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Programme
Retail's Next Chapter Starts Here
The 2025 conference programme has been curated by the Retail Committee brainstrust for property professionals just like you.
Please note this is a preliminary programme and is subject to change.
1:00pm – 5:30pm Retail Site Tour
This pre-conference tour featured some of the most exciting retail developments in Westgate Town Centre — a thriving retail destination that’s redefining the way Auckland shops, eats and connects.
Explore some of the area’s most exciting developments, including:
Costco – the international giant making waves in the Kiwi market
Foodie Asian Supermarket – a new culinary hotspot
Westgate Food Hub – home to Taco Bell, KFC, Carl’s Jr. and Starbucks
👉 Register here 👈
Sponsored by
Please note: Site tours are exclusively for RECON25 attendees, but are not included in the general admission ticket and will need to be purchased in addition to your registration. Limited spaces are available.
7:45 am Registration desk open
8:45 am Conference Opening
Nadine Higgins
Master of Ceremonies
8:50 am Welcome
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
8:55 am Premier Sponsor Address
9:00 am Government Update
Speaker to be announced
9:20 am Navigating the Retail Road Ahead
Brad Olsen
Chief Executive and Principal Economist, Infometrics
9:50 am Opening Keynote | How AI is powering the next wave of retail innovation
Justin Flitter
AI Keynote Speaker
10:30 am Paramanawa
Morning Tea
11:00 am Retail Committee Update
Michael Sweetman
Chair, Retail Committee
11:05 am Flatpacks & Future Plans: IKEA’s Expansion Journey
Fabian Winterbine
Expansion Manager, IKEA Australia & New Zealand
11:35 am Panel | The Retail Rollout: From Plan to Grand Opening
Facilitated by Martin Skinner, Managing Director, Tailor Inc.
Gerrick Numan
Founder, The Restaurant Design Studio
Mimi Gilmour
Founder, Burger Burger
Seth Gleeson
Managing Director, Datum Projects
12:15 pm Tina
Lunchtime
1:10 pm Property Council Advocacy Update
Denise Lee
Advocacy Consultant, Property Council New Zealand
1:20 pm The CBD is Dead. Long Live the City Centre
Ben van Bruggen
Founder, The Urban Room Foundation | Director, van Bruggen Urbanism
1:50 pm Behind the Brand: Lorna Jane’s Next Chapter
Anna Strzelczykowski
Head of Property & Retail Development, Lorna Jane
2:30 pm Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:00 pm Case study | Chadstone Unpacked: From Shopping Centre to Mixed-Use Powerhouse
Barnaby Giudice
General Manager – Retail Development, Vicinity Centre
3:35 pm From Coffee to Outdoors: Tahua’s Expanding Portfolio
Roger Harper
Managing Director, Tahua Group
4:15 pm Closing Keynote | Retail Reinvented: Global Trends & Local Innovation
Reid Nakou
Chief Experience Officer, The General Store
4:50 pm Conference Closing
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
5:00-7:15 pm Martelli McKegg Networking Function
Anna Strzelczykowski is the Head of Property & Retail Development at Lorna Jane, where she leads the team responsible for shaping how the iconic brand shows up in the physical world. With a background in fashion design, brand experience and property, and over 15 years of experience in retail development across Australia and internationally, Anna brings a unique blend of commercial acumen, creative thinking, and customer obsession to her work.
Under her leadership, Lorna Jane’s retail strategy has evolved to reflect the values of the brand’s community: intention, energy, purpose, and connection, while pushing boundaries in design and experience. From national rollouts to boutique flagship activations, Anna is passionate about creating spaces that do more than just sell product; they tell a story.
1:50 pm Behind the Brand: Lorna Jane’s Next Chapter
Join Anna Strzelczykowski, Head of Property & Retail Development at Lorna Jane, for a behind-the-scenes look at how one of Australia’s most iconic activewear brands is evolving with intention. From its founder-led beginnings to a globally recognised lifestyle brand, this session will explore how Lorna Jane is responding to a more conscious, connected, and digitally savvy customer.
Hear how the brand is reimagining its retail footprint—from design innovation to location strategy—while deepening engagement through community, loyalty, and tech. Anna will also share what’s next for Lorna Jane, including market expansion, ESG initiatives, and the role of property in powering a future that’s not just active—but activated.
Nadine Higgins
Master of Ceremonies
Leading business journalist, news presenter and professional host
Biography
Nadine Higgins (nee Chalmers-Ross) is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster with extensive experience across television, radio, newspapers and magazines. Nadine is renowned as a fiercely intelligent, articulate and engaging MC.
