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2025 Programme
Two days of discovery and connection
The 2025 conference programme has been designed by a collective of industry leaders for property professionals like you as we embrace the theme ‘Future Living: Innovation and Beyond‘.
Programme is subject to change.
1:00 – 5:00 pm
Optional Pre-Summit Site Tour
All aboard the Pre-Summit Bus Tour!
They say the wheels on the bus go round and round, but we know that property is the true engine of our economy. We held our pre-summit tour as we explored some of the most exciting residential developments in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Starting in Auckland CBD we travelled to Tāmaki, where we heard from Tāmaki Regeneration Company who spoke to their Regeneration Programme, three strategic delivery areas, and build programme that is delivering 742 new public and affordable homes over the next four years in Panmure, Point England and Glen Innes.
As well as this, we gave attendees a peek into the TRC Epping Evandale N2.3 development. And inside views of the Simplicity Living Kupenga development; as well as the Oceania development, The Helier – the Best in Category winner for Retirement Living and Aged Care development at the 2024 Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards.
Your ticket included post-tour nibbles and refreshments in Britomart from 5-5.30pm..
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
Miriama Kamo
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 Navigating the New Zealand Residential Market
Sharon Zollner
Chief Economist, ANZ
9:30 am Keynote | The Future of Housing: Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Lucinda Hartley
Urban Designer | Chief Growth Officer, Mondus Capital
10:05 pm Property Council Advocacy Report Card
Katherine Wilson
Head of Advocacy, Property Council New Zealand
10:15 am Paramanawa
Morning Tea
10:45 am Operating Build to Rent – Beyond the Build
Session sponsored by BTR sponsor – Yardi
Denise Lee
Advocacy Consultant, Property Council New Zealand
Steph Harper
Head of Living, CBRE
Caitlin Walker
Property and Leasing Manager – Resido, Kiwi Property
11:30 am Government Update
Hon Chris Bishop
Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for RMA Reform
11:50 am Panel | What does Community Housing look like moving forward
Facilitated by Leonie Freeman, CEO, Property Council New Zealand
Rt Hon Sir Bill English
Chair, Impact Lab
Daniel Henderson
General Manager Development and Commercial, Tāmaki Regeneration Company
Kelly Bunyan
Chief Executive Officer, Accessible Properties
12:30 pm Tina
Lunchtime
1:25 pm Understanding Resource Management Act Reforms
Facilitated by Rachel Morgan, Director, Barker & Associates
Jennifer Caldwell
Partner, Buddle Findlay
Dr Mark Davey
Director of Urban Planning, Hamilton City Council
Nigel McKenna
Founder and Chair, Templeton Group
2:10 pm Kāinga Ora Reset: improving performance and financial sustainability
Matt Crockett
Chief Executive Officer, Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities
2:40 pm Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:10 pm The Labour Party Update
Hon Kieran McAnulty
Spokesperson for Housing
3:30 pm The Growth of Student Accommodation
George Crawford
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Precinct Properties
Simon Neale
Chief Property Officer, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland
4:05 pm Closing Keynote | The Best Leaders Don’t Shout
Bruce Cotterill
Adviser to Business Leaders, Company Director, Keynote Speaker, Columnist, Podcast Host, and Bestselling Author
4:55 pm Conference Closing
Leonie Freeman
Chief Executive, Property Council New Zealand
5:00-6:30 pm Closing Cocktail Function
Dr. Mark Davey
Director – Urban Planning
Hamilton City Council
Biography
Dr Mark Davey is currently the Director of Urban Planning for Hamilton City Council. He has held a range of planning roles in both the public and private sector, predominantly engaged in policy development and large-scale urban development and infrastructure projects. Most recently Mark has been a member of the Government’s Fast-track Advisory Panel recommending projects of regional and national significance for fast-tracking.
Mark holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Planning (first class Hons). He has undertaken published research locally and internationally.
