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.
Event Details
Thur 26 March 2026
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: Economist Horizons
Tony Alexander | Independent Economist
9:30 am: Opening Keynote
Speaker to be announced
10:15 am: The Labour Party Update
Hon Kieran McAnulty | Spokesperson for Housing
10:35 am: Paramanawa
Morning Tea
11:05 am: Innovation for all Kiwis: Dynamic housing models
Joanna Brain | General Manager Strategy & Masterplanning, Tāmaki Regeneration
Morgan Jones | Managing Director, Veros
Neil Donnelly | Head of Property, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa
11:40 am: Panel | Building the foundations for future communities
Facilitated by Sarah Sinclair, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
Daran Ponter | Chair, Greater Wellington Regional Council
Cate Kearney | Chief Executive, Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
Geoff Cooper | Chief Executive, Te Waihanga
Priyan Perera | Chief Strategy & Planning Officer, Watercare
12:20 pm: Tina
Lunchtime
1:20 pm: Panel | Future-proofing the market: Insights for a thriving decade ahead
Dan Bosher | Director – NZ, Icon Co
Mark Macky | Chief Executive Officer, Bayleys Corporation
Speaker to be announced
1:55 pm: Property Council Advocacy Report Card
Denise Lee | Head of Advocacy, Property Council New Zealand
2:05 pm: Government Update
Hon Chris Bishop | Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform
2:35 pm: Paramanawa
Afternoon Tea
3:05 pm: Regulatory Reset
Janette Campbell | Barrister, Bankside Chambers
3:35 pm: Building smart: The future of construction is here
Johnny Gordon | General Manager, Iconic Construction
Marty Verry | Group Chief Executive Officer, Red Stag
Speaker 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
Event program:
https://www.propertynz.co.nz/residential-development-summit/programme
Official website:
https://www.propertynz.co.nz/residential-development-summit
Our venue has been thoughtfully designed to support all visitors regardless what health conditions they have. Every space, pathway, and piece of technology has been considered to promote independence, comfort, and confidence. Learn more here