Nadine’s background in broadcasting and business journalism means she can quickly get to grips with complex topics, moderate multi-person panels and think on her feet when the best laid plans go awry.
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 sector. 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.
Justin Flitter founded New Zealand.AI in 2017 to help business leaders discover why, where, and how to leverage this remarkable new technology. Today, NewZealand.AI is the go-to platform for Kiwi companies embarking on their AI journey.
Justin’s career as a tech marketer and senior business leader complements his passion for community and events. In 2000, he founded one of New Zealand’s first business incubators, marking the beginning of his journey in fostering innovation and supporting startups. Since 2012, Justin has been a producer and emcee of TEDxAuckland, bringing cutting-edge ideas and inspiration to the forefront of public discourse.
9:50 am How AI is powering the next wave of retail innovation
AI is no longer a future concept—it’s here, and it’s changing retail today. In this dynamic session, the founder of NewZealand.AI Justin Flitter will guide you through the latest AI innovations transforming the way retailers operate, market and serve customers.
From hyper-personalised shopping experiences and predictive stock management to AI-driven customer service and automated marketing, you’ll see how AI is helping retailers work smarter, move faster and stay ahead. Justin will cut through the noise and showcase real-world examples already making an impact in Aotearoa and globally.
Whether you’re running a retail empire or just starting out, this session will give you practical insights, bold predictions and the confidence to explore what’s next. Get ready to reimagine what’s possible in the AI-powered retail era.
Fabian Winterbine is the Expansion Manager for IKEA Australia & New Zealand and brings over 30 years of experience across markets, roles, and projects within IKEA—the world’s largest home furnishing retailer.
With a background in visual merchandising and retail design, Fabian began his IKEA journey in a small Melbourne store and has since played a key role in the brand’s growth across multiple regions.
He has held senior leadership roles across Australia, China, and the Asia Pacific region, and has contributed to projects in the UK, Europe, Asia, and the United States. Now based in Sydney, Fabian leads the IKEA omnichannel market entry into New Zealand, including its first store in Auckland, opening in late 2025.
Known for his collaborative leadership and customer-focused approach, Fabian brings valuable insights into large-scale retail expansion and its role in shaping inclusive, future-ready spaces for an increasingly digital retail landscape.
11:05 am Flatpacks & Future Plans: IKEA’s Expansion Journey
As the retail landscape evolves at pace, IKEA continues to reimagine its iconic brand for a new generation of consumers. Join Fabian Winterbine, Expansion Manager for IKEA Australia & New Zealand, as he shares insights from his journey with the global home furnishing giant and what it takes to lead growth across two distinct markets.
From navigating the balance between bricks-and-mortar and digital experiences to rolling out new store formats and fulfilment models, Fabian will explore how IKEA is adapting its strategy to meet changing customer needs. He’ll also unpack the trends driving consumer behaviour on both sides of the Tasman—think sustainability, urban living, accessibility, and the demand for seamless omni-channel experiences.
Whether you’re a fan of flatpacks or just keen to learn how one of the world’s most recognisable brands stays ahead of the curve, this session promises plenty of practical insights and a glimpse into IKEA’s expansion game plan.
Reid is an experienced architect and versatile creative director, specialising in the strategy, design and delivery of next-generation retail experiences. With an unwavering passion for working with both retailers and property owners, Reid’s unique skillset encourages an unlocking of value and innovation across the broader built environment and customer experience spectrum. In his role as Chief Experience Officer and Head of Architecture & Interiors at multidisciplinary creative agency, The General Store, Reid and his team have become a highly sought after household name in the industry, consistently delivering award-winning projects across various sectors around the world. From flagship stores and first-to-market retail concepts, to large scale mixed-use precincts and retail developments, the studio proudly support some of Australia and New Zealand’s most prominent retail businesses and property owners – including Rebel Sport, BCF, Supercheap Auto, Michael Hill, Baby Bunting, Briscoe’s Group (NZ), Dedes Hospitality Group, Fitness First, Endeavour Group, Vicinity Centres, GPT Group, Dexus, and Sydney Airport as well as various independent property owners and e-commerce retailers.
4:15 pm Closing Keynote
The Future of Retail – Insights from Around the World
Join Reid Nakou, Chief Experience Officer at The General Store, for a dynamic exploration of retail’s future by weaving together global trends, innovative leaders, and local breakthroughs. Drawing from insights shared at The 2025 World Retail Congress in London, Reid will explore the macroeconomic forces and key growth drivers shaping the retail landscape worldwide.