Mark’s research interests have focused on urban growth management, spatial planning, housing intensification and affordability.
1:25 pm | Thursday 27 March
Understanding Resource Management Act Reforms
This session will explore the transformative changes to New Zealand’s Resource Management System. Attendees will gain insights into the new legislative framework, its impact on urban planning, development and environmental protection. Discover opportunities and challenges these reforms present for stakeholders, and how they aim to balance the Government’s Going for Housing Growth Policy with environmental protections.
Biography
Simon is an accomplished strategic leader in the development and operational management of multi-site property portfolios and high profile buildings. He has experience spanning many geographies including the UK, Singapore and New Zealand, and a range of prestigious organisations within the Higher Education, Local Government, Education, and the Culture and Heritage sectors.
During his tenure at the University of Auckland he has created Te Rautaki Tūāpapa, the inaugural Estate Strategy and was instrumental in the production of Te Rautaki Aronga Toitū, the Sustainability Strategy and Te Taumata Tukuwaro-kore, the Net Zero Carbon Strategy. Simon oversees the Sustainable Estate and Operations activities across the entire University which includes a defined progressive pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and a detailed implementation plan to achieve the targets.
The 26,500 sq m B201 adaptive reuse project, opened in September 2023, achieved a 6 Green Star Certified Design rating with the highest score, 93 out of 100, awarded to any New Zealand building to date.
Hiwa, the University of Auckland’s new state of the art recreation centre was completed late 2024 and was formally opened in February 2025. The University is one of Auckland’s largest developers with a commitment to providing high quality facilities to support an excellent student experience and world class research.
Simon is a Board Member of the New Zealand Green Building Council and Chair of the FM Committee for Universities New Zealand.
3:30 pm | Thursday 27 March
The Growth of Student Accommodation
This session examines the rising demand for student accommodation in New Zealand’s urban centres. Explore factors driving this growth, including higher enrolment rates, urbanisation, and changing student preferences. Discuss innovative design solutions, investment opportunities, and strategies for creating affordable, sustainable, and vibrant student living environments.
Biography
Matt is an experienced business leader in New Zealand and internationally, with a particular focus on leading and supporting large strategic transformations. He has been a divisional Chief Executive through times of major change at both Telecom New Zealand, where he led the Wholesale and International division, and Fletcher Building, where he led the Building Products division.
He has also been the Chief Transformation Officer at Spark NZ, Optus Telecommunications, and Vodafone NZ, and more recently has been supporting multiple pan-company transformations internationally with a focus on senior executive coaching and capability building. Matt has deep experience in the application of digital and wider technologies to support business improvement, and a strong track record of building the organisational engagement, culture and capabilities needed to execute and sustain improved company performance.
Originally graduating and working as a Mining Engineer, Matt subsequently completed a Master of Philosophy in Management at Oxford University, where he attended as a Rhodes Scholar.
2:10 pm | Thursday 27 March
Kāinga Ora Reset: Improving Performance and Financial Sustainability
Kāinga Ora is refocusing on its core mission as part of a Reset Plan aimed at improving its performance and financial sustainability. This session with Chief Executive Matt Crockett will cover how Kainga Ora will deliver on its core job of providing quality social housing and being a good landlord in a financially sustainable way, and how the Reset Plan shapes the future direction of the organisation. This will include discussion of the importance of industry partners to Kāinga Ora and its openness to new, innovative models for business partnering.
Caitlin Walker is the Property and Leasing Manager of Resido, the largest build-to-rent community in New Zealand. With a dynamic background spanning retail management and asset management, Caitlin has built a strong foundation in leadership and operations. Rather than following the traditional university path, Caitlin dove straight into the workforce, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in the retail and property sectors.
Having worked across various facets of retail and asset management, Caitlin developed a keen understanding of both the operational and strategic elements that drive successful property ventures. This extensive expertise paved the way for a seamless transition to leading Resido, where Caitlin oversees the leasing and management of Kiwi Property’s build-to-rent project.
