon Advisory, TSA Riley
Steph Miller
Project Director, Holmes Group
11:35 am The New Landscape for Talent
Meghana Gaddam
Property and Economics student, University of Auckland
11:55 am Panel | Wellness in Buildings: Benchmark, Measure, Achieve
Facilitated by Daniel Faitaua, Master of Ceremonies
Clare Gallagher
National Sustainability Manager, Built
Bobby Shen
Senior Manager – Existing Buildings, NZGBC
12:25 pm The Labour Party Update
Hon Dr Deborah Russell
Labour Party Climate Spokeswoman
12:45 pm Tina
Lunchtime
1:40 pm Panel | ESG Governance: Leadership and Resilience
Facilitated by Leonie Freeman, CEO, Property Council New Zealand
Anne Urlwin
Chair, Precinct Properties New Zealand
Andy Eakin
Chief Financial Officer, Goodman Property
Rachel Winder
Director, Argosy Property
2:15 pm Mental Health Resilience with Matt Heath
Session sponsored by Spaceworks
Matt Heath
Actor, Producer, Radio Host, Sports Commentator
2:50 pm Property Council Report Card
Katherine Wilson
Head of Advocacy, Property Council New Zealand
3:00 pm Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:30 pm Reimagining Green: What We’d Do Differently Today
Bridget Pyć
Property Sustainability Manager, Samson
Saatyesh Bhana
Head of Sustainability, Argosy Property
4:05 pm Closing Keynote | Harnessing AI for ESG Success
Michelle Dickinson
Nano Girl / Science Educator
4:50 pm Conference Closing
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive Officer, Property Council New Zealand
5:00-6:30 pm Networking Function
Biography
Chris Penk has been the MP for Kaipara Ki Mahurangi since 2017, following in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key. His Ministerial portfolios include Building and Construction, Small Business and Manufacturing, Land Information, Veterans Affairs, Associate Defence and Associate Immigration. In the Building and Construction portfolio he is focused on streamlining the building consent system, reducing red tape and unnecessary regulation, and promoting competition of material and product supply in the market.
Chris studied at the University of Auckland, gaining a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). After his initial studies, he joined the Royal New Zealand Navy, serving on frigate HMNZS Te Kaha, and then the submarine squadron of Australia’s Navy. After practising law for a number of years, including in a firm he co-founded, Chris entered Parliament in 2017 to represent the then-Helensville electorate.”
9:00 am
Government Address
Join Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction for this exclusive government update.
Matt Heath
Actor, Producer, Radio Host, Sports Commentator
Session sponsored by
Matt Heath first entered the public eye by writing, producing and starring in the 2001 TV2 late-night stunt show Back of the Y Masterpiece Television with his high school friends. The show became a hit, ran for three seasons and spun off into MTV Europe Stunt Night, Randy Campbell on Balls of Steel (UK), and the feature film The Devil Dared Me To (Dick in the US), starring Matt as Dick Johansonson. Around this time, his band Deja Voodoo reached the top 20 with Brown Sabbath featuring the ‘hits’ Beers and Today Tomorrow, Timaru. Two further albums and multiple tours followed.
After the birth of his first child, Matt moved back to New Zealand permanently, where he continued to produce and appear on TV shows and eventually entered the world of radio. He spent 11 years on Radio Hauraki’s highly successful The Matt and Jerry Breakfast Show with Co-host Jeremy Wells before replacing Simon Barnett on Newstalk ZB Afternoons where he is today.
Since 2015, Matt has commentated cricket, rugby, and sailing with the ACC. In 2021, after ten years as a columnist in the NZ Herald, he was appointed happiness editor, allowing him to write extensively in the male mental health space. On the back of this work, in 2024, Matt released his first book, the number one best-selling A Life Less Punishing. 13 Ways To Love the Life You Got, and later that year, he released his second, The Alternative Commentary Collective Almanack. His podcasts, The Matt and Jerry Daily Bespoke and The Agenda have been hugely successful, gaining millions of yearly downloads. In recent years, he has appeared on Taskmaster, The Project, Best Bits, Have You Been Paying Attention, Traitors, Game of Two Halves and many others. Matt lives in Auckland with his partner and his two teenage sons.