Building on this, he’ll introduce “The World’s Coolest Retailers,” featuring The General Store’s exclusive “Top 10” from their renowned “Top 50” report—showcasing the most inspiring retail innovations across the globe and the common themes that connect them.
To bring these ideas closer to home, Reid will reveal high-impact local retail projects, offering an inside look at the creative strategies and transformations happening right here in New Zealand.
Ben van Bruggen is a passionate urbanist and founder of The Urban Room Foundation, a charitable trust championing public participation in city-shaping. He’s leading efforts to create Auckland’s first Urban Room – a civic gallery and gathering space for collective action on complex urban challenges.
With nearly 30 years of experience in urban design, urban regeneration and planning, Ben has worked on large-scale regeneration projects across the UK, Europe, China and New Zealand, including as Director at Savills and head of design strategy for Auckland Council. His work bridges public and private sectors, property development, and as a government advisor on the value of good design, always with a focus on creating places people love – and cities that work for everyone.
1:20 pm The CBD is Dead. Long Live the City Centre.
The future of the city is shaped by its ability to support a successful core. What does the future hold for our city centres? Urban strategist Ben van Bruggen explores the evolving role of the city and city centre in a post-pandemic world, asking the big question: How do we make our cities thrive again? Drawing on international experience, Ben will unpack what’s working, what’s not, and what we can learn. From the evolution of work to changing retail behaviours and residential growth, this session dives into the shifting dynamics shaping our urban cores and how urban rooms are leading the agenda for change. With his deep expertise in urban design and planning, Ben will offer insight into how we can reimagine the city centre as more than just a place to shop — transforming it into a place like no other.
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.
1:10 pm Property Council Advocacy Update
In this quickfire 10-minute session, Denise 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.
Michael Sweetman
Chair, Property Council Retail Committee
Project Director, Precinct Properties
Biography
Michael Sweetman is an experienced property professional with a deep understanding of the retail property sector. Working as a Project Director at Precinct Properties, Michael is currently leading the Bowen Campus and Willis Lane retail redevelopment project in Wellington.
These projects follow on from a role at Precinct delivering the retail at Commercial Bay. Commercial Bay is a transformational development which has redefined the Auckland CBD retail landscape and has set a new standard for retail and hospitality within New Zealand.
Prior to joining Precinct, Michael worked at AMP Capital on a variety of development projects and also held a retail Asset management role. Development projects completed at AMP capital included the Imperial building (Louis Vuitton and Gucci) and 45 Queen Street (Prada and Dior) which cemented lower Queen Street as a luxury retail precinct. Michael’s property career includes a property research role and working on behalf of retailers to procure sites and manage their retail portfolios.
11:00 am Retail Committee Update
Michael Sweetman, Chair of the Property Council Retail Committee will give us an update from our Retail committee and how you can get involved.
Biography
Brad Olsen is the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics and is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. Brad is passionate about using economics to make better informed decisions and can communicate complex and detailed trends in a simple, relatable, and useful manner. With extensive networks across New Zealand’s business, media, community, and social sectors, Brad often brings together a variety of views, data, and emerging trends to inform advice and analysis to key decision makers across New Zealand.
9:20 am Navigating the Retail Road Ahead
Join leading economist Brad Olsen as he unpacks the current state of New Zealand’s retail sector and what lies ahead. With retail performance under the microscope, Brad will compare how the sector is tracking against others and what the data suggests for the next 12 months. Expect a no-nonsense look at looming headwinds—from persistent inflation and high interest rates to tightening household spending.
Brad will also cast his expert lens over the broader 1–3-year economic outlook and what it means for retail resilience. Are we prepared for what’s coming? And what role is the Government playing—supporting, stalling, or sitting this one out? This session will provide sharp insights and practical foresight for anyone looking to navigate the evolving retail landscape with confidence.
With over 30 years in design, project management, and strategic leadership, Martin has built a career where creativity meets commercial reality. As Director of Tailor Inc, a specialist project partner to retail and commercial brands, and President of the NZ Retail Interiors Association, he champions design-led, business-focused solutions that elevate customer experience.
His career spans London studios to property management roles across New Zealand and Australia, giving him global perspective and local insight into our evolving retail landscape. A self-confessed retail junkie, Martin thrives on the sector’s energy, complexity, and opportunities.
He maintains strong relationships across the property ecosystem and advocates for sustainable building practices—because property and design should serve both people and planet. For Martin, property is the playground for creating smarter retail environments and better business outcomes.