Resido provides a high-quality, long-term rental solution that prioritises community, innovation, and sustainability. Kiwi Property’s forward-thinking approach is redefining the rental sector, surpassing the needs of modern tenants, and allowing renters to live their way – without the mortgage.
10:45 am | Thursday 27 March
Operating Build to Rent – Beyond the Build
This session will dive into the operational side of Build to Rent developments, focusing on creating tenant-centric experiences, managing long-term assets, and maintaining high occupancy rates. Our speakers will explore tenanting strategies, navigating the Residential Tenancies Act, and delivering exceptional user experiences. You’ll discover what sets BTR apart, explore remaining hurdles, and engage in blue-sky thinking about the future of this growing housing model in NZ.
We’ll start with Denise Lee from Property Council giving us a brief update on the current BTR issues in New Zealand, then she will lead into Steph Harper from CBRE to talk through BTR in Australia and end with Caitlin Walker from Kiwi Property giving us insight from their new Resido development in Sylvia Park.
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.
11:30 am | Thursday 27 March
Government Update
Join Minister Chris Bishop for this exclusive Government update.
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.
Biography
Lucinda Hartley is an award-winning urban designer, a cofounder of world-leading social analytics company Neighbourlytics, and a globally recognised expert in smart cities and social change.
Named as one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women by the Australian Financial Review, Lucinda is a technology leader who offers inspiration and practical advice on the future of living, the future of work and how technology can be a force for good in turbulent times.
Lucinda is an ‘urban futurist’ who has spent the past decade pioneering innovative solutions for improving cities and neighbourhoods, now adopted globally. She helped create the UN Sustainable Development Goals for cities (Goal 11), has delivered more than 100 neighbourhood improvement projects across Australia through her social enterprise CoDesign Studio and is now spearheading world leading technology for measuring neighbourhood lifestyle and wellbeing using digital data, as Founding Director of Neighbourlytics.
Lucinda’s passion for cities and neighbourhoods began in childhood, growing up in Kenya, Zimbabwe and a host of other countries where she saw first-hand how your postcode is as likely to affect your life expectancy as your genetic code. From this point she built a career seeking new ways to live.
9:30 am | Thursday 27 March
Keynote | The Future of Housing: Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Lucinda Hartley explores the evolving housing landscape, addressing micro-apartments, co-living, and shifting demographics. Delve into the impacts of immigration, lifestyle changes, and innovative solutions for housing supply and affordability. Discover redefined homeownership models, alternative materials, and the role of technology in shaping smart, energy-efficient homes for future generations.
Biography
Rachel has over 12 years of experience as an urban planner working in all aspects of the profession, including strategic planning, policy development, and consenting, in both the public and private sectors.
Rachel’s experience includes district plan reviews, structure planning, strategic planning in greenfields and brownfields areas, and consenting for large-scale developments throughout New Zealand. Rachel has experience in all aspects of consultation and engagement, as well as presenting planning evidence at hearings.
1:25 pm | Thursday 27 March
Understanding Resource Management Act Reforms
This session will explore the transformative changes to New Zealand’s Resource Management System. Attendees will gain insights into the new legislative framework, its impact on urban planning, development and environmental protection. Discover opportunities and challenges these reforms present for stakeholders, and how they aim to balance the Government’s Going for Housing Growth Policy with environmental protections.
Biography
Sharon grew up on a farm near Methven, and holds a Master of Commerce from the University of Canterbury. She started her career at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in 1998, and has also worked at the central bank of Norway. She moved to the New Zealand banking sector in 2006. She joined the ANZ economics team in 2010 and became Chief Economist in late 2017. Sharon manages a team of six around New Zealand.
Outside of work, Sharon enjoys parenting, tramping, learning languages and singing.