2:20 pm | Mental Health Resilience with Matt Heath
Broadcaster, comedian, and writer Matt Heath will share the deeply personal story of how he rebuilt his mental resilience after the loss of his mother and the breakdown of a long-term relationship. Sitting alone on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, he reached a pivotal moment – realising that to move forward, he needed to become his own biggest supporter. This led him on a journey of research, self-improvement, and practical habit-building that ultimately changed his life.
Matt will bring his signature wit and insight to focus on key themes from his book and personal experiences, from practical steps to improve mental wellbeing to how businesses can support employee resilience.
Biography
Andy’s role as Chief Financial Officer involves managing the finance and treasury activities of Goodman Property Trust. He is also the Chair of the Corporate Social Responsibility committee which encompasses ESG matters material to Goodman including providing sustainability leadership across the business. Andy joined Goodman in March 2011, has more than 30 years’ experience in finance roles in Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand, and is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
1:45 pm | ESG Governance: Leadership and Resilience Panel
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities continue to shape business strategies, strong governance is essential for driving meaningful change. This panel explores key issues in ESG governance, including the role of diversity and inclusion in leadership, the motivations behind ESG initiatives, and how to maintain focus during economic downturns. Learn how governance roles can champion sustainability and inclusion while ensuring resilience in challenging times. Gain insights from experts on navigating the evolving ESG landscape and the importance of aligning governance with long-term organisational goals. Discover why ESG governance matters now more than ever.
Hon Simon Watts
Member of Parliament
Minister for Climate Change
Website
Biography
Details to come.
9:00 am | Government Address
Join Hon Simon Watts as he provides a government update.
Biography
Clare is passionate about healthier buildings, that use fewer resources and drive positive social and environmental outcomes, She loves working in the sustainability sector where we are constantly innovating to improve the built environment for people and the environment. ,
As National Sustainability Manager at Built, a large main contractor operating in Australia, UK and Aotearoa, she works with clients, integrating their values to inspire change and action on projects and delivering leading sustainability results.
Her project highlights include Substation No 164, Barrack Place and she is currently working on Atlassian’s new ultra sustainable tower in Sydney and the Nyaal Banyul Convention and Exhibition Centre in Geelong.
11:55 am | Panel
Panel | Wellness in Buildings: Benchmark, Measure, Achieve
Wellness is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable building design, but how can we effectively measure and improve it? This session explores practical strategies for benchmarking and assessing health in buildings, providing insights into tools like WELL and Green Star. Learn how to incorporate wellness principles into your projects and leverage green building standards to enhance occupant well-being. From indoor air quality to lighting and beyond, discover how health-focused design can transform spaces and create environments that support productivity, comfort, and sustainability. Gain actionable knowledge to prioritise wellness in your building projects.
Gemma Wilson is the General Manager of TSA Riley’s carbon advisory business within its ESG offering. With over 20 years of experience in project delivery across London, the Middle East, and Aotearoa, Gemma has transitioned from leading complex projects to focusing on sustainability and decarbonisation within the built environment.
As a leader in carbon advisory services, Gemma drives the integration of effective ESG strategies to help clients achieve their net-zero goals. Her architectural and project management background provides a unique perspective that bridges the gap between sustainability and project delivery. This enables her to balance innovative building methodologies and whole-of-life thinking with practical implementation and supply chain engagement.
Gemma is a key contributor to discussions on delivering better ESG outcomes that align with broader business objectives. For instance, her team is conducting a research study for Precinct Properties, focusing on embodied carbon benchmarks, supplier decarbonisation capacity, and tools to help manage and minimise embodied carbon throughout project delivery. Through these efforts, Gemma integrates sustainability as a core component of project success.
11:05 am | Decarbonising Development: Engaging Your Supply Chain for Impact
Discover how to engage your supply chain partners to reduce embodied carbon and drive sustainable development. This session explores collaborative approaches to achieving better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes in the built environment. Gain insights into how working closely with supply chain stakeholders can enhance transparency, reduce lifecycle emissions, and embed sustainability into every stage of development. Learn from the example of Precinct Properties’ commissioned reporting, which showcases innovative methods for measuring, managing, and mitigating embodied carbon in construction and development. This discussion will provide actionable strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships that align with your organisation’s ESG and low-carbon development ambitions.
Biography
Steph is a Structural Engineer and Project Director at Holmes with experience delivering projects across New Zealand and the UK. She has worked across many sectors, including commercial, healthcare, residential, sports facilities, and retail.
