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Unlocking progress starts here.
The 2026 Residential Development Summit unites leaders from across the housing, infrastructure and development sectors to explore the opportunities ahead. Join developers, iwi, councils, government and innovators as we tackle the challenges of housing delivery, planning reform and infrastructure funding — and uncover the ideas shaping thriving communities across Aotearoa.
With expert speakers, real-world case studies and global perspectives, this two-day summit is your chance to connect, collaborate and help unlock smarter, faster pathways to progress.
New Zealand’s housing system is at a crossroads. Unlocking progress will take bold thinking, coordinated investment and genuine collaboration between public and private partners.
The 2026 Residential Development Summit brings together the people driving that change — developers, investors, planners, iwi, local government and policymakers — to explore the future of housing and infrastructure delivery.
Across one intensive day at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, delegates will hear from national and international experts, including insights from world-leading case studies, and thought-provoking discussions on planning reform, funding models, construction innovation and community outcomes.
From the site tour to the closing keynote, this is where ideas turn into action — and where the future of residential development takes shape.
We can’t wait to see you at the new NZ International Convention Centre in March!
Suggestions?
Do you have a topic, speaker or project you’d like to see grace the Residential Development Summit stage in future – contact the events team today!
Featured Speakers
Meet a few of our 2026 speaker lineup
Biography
Samantha Hayes is a leading New Zealand journalist and presenter, currently anchoring Stuff’s ThreeNews Live at 6pm. Beginning her career at 17 with an exclusive Nightline story, she became one of the country’s youngest newsreaders by 23. Over 15 years, Samantha has fronted major programmes, reporting on climate change in Antarctica, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the rise of Lorde. As co-anchor of Newshub Live at 6pm from 2016, she covered events including US elections and Prince Harry’s wedding, interviewing world leaders and celebrities across Europe, Africa, America, India, Antarctica, and the Middle East. Beyond the newsroom, she has hosted the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame and An Evening with Sir Richard Branson. Winner of Dancing with the Stars 2018, she raised over $120,000 for NZ Riding for the Disabled. A Victoria University graduate, Samantha champions environmental and philanthropic causes, while enjoying mountaineering, baking, and life with her two children.
Thursday 26 March
Master of Ceremonies
Biography
Tony Alexander was Chief Economist at the BNZ for almost 25 years and has been out on his own as an independent economist since late-2019. He distributes the free weekly “Tony’s View” publication to over 10,000 subscribers each week, writes a weekly column for NZ Herald, and speaks at about 80 functions a year around New Zealand. He also runs five monthly surveys which give coalface insight into what is happening in New Zealand industry and the housing market in particular.
9:05 am | Thursday 26 March
Economic Horizons
Independent Economist Tony Alexander will deliver a concise, data-driven outlook on New Zealand’s residential market, examining the key economic influencers that will shape decisions for developers. He will outline inflation and interest-rate expectations, construction and debt cost pressures, and evolving buyer and financing behaviour. Drawing on global trends and government settings, he will highlight the risks likely to emerge over the next 6–12 months and what these developments will mean in practical terms for the sector.
Cate is the establishment Chief Executive of Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust, the South Island’s largest community housing provider and one of the largest in New Zealand. Cate moved to the community housing sector with a belief housing, health and education are the foundations of well-being for whānau and communities. This move also reflected her personal interest in architecture and green technologies. Prior to this role Cate held senior leadership roles in the Mental Health and Addictions sectors. ŌCHT is known for its innovative model of landlord services and property management. OCHT has also built circa 400 high quality homes for people in need of affordable housing.
11:45 am | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Building the Foundations for Future Communities
This panel will explore how infrastructure planning and delivery will shape the future of residential development across Aotearoa. Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts will facilitate a dynamic discussion spanning Christchurch’s leading social housing environment, Wellington’s major transport shifts, Auckland’s evolving water network, and national infrastructure priorities. Together, the panel will unpack how regional and national decisions, investment, and coordination can unlock growth, enable resilient communities, and support the next wave of New Zealand’s residential development.
Johnny Gordon is the General Manager of Iconic Construction, the pioneering team behind New Zealand’s first 3D concrete printed show home. With a passion for reshaping the future of housing, Johnny is leading the charge in scalable, sustainable residential development. His current focus is on designing and delivering single-level 3D concrete printed homes, with plans to expand into multi-home developments across the country. At Resi26, Johnny will share insights into the practicalities, challenges, and transformative potential of 3D concrete printed construction in New Zealand’s residential sector.
3:40 pm | Thursday 26 March
Building Smarter: The Future of Construction is Here
This Pecha Kucha-style session will explore the challenges and opportunities of innovation in residential construction. Innovation is often difficult due to complex regulations, high costs, risk aversion, and the fragmented nature of the sector. The session will highlight the importance of front-end design thinking, new technologies, and collaborative approaches in overcoming these barriers. The session will offer insights into practical strategies for driving meaningful change and improving outcomes in construction projects.
Sarah is a highly regarded construction, infrastructure and energy specialist. She has extensive experience acting for both government and private sector clients in large-scale, complex infrastructure projects and public sector reform programmes. Sarah brings a unique whole of system viewpoint and is known for providing commercially pragmatic, strategic advice on infrastructure funding models, procurement strategies, programme delivery, legislative frameworks and contracting structures.
11:45 am | Thursday 26 March
Panel | Building the Foundations for Future Communities
This panel will explore how infrastructure planning and delivery will shape the future of residential development across Aotearoa. Sarah Sinclair, Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts will facilitate a dynamic discussion spanning Christchurch’s leading social housing environment, Wellington’s major transport shifts, Auckland’s evolving water network, and national infrastructure priorities. Together, the panel will unpack how regional and national decisions, investment, and coordination can unlock growth, enable resilient communities, and support the next wave of New Zealand’s residential development.
Hon Chris Bishop
Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for RMA Reform
Biography
Chris Bishop is the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister for Sport and Recreation, Leader of the House, and Associate Minister of Finance. He is the MP for Hutt South.
Chris was born and raised in Lower Hutt where he lives with his wife and young son. He has a first-class Honours degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington, and was the 2006 Young Wellingtonian of the Year.
Before serving as an MP, Chris worked as a researcher for the National Party in Opposition and was later an advisor to Ministers in the John Key-led Government.
Chris was the National Party Campaign Chair for the 2023 General Election.
2:05 pm | Thursday 26 March
Government Update
Join Minister Chris Bishop for this exclusive Government update.
Have a look at the 2025 highlights!
Why attend Resi?
Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier event for residential property development professionals.
“An awesome day – thanks so much! A great selection of speakers and pace of topics.”
RESI Attendee
Residential Development Summit