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2026 Programme
Unlocking Progress: Housing, Infrastructure and the Opportunities Ahead
The 2026 conference programme has been designed by a collective of industry leaders for property professionals like you.
Please note this is a preliminary programme and is subject to change.
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Optional Pre-Summit Site Tour
Get an exclusive look at some of Auckland’s most exciting residential developments!
Explore innovative projects, meet the people behind them, and hear about new schemes set to be announced. A perfect warm-up for the Residential Development Summit’s insights and conversations.
Further details to be announced shortly.
👉 Register here 👈
Please note: Site tours are exclusively for attendees of the Residential Development Summit, but are not included in the general admission ticket and will need to be purchased in addition to your registration. Limited tickets available.
7:45 am Registration desk open
8:40 am Conference Opening
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
8:50 am Conference Opening
Samantha Hayes
Master of Ceremonies
8:55 am Welcome
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
9:00 am Premier Sponsor Address
Nigel McKenna
Chairman and Founder, Templeton Group
9:05 am Government Update
Speaker to be announced
9:35 am Economist Horizons
Tony Alexander
Independent Economist
10:00 am Keynote | Partnerships that shape communities
Speaker to be announced
10:45 am Paramanawa
Morning Tea
11:15 am Innovation for all Kiwis: Dynamic housing models
Speakers to be announced
11:50 am Panel | Building the foundations for future communities
Speakers to be announced
12:30 pm Tina
Lunchtime
1:30 pm Property Council Advocacy Report Card
Denise Lee
Head of Advocacy, Property Council New Zealand
1:40 pm Regulatory Reset
Speaker to be announced
2:10 pm Panel | Future-proofing the market: Insights for a thriving decade ahead
Speakers to be announced
2:45 pm Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:15 pm The Labour Party Update
Speaker to be announced
3:35 pm Building smart: The future of construction is here
Speakers to be announced
4:10 pm Closing Keynote |
Speaker to be announced
4:50 pm Conference Closing
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
5:00-6:30 pm Closing Cocktail Function
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 NZ industry and the housing market in particular.
9:35 am | Thursday 26 March
Economist Horizons
Details to come.
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.
One of the most experienced development consultants in New Zealand, Nigel McKenna is renowned for his attention to detail and his ability to achieve quality results within commercial budgets and programmes. Nigel’s enthusiasm for innovation and his ability to identify opportunities others would consider too complex, or simply unattainable, has identified him as a leading light at the forefront of better management and urban planning.
With a first class honours degree in Construction Economics, construction engineering and building management qualifications, and a globe-spanning 25-year career, Nigel has a reputation for managing diverse teams and specialised projects. His work is known for its focus on design, ensuring the finished product is both functional and viable.
Amongst many other projects, Nigel was responsible for the management of the master planning process for the Viaduct, and was the development manager for Metropolis and the DFS Customhouse Galleria. As a senior developer Nigel’s contribution has been recognised by a range of industry awards and accolades, including for Dockside and Shed 5 in Wellington, Beaumont Quarter, North & Stratis at Lighter Quay and The Quadrant Hotel.
9:00 am | Thursday 26 March
Premier Sponsor Welcome
The legendary Nigel McKenna welcomes up to the 2026 Residential Development Summit in style.
Biography
Bringing a fresh perspective and strong political nous in both central and local government, Denise is well-known as the former New Zealand Member of Parliament (MP) for the Maungakiekie electorate and a former Auckland Councillor for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki.
Denise holds a BA in Political Studies and History and a MA in Public Policy, with specific skills in engagement and a natural ability to build rapport with an extensive network of stakeholders. Personable and warm, Denise’s exceptional strategic planning, communication and management skills are highly valued by both the Property Council team and its members.
1:30 pm | Thursday 26 March
Property Council Advocacy Report Card
Details to come.