It was during a four-year period consulting in the UK that Steph was able to take her passion for sustainable design and apply that to the everyday delivery of projects. She is committed to the role that structural engineers play in a sustainable, low emissions industry by understanding the origins and environmental impacts of the materials they specify. She champions the “own your own carbon” catch-cry.
Steph brings a thorough understanding of design influences and the local supply chain for structural materials that enable projects to prioritise and achieve carbon reductions alongside other project objectives.
11:05 am | Decarbonising Development: Engaging Your Supply Chain for Impact
Discover how to engage your supply chain partners to reduce embodied carbon and drive sustainable development. This session explores collaborative approaches to achieving better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes in the built environment. Gain insights into how working closely with supply chain stakeholders can enhance transparency, reduce lifecycle emissions, and embed sustainability into every stage of development. Learn from the example of Precinct Properties’ commissioned reporting, which showcases innovative methods for measuring, managing, and mitigating embodied carbon in construction and development. This discussion will provide actionable strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships that align with your organisation’s ESG and low-carbon development ambitions.
Biography
Ben Cannon is the Sustainability Manager at LT McGuinness. With a background as a qualified carpenter and experience as a quantity surveyor, Ben brings a hands-on understanding of the construction industry’s technical and operational complexities. In his current role, he is responsible for driving sustainability initiatives across the organisation, including managing the company’s annual Toitū carbon audit, setting emissions reduction targets and increasing waste diversion.
Ben has supported over 15 Green Star projects and a Living Building Challenge project. He works closely with designers, suppliers, and project teams to implement emissions-reducing strategies through innovative materials and strategic procurement from low-carbon sources. His work is central to LT McGuinness’s commitment to sustainability, aligning environmental goals with operational outcomes while enhancing the company’s impact on the wider industry and supply chain.
11:05 am | Decarbonising Development: Engaging Your Supply Chain for Impact
Discover how to engage your supply chain partners to reduce embodied carbon and drive sustainable development. This session explores collaborative approaches to achieving better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes in the built environment. Gain insights into how working closely with supply chain stakeholders can enhance transparency, reduce lifecycle emissions, and embed sustainability into every stage of development. Learn from the example of Precinct Properties’ commissioned reporting, which showcases innovative methods for measuring, managing, and mitigating embodied carbon in construction and development. This discussion will provide actionable strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships that align with your organisation’s ESG and low-carbon development ambitions.
Biography
Lisa is Head of Sustainability at Precinct Properties and is responsible for implementing the ESG strategy for the business. She is a NABERSNZ assessor, Green Star Accredited Professional and WELL Accredited Profession and prior to moving to NZ 9 months ago, she was Head of Sustainability at Colliers working across APAC to guide, interpret and apply the growing repertoire of ESG systems and frameworks across multiple asset classes at different stages of the built environment lifecycle.
11:05 am | Decarbonising Development: Engaging Your Supply Chain for Impact
Discover how to engage your supply chain partners to reduce embodied carbon and drive sustainable development. This session explores collaborative approaches to achieving better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes in the built environment. Gain insights into how working closely with supply chain stakeholders can enhance transparency, reduce lifecycle emissions, and embed sustainability into every stage of development. Learn from the example of Precinct Properties’ commissioned reporting, which showcases innovative methods for measuring, managing, and mitigating embodied carbon in construction and development. This discussion will provide actionable strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships that align with your organisation’s ESG and low-carbon development ambitions.
Lisa Davis, a direct descendant of the revered Ngāti Whātua ancestor Tuperiri and is the first Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei uri to serve as CEO of the Trust.
Born and raised in Ōrākei, she carries the lived experience of ahi kā and the responsibility to protect and grow the iwi’s legacy.
Lisa leads with a deep understanding of what it means to be tangata whenua in the economic heart of Aotearoa, ensuring development is guided by kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, and rangatiratanga.
Guided by “Mō tātou, mō ā tātou tamariki, ā, mō ngā uri kei te heke mai”, Lisa is committed to long-term sustainability, embedding an intergenerational perspective into every decision and prioritising whānau.
10:00 am | Te Ao Māori - ESG in the long term
Discover how Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei’s 50–100-year plan exemplifies sustainable land management and cultural preservation, aligning with ESG principles. This session explores the integration of indigenous knowledge to drive governance innovation, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Gain insights into their partnerships with businesses, government, and communities, showcasing collaborative efforts to advance ESG goals while ensuring long-term benefits for future generations. Learn from a visionary approach that balances tradition with modern sustainability challenges.
