South Island Region

Welcome to
Te Waipounamu

The South Island is on the cusp of a new era with some of the country’s largest ever projects set to grow and enhance our city centres.

Our region will see the rollout of key regeneration projects for Christchurch’s city centre and the first stage of Dunedin’s new public hospital build. These projects reflect the vision, commitment and leadership of our members and the strength of our communities. 

The often talked about opportunities that would arise, particularly in tourism, hospitality and retail are now fast becoming a reality, and these will continue to drive the South Island’s economy. In Christchurch, the Global Settlement was an important milestone and we’ll continue to work towards the city’s return to local leadership by engaging and assisting local and central government, and key regeneration agencies.  The vision of the Blueprint and Central City Recovery Plan is coming to life in central Christchurch. It reflects the vision, commitment and leadership of property, New Zealand’s largest industry. We have a reshaped city; now it is time to make it thrive.

Our members will benefit from our advocacy across multiple topics as we go into bat on their behalf to open the doors for further development and supporting infrastructure. Key areas include: 

  • Building system reform 
  • Resource management reform 
  • Infrastructure funding and procurement 
  • Local authority funding (including vigilance in respect of inequitable funding models) 

These issues will have a huge impact on the future of the property sector and it’s our job to ensure that the collective voice of our members is heard by policy makers.

Tom Chatterton

Rider Levett Bucknall
South Island Regional Chair

Download the Local Government Briefing Paper

South Island
Advocacy Priority

In the regions, our regular projects include Long-term Plans, Annual Plans, District and Spatial Plans, rates differentials and development contributions. In addition to this, each Regional Committee also choose one priority to focus on for the year, with the South Island’s being:

"Investing in the future of our cities and communities – facilitating certainty and unlocking opportunities for growth through stronger stakeholder relationships."

Regional Events

All Events & Courses

South Island
Regional Committee

The South Island Regional Committee assists the Property Council team to formulate our local advocacy strategy and plan member events and initiatives in the region.

The current Committee is in effect from 1 November 2024.

Local Government
Briefing Paper

The Local Government Briefing Paper has been produced in advance of the 2025 Local Government Elections to provide candidates – many of whom are unfamiliar with the property industry – with a simple guide to the challenges faced, solutions available and potential impact for their city or region.

The document outlines five key workstreams: 

  1. Foster stronger relationships with the property sector 
  2. Improve local government funding and financing 
  3. Fairer investment in infrastructure 
  4. Connect regional planning and transport; and 
  5. Increase housing supply and improve consenting. 

Singing off the same song sheet nationwide also helps ensure consistency across our national and regional advocacy workstreams. It is a working document that will evolve over time as policies are announced and issues arise, with the current version available for download by members upon logging in here. 👉

This content is for members only

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Save the date!

Friday 7 November 2025
Ōtautahi, Christchurch

The South Island Property People Awards celebrate and recognise the people behind the projects in the South Island region.

Learn More

Recent Submissions

Submission

Property Council submission on Auckland Council Annual Plan 2025

March 25, 2025

On 25 March 2025, Property Council submitted on Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2025. In brief Property Council supports Auckland Council’s Annual Plan and congratulates Auckland Council for creating consistency by staying the course of what it originally agreed to do through the Long-term Plan 2024-2034. At a high level, the Property Council recommends Auckland Council: Make clear in the Long-term Plan 2026-2036 the timeline for reducing the business differential; and Start exploring ways to collaborate with the development community on mixed-use, retail, hospitality and housing projects around City Rail Link stations to maximise the investment and enhance city vibrancy. Read our full submission  

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Submission

Property Council submission on Hutt City Council Sustainable Growth Strategy 2025-2055

March 13, 2025

On 13 March 2025, Property Council submitted on Hutt City Council’s Sustainable Growth Strategy. In brief Property Council supports Hutt City’s Sustainable Growth Strategy 2025-2055. However, we would like to see a more pragmatic and collaborative approach to developing a future national adaptation and natural hazards plan. At a high level, Property Council recommends that Hutt City Council: Work closely with the development community and its own employees to encourage a collaborative and welcoming approach to future intensification and desired outcomes are met; Investigate options for mix-use development around the upgraded Waterloo Station; Investigate alternative funding and financing options for water and waste infrastructure prior to the Long-Term Plan 2026-2036. This could include a similar model to Wellington City Council’s

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Submission

Property Council submission on Auckland Council’s Draft Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy

March 10, 2025

On 10 March 2025, Property Council submitted on Auckland Council’s Draft Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy. This sets broad principles on future open spaces across Auckland. In brief Property Council is concerned that the strategy has limited details around implementation and financing. We are particularly concerned that the implications will fall onto development contribution fees, impacting the feasibility of development. At a high level, Property Council recommends that Auckland Council: Delete the unachievable proposal to “Make all of Tāmaki Makaurau our backyard”; Shift the ‘benefits-led approach’ to an ‘evidence-based approach’ with a particular focus around the need for investment and ability to maintain that investment; Amend the Draft Open Space Strategy to include the

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All Submissions

Contact Us

Help champion the
South Island property industry

Property Council has several dynamic and engaged member taskforces and committees, who provide insight and support our team with a range of initiatives. These groups are ever-changing and are open to all members.

We also have numerous opportunities for sponsors to partner with us to produce and support local events.

Please contact your Regional Manager for further information:

Danielle Brayne

South Island Regional Manager

022 629 2820
danielle@propertynz.co.nz