9:05 am | Thursday 27 March
Navigating the New Zealand Residential Market
Join Sharon Zollner, Chief Economist, ANZ for a comprehensive overview of the New Zealand economy and what’s happening in the residential market, focusing on key drivers of both house prices and residential development. Sharon will delve into the outlook for inflation and interest rates, as well as the latest messages coming out of the construction sector in the ANZ Business Outlook survey. Gain valuable insights into these critical factors and their implications for the future of residential development in New Zealand.
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 27 March
Premier Sponsor Welcome
The legendary Nigel McKenna welcomes up to the 2025 Residential Development Summit in style.
1:25 pm | Thursday 27 March
Understanding Resource Management Act Reforms
This session will explore the transformative changes to New Zealand’s Resource Management System. Attendees will gain insights into the new legislative framework, its impact on urban planning, development and environmental protection. Discover opportunities and challenges these reforms present for stakeholders, and how they aim to balance the Government’s Going for Housing Growth Policy with environmental protections.
Biography
Award winning journalist, Miriama Kamo, is the presenter and a reporter for TVNZ’s flagship current affairs programme, Sunday and a presenter on TVNZ’s bilingual Maori and English current affairs show, Marae.
Miriama has worked across most of TVNZ’s stable of news and current affairs programmes, including 20/20 and 1 News at Six.
As a newsreader, Miriama has been at the forefront of many major New Zealand events, including the Pike River Explosion, the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary, and the Christchurch earthquakes.
A writer, Miriama’s work is regularly featured on news sites, online publications and in magazines and in early 2018 Miriama had her first children’s book published.
8:50 am | Thursday 27 March
Premier Sponsor Address
The legendary Nigel McKenna welcomes up to the 2025 Residential Development Summit in style.
Biography
As Property Council’s Head of Advocacy, Katherine is tasked with leading our 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.
10:05 pm | Thursday 27 March
Property Council Advocacy Report Card
Head of Advocacy, Katherine Wilson, provides an update on Property Council’s current advocacy workstreams, with a focus on the residential sector.
8:50 am | Thursday 27 March
Premier Sponsor Address
The legendary Nigel McKenna welcomes up to the 2025 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.
10:45 am | Thursday 27 March
Operating Build to Rent – Beyond the Build
This session will dive into the operational side of Build to Rent developments, focusing on creating tenant-centric experiences, managing long-term assets, and maintaining high occupancy rates. Our speakers will explore tenanting strategies, navigating the Residential Tenancies Act, and delivering exceptional user experiences. You’ll discover what sets BTR apart, explore remaining hurdles, and engage in blue-sky thinking about the future of this growing housing model in NZ.
We’ll start with Denise Lee from Property Council giving us a brief update on the current BTR issues in New Zealand, then she will lead into Steph Harper from CBRE to talk through BTR in Australia and end with Caitlin Walker from Kiwi Property giving us insight from their new Resido development in Sylvia Park.
Biography
Steph is a National Director and the lead Valuer of CBRE’s Living Sectors Valuation and Advisory team. She is an industry specialist in Affordable Housing and the accelerating Build-to-Rent and Co-Living sectors. Steph is at the forefront of these emerging asset classes in the Australian property market, offering clients quality valuation and advisory services to better inform business decisions as this sector builds momentum. She partners with clients at a local and institutional level, including developers, private investors, operators, government entities, financiers, and not-for-profit organisations. Steph is a qualified valuer in all States and is based in Melbourne.
10:45 am | Thursday 27 March
Operating Build to Rent – Beyond the Build
This session will dive into the operational side of Build to Rent developments, focusing on creating tenant-centric experiences, managing long-term assets, and maintaining high occupancy rates. Our speakers will explore tenanting strategies, navigating the Residential Tenancies Act, and delivering exceptional user experiences. You’ll discover what sets BTR apart, explore remaining hurdles, and engage in blue-sky thinking about the future of this growing housing model in NZ.