Biography
Rachel brings over 20 years of global experience across the property spectrum -from management and finance to development and construction.
Her successes include working with high-net-worth trusts, government entities and global industries such as telecommunications and banking.
In addition to her extensive experience, she is a member of The Property Council of New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of Directors. She is currently a director of NZX Listed Argosy Property and a non-executive director of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, Te Atiawa Iwi Partnerships and Waikato Regional Airport.
Her many achievements include an MBA from the University of Otago and a Bachelor of Property from Auckland University.
Rachel is passionate about property, people and the planet. This key value creates the foundation for how she works with companies to achieve their organisational goals and future-proof their business.
She lives in Auckland with her husband and two sons.
1:45 pm | ESG Governance: Leadership and Resilience Panel
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities continue to shape business strategies, strong governance is essential for driving meaningful change. This panel explores key issues in ESG governance, including the role of diversity and inclusion in leadership, the motivations behind ESG initiatives, and how to maintain focus during economic downturns. Learn how governance roles can champion sustainability and inclusion while ensuring resilience in challenging times. Gain insights from experts on navigating the evolving ESG landscape and the importance of aligning governance with long-term organisational goals. Discover why ESG governance matters now more than ever.
Anne Urlwin is a professional director with broad governance experience across a diverse range of sectors including infrastructure, portfolio investment, property
development and construction, energy, telecommunications, financial services, regulation and health. Her governance experience is in public listed, private, Crown and local authority companies and statutory and not for profit entities.
She is Chair of Precinct Properties New Zealand Ltd (NZX : PCT), and a director of listed entities Vector, Infratil and Ventia. She is also a director of City Rail Link Ltd. She has a particular interest in sustainability and chairs Ventia’s Safety & Sustainability Committee, and the Audit & Risk Committees of Infratil and City Rail Link, as well as Vector’s Audit Committee.
Her previous governance roles include chairmanship of national commercial construction group Naylor Love and of the NZ Blood Service, and serving as the Independent Chair of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu’s Audit & Risk Committee. Other former roles include serving as a director of Queenstown Airport Corporation, Summerset Group Holdings, Cigna Insurance, Tilt Renewables Ltd, Chorus Ltd and Meridian Energy.
Anne is a member of NZX’s Corporate Governance Institute and of the Institute of Directors National Council.
1:45 pm | ESG Governance: Leadership and Resilience Panel
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities continue to shape business strategies, strong governance is essential for driving meaningful change. This panel explores key issues in ESG governance, including the role of diversity and inclusion in leadership, the motivations behind ESG initiatives, and how to maintain focus during economic downturns. Learn how governance roles can champion sustainability and inclusion while ensuring resilience in challenging times. Gain insights from experts on navigating the evolving ESG landscape and the importance of aligning governance with long-term organisational goals. Discover why ESG governance matters now more than ever.
Biography
Saatyesh has been with the management team for 15 years and was most recently an asset manager within the business. In this new role, his key responsibility is around educating, guiding and collaborating with stakeholders around sustainability. The practical benefits of sustainability are well known and Saatyesh’s role also covers advising on environmental matters including data collection, monitoring and reporting. Saatyesh is also responsible for the greening of key development projects within the portfolio. He also retains responsibility for the strategic management and financial performance of certain Auckland properties.
Saatyesh graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Business Studies degree, specialising in Valuation and Property Management. He has worked in a variety of private sector and listed property businesses. His 22 years’ experience includes acquisitions, divestments, leasing and value add projects. He has strong tenant relationship skills and these ensure a collaborative approach with clients. In 2016 awarded a Fellowship from the Property Institute of New Zealand.
3:30 pm | Reimagining Green: What We’d Do Differently Today
Explore the journey of sustainable building design and performance with Bridget Pyć, Property Sustainability Manager at Samson, and Saatyesh Bhana, Head of Sustainability at Argosy Property. Bridget will share insights into the Geyser Building and Iron Bank, two pioneering developments that set benchmarks for sustainability. Saatyesh will present on three standout properties in Argosy’s portfolio, showcasing their environmental performance and the strategies that made them successful. Together, they will reflect on lessons learned, performance outcomes, and what they would approach differently today, offering practical insights for the future of sustainable property development and management.