11:35 am Panel | The Retail Rollout: From Plan to Grand Opening
Behind every great retail space are three key players: the designer, the fitout specialist, and the tenant. This panel unites all three to explore the full journey—from vision to opening day. Hear how they navigate creativity, functionality, budget, and timelines, while balancing customer experience with operational needs. Gain insights into fitout realities, getting the best from project teams, and overcoming common challenges. Packed with real-world stories, lessons learned, and trends in materials, sustainability, and flexible design, this session offers fresh ideas for anyone planning a store or curious about the work that happens behind the hoarding.
Gerrick Numan is the founder of The Restaurant Design Studio (formerly Millé), one of New Zealand’s leading interior design studios specialising in hospitality, with over 400 hospitality projects delivered across New Zealand. Known for designing beautiful, functional spaces that keep costs low and profits high, Gerrick has quietly shaped some of the country’s most loved venues – from high-volume food courts to destination dining spots.
After a decade spent opening, operating, and designing restaurants, Gerrick recognised a major gap: operators were either overspending on designers and fit outs, or trying to DIY their venues without a system. In response, he launched The Restaurant Design Academy – a global online course that teaches hospitality owners how to design their own venues from concept to construction, even with no prior design experience.
Through both The Restaurant Design Studio and The Restaurant Design Academy, Gerrick’s mission is simple: help hospitality operators build venues that work, look great, and don’t blow the budget.
11:35 am Panel | The Retail Rollout: From Plan to Grand Opening
Behind every great retail space is a trio of crucial collaborators: the designer, the fitout specialist, and the tenant. This panel brings together all three perspectives to unpack the full retail design journey—from big-picture vision to opening day.
Explore how these roles interact throughout the process, the key challenges they face, and how they work together to balance creativity, functionality, budget, and timelines. The panel will dive into the importance of designing for both customer experience and operational needs, the realities of fitout execution, and how tenants can get the best out of their project teams.
With plenty of real-world stories and lessons learned, this session will also spotlight trends in materials, sustainability, and flexible design thinking for a fast-evolving retail landscape. Whether you’re planning your next store or just curious about what goes on behind the hoarding, this panel promises fresh insights and practical takeaways.
Details to come.
11:35 am Panel | The Retail Rollout: From Plan to Grand Opening
Behind every great retail space is a trio of crucial collaborators: the designer, the fitout specialist, and the tenant. This panel brings together all three perspectives to unpack the full retail design journey—from big-picture vision to opening day.
Explore how these roles interact throughout the process, the key challenges they face, and how they work together to balance creativity, functionality, budget, and timelines. The panel will dive into the importance of designing for both customer experience and operational needs, the realities of fitout execution, and how tenants can get the best out of their project teams.
With plenty of real-world stories and lessons learned, this session will also spotlight trends in materials, sustainability, and flexible design thinking for a fast-evolving retail landscape. Whether you’re planning your next store or just curious about what goes on behind the hoarding, this panel promises fresh insights and practical takeaways.
With over two decades in the industry, Seth has worked with some of Europe and Australasia’s most prominent retailers on his way to forming the formidable team at Datum. Following in his father’s footsteps in owning a shopfitting company, Seth oversees all project delivery – bringing a calm demeanour and top-notch problem solving to a fast-paced industry.
11:35 am Panel | The Retail Rollout: From Plan to Grand Opening
Behind every great retail space is a trio of crucial collaborators: the designer, the fitout specialist, and the tenant. This panel brings together all three perspectives to unpack the full retail design journey—from big-picture vision to opening day.
Explore how these roles interact throughout the process, the key challenges they face, and how they work together to balance creativity, functionality, budget, and timelines. The panel will dive into the importance of designing for both customer experience and operational needs, the realities of fitout execution, and how tenants can get the best out of their project teams.
With plenty of real-world stories and lessons learned, this session will also spotlight trends in materials, sustainability, and flexible design thinking for a fast-evolving retail landscape. Whether you’re planning your next store or just curious about what goes on behind the hoarding, this panel promises fresh insights and practical takeaways.
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.
1:10 pm Property Council Advocacy Update
In this quickfire 10-minute session, Denise 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.
Barnaby Giudice is General Manager – Retail Development at Vicinity Centres, where he leads the strategy and origination of future-focused retail precincts across Australia. Since joining Vicinity in 2004, Barnaby has played a key role in the company’s evolution into a leader in mixed‑use destination development.