We’ll start with Denise Lee from Property Council giving us a brief update on the current BTR issues in New Zealand, then she will lead into Steph Harper from CBRE to talk through BTR in Australia and end with Caitlin Walker from Kiwi Property giving us insight from their new Resido development in Sylvia Park.
Biography
Bill sits on the board of Wesfarmers Ltd, Todd Corporation and the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
He is a director and investor with his family in private companies serving primary production, charities and disabled people. He consults to NZ and Australian companies and governments.
He is married to Dr Mary English who runs her own medical practice and they have 6 adult children.
11:35 am | Thursday 27 March
Panel | What Does Community Housing Look Like Moving Forward
Join our expert panel who will explore the evolving landscape of community housing in New Zealand. This session examines innovative solutions for affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity, addressing changing demographics, partnerships, and funding models. Gain insights into redefining housing to meet future needs while fostering vibrant, resilient communities that support social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Biography
Kelly Bunyan is CEO of Accessible Properties, New Zealand’s largest non-government social and community housing provider with nearly 3000 homes nationwide and supporting services across the portfolio.
Prior to joining Accessible Properties, Kelly held numerous Directorships including on the AP Board, was Head of Property New Zealand/Pacific at ANZ Bank and led property and infrastructure divisions in other large corporates. Her background as a Property and Construction lawyer has been advantageous in developing large scale real estate and infrastructure strategies, leveraging negotiations to achieve broader commercial and social outcomes alongside business transformation.
Kelly is passionate about delivering property with purpose and building resilient communities through an intergenerational lens.
11:35 am | Thursday 27 March
Panel | What Does Community Housing Look Like Moving Forward
Join our expert panel who will explore the evolving landscape of community housing in New Zealand. This session examines innovative solutions for affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity, addressing changing demographics, partnerships, and funding models. Gain insights into redefining housing to meet future needs while fostering vibrant, resilient communities that support social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Biography
Kelly Bunyan is CEO of Accessible Properties, New Zealand’s largest non-government social and community housing provider with nearly 3000 homes nationwide and supporting services across the portfolio.
Prior to joining Accessible Properties, Kelly held numerous Directorships including on the AP Board, was Head of Property New Zealand/Pacific at ANZ Bank and led property and infrastructure divisions in other large corporates. Her background as a Property and Construction lawyer has been advantageous in developing large scale real estate and infrastructure strategies, leveraging negotiations to achieve broader commercial and social outcomes alongside business transformation.
Kelly is passionate about delivering property with purpose and building resilient communities through an intergenerational lens.
11:35 am | Thursday 27 March
Panel | What Does Community Housing Look Like Moving Forward
Join our expert panel who will explore the evolving landscape of community housing in New Zealand. This session examines innovative solutions for affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity, addressing changing demographics, partnerships, and funding models. Gain insights into redefining housing to meet future needs while fostering vibrant, resilient communities that support social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Biography
Daniel is an accomplished director and property professional, bringing over 30 years’ experience in the property industry across various sectors, including residential, office, retail, industrial, hospitality, medical and retirement. Working in both the private and public sector, he has gained a deep understanding and appreciation for long-term sustainability and building resilient communities.
Daniel currently oversees all aspects of planning, design and procurement for the Tāmaki Regeneration Programme, bringing 10,500 new homes over the next 20 years in the East Auckland suburbs of Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure. He is at the helm of an $870 million development pipeline that is delivering 742 new homes over the next four years and enabling a further 468 homes through civil works, and plays a key role in the execution of $400 million in infrastructure projects.
Daniel joined Tāmaki Regeneration after leading the North Shore Commercial division at Bayleys Real Estate Limited, and following his time at Auckland International Airport, developing its business precinct through strategic masterplanning. Prior to this, Daniel was as an executive director for Smales Farm, a family-owned business with substantial real estate investment and development interests.