Biography
Bridget is the Property Sustainability Manager for Samson Corporation, focusing on buildings which enhance neighbourhoods, improve occupant well-being, and reduce impact on the environment. With a foundation in building controls, she currently focuses on improving energy and water efficiency, reducing operational carbon, implementing waste solutions, and driving sustainable business practices. Bridget brings a varied background of studies across physics, maths, marketing, sustainable business, and theatre, to deliver creative and practical solutions to business and environmental challenges.
3:30 pm | Reimagining Green: What We’d Do Differently Today
Explore the journey of sustainable building design and performance with Bridget Pyć, Property Sustainability Manager at Samson, and Saatyesh Bhana, Head of Sustainability at Argosy Property. Bridget will share insights into the Geyser Building and Iron Bank, two pioneering developments that set benchmarks for sustainability. Saatyesh will present on three standout properties in Argosy’s portfolio, showcasing their environmental performance and the strategies that made them successful. Together, they will reflect on lessons learned, performance outcomes, and what they would approach differently today, offering practical insights for the future of sustainable property development and management.
Biography
Meghana is a final-year Property and Economics conjoint student at the University of Auckland with a passion for housing affordability and the triple bottom line approach to business. She has explored social sustainability as a research, policy, and communications assistant for Melissa Lee (MP) and as the Youth MP for the Waikato electorate during the NZ Youth Parliament 2022, where she chaired the housing affordability select committee.
Her work as a sustainability analyst for Goodman provided insight into environmental responsibility, including benchmarking Scope 3 emissions for over 200 customers across their portfolio. Meghana gained valuable experience in financial sustainability during her 2023/24 internship in the Real Estate Deals team at PwC and furthered this knowledge during her summer internship at MA Financial Group in Sydney within their Real Estate Credit Team.
Outside of work and academics, she is committed to empowering future generations by helping kids argue better with their parents. Meghana founded one of Auckland’s first debate programs for middle schoolers and ran the National Secondary Schools Business Case Competition in 2023. As President of the University Case Club in 2025, she hopes to help her peers build vital skills and their dream career paths.
11:35 am | The New Landscape for Talent
What do young professionals really want from their workplaces, and how can companies adapt to attract and retain top talent? Young professional, Meghana Gaddam will dive into what it takes to broaden the workforce and create inclusive environments that appeal to diverse staff. You’ll gain insights into the expectations of the next generation, from flexibility and purpose-driven work to equity and representation. Join us to uncover how forward-thinking workplaces can thrive by prioritising diversity, innovation, and employee well-being.
Biography
Dr. Rod Carr completed his five-year term as the inaugural chair of New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission in December 2024. During his tenure as chair, he presented at over six hundred conferences, seminars, webinars, select committees and meetings.
His previous roles included ten years as Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury where he oversaw the rebuild of the University after the Canterbury earthquakes at a cost exceeding $800 million. For ten years he was a director of Lyttleton Port, including during the rebuild of the port at a cost exceeding $500m. Rod also served as a director of Crown owner Otakaro Ltd which delivered the Christchurch Convention Centre Te Pae at a cost of over $300 m.
Five university degrees, 23 Marathons including in Antarctica, the Arctic and North Korea, four adult children and a long-suffering wife of 45 years paint part of the picture.
9:20 am | Opening Keynote
Climate Change – Are We Doing Enough?
Join Dr Rod Carr for a compelling discussion on climate change and New Zealand’s response. Explore the nation’s current state of play, celebrating successes in areas like renewable energy and emissions reductions. Delve into critical gaps and challenges, identifying where we need to accelerate efforts to meet global targets. Gain insights into the policies, innovations, and collaborations essential for a sustainable future. Are we doing enough? Rod will challenge us to think, act, and improve.
Biography
Bobby Shen is the senior manager at the NZGBC looking at existing buildings. This includes the rating tools Green Star Performance, NABERSNZ, and Net Zero Buildings. He has a background in commercial architecture, sustainability, governance, and community development. In his role, he assists the property sector in Aotearoa to drive low-carbon and ESG responsive properties.
11:55 am | Panel
Panel | Wellness in Buildings: Benchmark, Measure, Achieve
Wellness is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable building design, but how can we effectively measure and improve it? This session explores practical strategies for benchmarking and assessing health in buildings, providing insights into tools like WELL and Green Star. Learn how to incorporate wellness principles into your projects and leverage green building standards to enhance occupant well-being. From indoor air quality to lighting and beyond, discover how health-focused design can transform spaces and create environments that support productivity, comfort, and sustainability. Gain actionable knowledge to prioritise wellness in your building projects.