With over 20 years of experience in retail development, Barnaby brings a unique blend of commercial insight, creative vision, master planning expertise, and stakeholder leadership. He is passionate about creating precincts that elevate the shopper experience while delivering long‑term value.
Barnaby has been instrumental in delivering landmark projects including the Market Pavilion fresh food precinct and One Middle Road commercial tower at Chadstone – Australia’s largest shopping centre. His leadership also shaped the introduction of Luxury Retail to Chadstone and the $460 million mixed-use development of The Glen in Melbourne. His portfolio includes contributions to other major developments such as Emporium Melbourne.
3:00 pm Case study | Chadstone Unpacked: From Shopping Centre to Mixed-Use Powerhouse
Join Barnaby Giudice General Manager – Retail Development at Vicinity Centres as he unpacks the evolution of Chadstone Mall from a traditional retail hub into a dynamic, mixed-use precinct. This session explores the strategic master planning and expansion efforts that have positioned Chadstone as a global leader in retail, hospitality, and entertainment. Discover how mixed-use integration – including hotels, office spaces, and leisure experiences – has future-proofed the development, alongside key infrastructure and transport planning considerations that support its status as a high-traffic destination. The session will also highlight Chadstone’s approach to sustainability, ESG initiatives, and smart design strategies that enhance operational efficiency. Whether you’re developing large-scale projects or looking to revitalise existing assets, this case study provides practical insights into long-term growth, reinvention, and maintaining relevance in an ever-changing market.
Roger Harper is the Managing Director of Tahua Group.
He is an experienced New Zealand business leader whose career spans banking, investment, retail, and hospitality. After early success in the UK, he co-founded Direct Capital, played a pivotal role in the expansion of Marbecks music stores, and later contributed significantly to the revitalisation of major footwear retail chains. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in the formation and ongoing growth of Tahua Group.
Tahua Group has continued to grow and evolve. The company is home to some of New Zealand’s most recognisable brands across three key sectors:
Hospitality: Starbucks NZ, Burger King NZ, and the recently introduced Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Retail: Number One Shoes, Hannahs, Torpedo7, and The Outlet
Health: Resonate Health
3:35 pm From Coffee to Outdoors: Tahua’s Expanding Portfolio
Roger Harper, Managing Director of Tahua Partners, shares his journey leading a diverse and dynamic retail and hospitality portfolio across New Zealand, including iconic brands like Starbucks, Taco Bell, and the strategic acquisition of Torpedo7. This session dives into how Tahua Group adapts to shifting consumer trends, focusing on convenience, value, and sustainability.
Roger will explore how innovation and customer experience drive growth across the group, and the strategic thinking behind expanding into new markets like outdoor retail. Attendees will gain insights into managing a multi-brand business in a competitive landscape, balancing operational challenges while delivering on evolving consumer expectations.
Reid is an experienced architect and versatile creative director, specialising in the strategy, design and delivery of next-generation retail experiences. With an unwavering passion for working with both retailers and property owners, Reid’s unique skillset encourages an unlocking of value and innovation across the broader built environment and customer experience spectrum. In his role as Chief Experience Officer and Head of Architecture & Interiors at multidisciplinary creative agency, The General Store, Reid and his team have become a highly sought after household name in the industry, consistently delivering award-winning projects across various sectors around the world. From flagship stores and first-to-market retail concepts, to large scale mixed-use precincts and retail developments, the studio proudly support some of Australia and New Zealand’s most prominent retail businesses and property owners – including Rebel Sport, BCF, Supercheap Auto, Michael Hill, Baby Bunting, Briscoe’s Group (NZ), Dedes Hospitality Group, Fitness First, Endeavour Group, Vicinity Centres, GPT Group, Dexus, and Sydney Airport as well as various independent property owners and e-commerce retailers.
4:15 pm Closing Keynote
The Future of Retail – Insights from Around the World
Join Reid Nakou, Chief Experience Officer at The General Store, for a dynamic exploration of retail’s future by weaving together global trends, innovative leaders, and local breakthroughs. Drawing from insights shared at The 2025 World Retail Congress in London, Reid will explore the macroeconomic forces and key growth drivers shaping the retail landscape worldwide.
Building on this, he’ll introduce “The World’s Coolest Retailers,” featuring The General Store’s exclusive “Top 10” from their renowned “Top 50” report—showcasing the most inspiring retail innovations across the globe and the common themes that connect them.
To bring these ideas closer to home, Reid will reveal high-impact local retail projects, offering an inside look at the creative strategies and transformations happening right here in New Zealand.