11:35 am | Thursday 27 March
Panel | What Does Community Housing Look Like Moving Forward
Join our expert panel who will explore the evolving landscape of community housing in New Zealand. This session examines innovative solutions for affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity, addressing changing demographics, partnerships, and funding models. Gain insights into redefining housing to meet future needs while fostering vibrant, resilient communities that support social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Biography
Rachel has over 12 years of experience as an urban planner working in all aspects of the profession, including strategic planning, policy development, and consenting, in both the public and private sectors.
Rachel’s experience includes district plan reviews, structure planning, strategic planning in greenfields and brownfields areas, and consenting for large-scale developments throughout New Zealand. Rachel has experience in all aspects of consultation and engagement, as well as presenting planning evidence at hearings.
1:25 pm | Thursday 27 March
Understanding Resource Management Act Reforms
This session will explore the transformative changes to New Zealand’s Resource Management System. Attendees will gain insights into the new legislative framework, its impact on urban planning, development and environmental protection. Discover opportunities and challenges these reforms present for stakeholders, and how they aim to balance the Government’s Going for Housing Growth Policy with environmental protections.
Biography
Jennifer is the National Chair of Buddle Findlay and co-leads the firm’s national resource management team. She has over 30 years’ experience in environmental law and litigation, including strategic management, oversight and leadership of complex consenting projects as well as expertise in alliancing delivery models.
Jennifer is a highly sought-after adviser for clients such as NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Auckland Transport, Kāinga Ora, and Transpower. She has held lead roles on several significant infrastructure projects (including Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth Alliance, Auckland Light Rail and the East West Link Alliance) and has been appointed as an Expert Panel Chair by the Environmental Protection Authority under the COVID-19 Recovery Fast-Track legislation. Jennifer regularly presents at environmental and infrastructure conferences and is currently a member of the NZ Property Council taskforce on fast-track consenting. She was a member of the Infrastructure New Zealand Delegation to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Copenhagen in May 2024.
1:25 pm | Thursday 27 March
Understanding Resource Management Act Reforms
This session will explore the transformative changes to New Zealand’s Resource Management System. Attendees will gain insights into the new legislative framework, its impact on urban planning, development and environmental protection. Discover opportunities and challenges these reforms present for stakeholders, and how they aim to balance the Government’s Going for Housing Growth Policy with environmental protections.
Dr. Mark Davey
Director – Urban Planning
Hamilton City Council
Biography
Dr Mark Davey is currently the Director of Urban Planning for Hamilton City Council. He has held a range of planning roles in both the public and private sector, predominantly engaged in policy development and large-scale urban development and infrastructure projects. Most recently Mark has been a member of the Government’s Fast-track Advisory Panel recommending projects of regional and national significance for fast-tracking.
Mark holds a PhD in Urban Planning from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Planning (first class Hons). He has undertaken published research locally and internationally.
Mark’s research interests have focused on urban growth management, spatial planning, housing intensification and affordability.
1:25 pm | Thursday 27 March
Understanding Resource Management Act Reforms
This session will explore the transformative changes to New Zealand’s Resource Management System. Attendees will gain insights into the new legislative framework, its impact on urban planning, development and environmental protection. Discover opportunities and challenges these reforms present for stakeholders, and how they aim to balance the Government’s Going for Housing Growth Policy with environmental protections.
Hon Kieran McAnulty
Labour MP
Shadow Leader of the House
Spokesperson for Housing, Local Government, and Regional Development
Biography
Kieran has been a Labour List MP based in Wairarapa which also includes the Tararua and Central Hawke’s Bay districts since 2017, and served as the local MP from 2020 to 2023. Kieran previously held the portfolios of Minister for Rural Communities, Regional Development, Racing, Local Government and Emergency Management as well as Deputy Leader of the House.
Kieran did his schooling in Carterton and Masterton and, after studies at Otago University and playing some rugby in Ireland, returned home to Wairarapa to live and work in 2008. He’s been a local Work and Income case manager, a bookie at the TAB and economic development manager for the Masterton district. He lives in Masterton and is a life-long, mad keen Wairarapa-Bush supporter.