Biography
Hon Megan Woods has been the Member of Parliament for Wigram since 2011. Born and raised in Christchurch, Megan is a passionate advocate for the community.
Megan is the Opposition Spokesperson for Climate Change, Energy and Resources, and Associate Spokesperson for Finance.
In previous Governments, Megan has held the ministerial portfolios for Housing, Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Building and Construction, Greater Christchurch Regeneration, Research, Science and Innovation, as well as Associate Finance.
Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Megan worked as a Business Manager at Plant & Food Research. She holds a PhD in New Zealand history from the University of Canterbury.
In her spare time, Megan enjoys watching cricket, rugby and spending her time with friends and family.
12:45 pm | The Labour Party Update
Join Hon Dr Megan Woods as she provides a Labour Party update.
Biography
Having set up and run New Zealand’s only nanomechanical testing laboratory that specialises in making and breaking tiny things (nano and micro), Michelle spends her time helping companies with board advisory around science and technology commercialisation including technical consulting for investors and VC’s looking for ROI advice for high-tech start-ups. Her experience spans academia, government labs and large-scale R&D departments. As a keynote speaker, Michelle loves to speak on the future of education and work, innovation & technology, change management, STEM and entrepreneurship.
4:05 pm | Closing Keynote
Harnessing AI for ESG Success
Dr. Michelle Dickinson, host of ARUP’s “Sustainable Forces” podcast, will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the property and construction industry. From streamlining project workflows and enhancing decision-making to improving supply chain transparency and enabling predictive analytics, AI empowers professionals to focus on high-impact ESG challenges. In this session, Michelle will share real-world examples of how AI is driving sustainability, efficiency, and innovation across the sector while addressing potential challenges and ethical considerations.
Biography
A well-respected industry leader, Leonie has extensive experience in the New Zealand property industry, having held top positions in both the public and private sectors. From creating the concept of what is now realestate.co.nz, to buying and transforming her own residential property management business, helping establish the new Auckland Council, and managing asset development for Housing New Zealand, there’s not many areas of property that Leonie has not touched.
In 2011, Leonie was appointed to the board of NZX-listed company Goodman Property Trust, and up until her 2018 appointment as Property Council’s Chief Executive, she dedicated her time to leading an independent philanthropic initiative to solve Auckland’s housing crisis.
Leonie holds a Master of Commerce, majoring in valuation and property management and is a life member of the Property Institute of New Zealand, a chartered member of the Institute of Directors, and a member of Global Women. In 2017 she was awarded the Property Institute’s Supreme Property Award, and the Property Council Auckland Property People Judges Choice Award, and in 2020 she received the prestigious Bledisloe Medal from Lincoln University.
Welcome & Conference Close
Biography
As Property Council’s Head of Advocacy, Katherine is tasked with leading advocacy campaigns at both a regional and national level. Level-headed and engaging, Katherine has both a law degree from Otago University and an arts degree (majoring in politics) from Auckland University. With solid experience as a policy analyst and advisor in Wellington and Auckland, she has extensive networks and solid analytical skills. Katherine is hugely dedicated, highly intelligent and committed to ensuring the voice of our members is heard at all levels of governance. She’s also relentlessly positive and enjoys a good chat.
2:50 pm | Property Council Advocacy Report Card
In this quickfire 10-minute session, Katherine will provide members with a snapshot of Property Council’s current workstreams, what’s on the horizon and how you can get involved to help champion the property industry.
Biography
A born and bred Cantabrian, Daniel is a journalist, producer, newsreader and presenter for TVNZ News and Current Affairs. From 2019-2022, Faitaua landed his ‘dream job’ as the network’s Europe Correspondent following several unprecedented events including the Queen’s funeral, war in Ukraine, jubilees, Prince Philip’s funeral, Brexit, elections, to interviewing the kiwi nurse who helped save Boris Johnson’s life, all amidst lockdown. Faitaua was also elected President of London’s Foreign Press Association, the first Kiwi ever to lead the organisation in its 134-year history.
Master of Ceremonies
We are honoured to have Daniel guiding us as out Master of Ceremonies at RESET25.