2:50 pm | Thursday 27 March
The Labour Party Update
Join Hon Kieran McAnulty as he provides a Labour Party update.
Biography
George joined Precinct in 2010. Initially appointed as Chief Financial Officer, George then held the role of Chief Operating Officer for 5 years before taking on his current role. George plays a pivotal role in not only establishing Precinct’s strategy, but also establishing relationships and capital partnerships that help delivery on this strategy. Through a collaborative mindset, Precinct seeks to share the mutual benefits of success with our clients, and partners, forming valuable connections with those we work alongside and for.
George’s commitment to creating brighter and more prosperous futures for our cities also translates to his role as Chair of Keystone Trust which supports and mentors young people who have been held back by inequality into property and construction careers, with sponsorship from across the property and construction industry.
After gaining experience with a large accountancy firm in the United Kingdom, George moved to New Zealand, working for Fonterra and PwC before joining Goodman Property Trust, where he was Chief Financial Officer.
George has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from The University of Edinburgh and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in the United Kingdom.
3:30 pm | Thursday 27 March
The Growth of Student Accommodation
This session examines the rising demand for student accommodation in New Zealand’s urban centres. Explore factors driving this growth, including higher enrolment rates, urbanisation, and changing student preferences. Discuss innovative design solutions, investment opportunities, and strategies for creating affordable, sustainable, and vibrant student living environments.
Biography
Kelly Bunyan is CEO of Accessible Properties, New Zealand’s largest non-government social and community housing provider with nearly 3000 homes nationwide and supporting services across the portfolio.
Prior to joining Accessible Properties, Kelly held numerous Directorships including on the AP Board, was Head of Property New Zealand/Pacific at ANZ Bank and led property and infrastructure divisions in other large corporates. Her background as a Property and Construction lawyer has been advantageous in developing large scale real estate and infrastructure strategies, leveraging negotiations to achieve broader commercial and social outcomes alongside business transformation.
Kelly is passionate about delivering property with purpose and building resilient communities through an intergenerational lens.
11:35 am | Thursday 27 March
Panel | What Does Community Housing Look Like Moving Forward
Join our expert panel who will explore the evolving landscape of community housing in New Zealand. This session examines innovative solutions for affordability, sustainability, and inclusivity, addressing changing demographics, partnerships, and funding models. Gain insights into redefining housing to meet future needs while fostering vibrant, resilient communities that support social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Bruce Cotterill
Advisor to Business Leaders, Company Director, Keynote Speaker, Columnist, Podcast Host, and Bestselling Author
Biography
Bruce Cotterill describes his career as a “vertical learning curve.” A transformation leader, Bruce has extensive experience across industries such as real estate, media, financial services, technology, and retail.
As a CEO, he led real estate group Colliers in both New Zealand and Australia, Kerry Packer’s ACP Magazines, and iconic New Zealand sportswear company Canterbury International. Now a professional director, Bruce chairs Asset Plus, Rush Digital, and realestate.co.nz, and advises corporate and professional services firms.
Bruce is also deeply committed to charity, supporting Surf Life Saving New Zealand and co-founding the Bike for Blokes Charitable Trust, which has raised over $500,000 for men’s health. A sought-after business communicator and author of The Best Leaders Don’t Shout, he contributes regularly to the New Zealand Herald and hosts the Leaders Getting Coffee podcast. In his spare time, Bruce enjoys cycling, swimming, and playing guitar, all while being a husband, father, and lifeguard.
3:45 pm | Thursday 27 March
Closing Keynote | The Best Leaders Don't Shout
Drawing from his acclaimed book, Bruce Cotterill will explore the essence of great leadership: communication. Learn how to inspire, engage, and lead effectively through clear, authentic, and consistent messaging. Discover practical strategies to build trust, drive performance, and create lasting impact in teams and organisations, all without raising your voice.