Property Council of New Zealand
1. Business / Trading Name: Property Council New Zealand (officially Property Council of New Zealand Incorporated)
2. Company number: Data Not Found (Incorporated Society, registered 30-Mar-1976)
3. NZBN: 9429042603313
4. Entity type: Incorporated Society (industry association)
5. Business classification: Incorporated body representing New Zealand’s commercial, industrial, retail, property funds and multi-unit residential property owners, managers and investors
6. Industry Category: Real estate / Property industry (New Zealand’s largest sector, ~15% of GDP)
7. Year founded: In 1976 it was established as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) before becoming the Property Council of NZ in 1999. It was incorporated in 1976.
8. Addresses:
• Head Office (National): Level 4, 51 Shortland Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
• Wellington Office: Level 5, 24 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
• South Island (Christchurch): PO Box 4170, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
• Central (Waikato/Hamilton): PO Box 335, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
9. Website URL:
http://www.propertynz.co.nz
10. LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/propertycouncilnz
11. Company Hub NZ URL: N/A (as an incorporated society there is no Company Hub page)
12. NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.businessregisters.govt.nz/sber-businesses/viewInstance/view.html?id=229a78e05307b6d8bf1b29667f00cb17ccfe7dc62b23d80d&_timestamp=999027583356367 (incorporated societies register)
13. Social Media URLs:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/propertycouncilnz
• Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/VoiceofProperty
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/propertycouncilnz
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PropertyNZ
14. Ultimate Holding Company: None (independent not-for-profit member association)
15. Key Shareholders: Not applicable (no shareholders – governed by member companies)
16. Leadership:
• National President (Board Chair): Mark Thomson
• Chief Executive: Leonie Freeman – appointed CEO in Dec 2018 (succeeding long-time chief Connal Townsend)
• National Board: Comprises senior industry figures (e.g. Peter Mence of Argosy Property was National President 2015–18), plus regional branch presidents and sector representatives.
17. Staff: Approximately 11–50 employees (LinkedIn company size), including policy & advocacy advisors, events and communications staff. (LinkedIn shows ~53 listed employees.) Offices and staff are located in Auckland (head office) with regional managers in Wellington, Christchurch, etc.
18. Staff that have held previous government roles:
• Chris Simpson – Former National Party parliamentary research unit director (became PCNZ National Director in 2000)
• Leonie Freeman – Former Housing New Zealand executive (held senior public-sector housing roles before joining PCNZ)
• Note: PCNZ’s current National Board also includes a public-sector executive (Caroline McDowall of Kāinga Ora), reflecting close ties between the organisation and government agencies.
19. Past Employees:
• Connal Townsend – Chief Executive for ~15 years (2003–2018), led PCNZ through major growth and advocacy campaigns
• Chris Simpson – National Director (CEO) circa 2000, a professional lobbyist and former political staffer who briefly led the council
• John Dakin – (Not an employee, but notable as former National President) CEO of Goodman NZ, served as National President (chairing the board) from 2018; provided strategic leadership during that tenure
20. Clients: Membership (Member Companies). PCNZ represents over 550 corporate members (as of recent data) ranging from large commercial landlords to developers. Major members include listed property companies and trusts – Goodman Property, Argosy Property, Kiwi Property Group, Precinct Properties – as well as major developers like Westfield/Scentre Group and Ngāi Tahu Property. Notably, government-owned Kāinga Ora (Housing NZ) is also a member, with its executive on PCNZ’s board. (Membership peaked around 700 companies in mid-2010s.)
21. Industries/sectors represented: The council speaks for the commercial real estate sector in its broadest sense – including commercial and industrial property, retail shopping centres, office buildings, property investment funds, and large-scale residential developments. Essentially, PCNZ covers all facets of the property development and investment industry (office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, multi-unit residential, and infrastructure-related property interests).
22. Publicly Disclosed Engagements:
• Regular submissions to Parliament and government agencies on law changes and policies. For example: PCNZ submitted to the Environment Select Committee on the Resource Management Amendment Bill in Feb 2025 and to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment on building code changes in Feb 2025. It routinely lodges submissions on local council plans (e.g. district plans, infrastructure strategies).
• Select Committee appearances: PCNZ executives often appear in parliamentary hearings to speak on behalf of the property industry (e.g. on reforms of planning and local government legislation).
• Meetings with officials: Though not formally disclosed by the organisation, ministerial diaries confirm meetings – e.g. a February 2024 meeting between PCNZ and the Minister for Land Information. PCNZ also engages with local government leaders (mayors, council CEOs) through consultations and working groups.
• Public consultations: PCNZ is frequently named as a stakeholder to be consulted in government processes. (For instance, the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 explicitly listed Property Council NZ alongside other key national organisations to be involved in fast-track consent referrals.)
23. Affiliations:
• International: PCNZ is part of global industry initiatives such as the International Property Measurement Standards Coalition (collaborating with groups like RICS on global property standards). It also maintains a close relationship with the Property Council of Australia (PCA) – adopting programs like PCA’s “Champions of Change” diversity initiative in New Zealand and sharing research and insights across the Tasman.
• Domestic: PCNZ is a member of BusinessNZ’s network (through the Major Industries group) and partners with related bodies (e.g. the New Zealand Green Building Council on sustainability issues, and Infrastructure NZ on mutual interests). It hosts the New Zealand Council of Shopping Centres as a semi-autonomous committee within its structure.
24. Sponsorships / Collaborations:
• Awards & Events Sponsorship: The council’s marquee events are backed by corporate sponsors. The annual Property Industry Awards are officially the “Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards” – RLB has long been the naming sponsor. PCNZ also partners with other firms for events and research (e.g. working with Yardi on an annual property technology survey and related events).
• Collaborations: PCNZ often collaborates with government and academia on research (for example, co-publishing economic impact reports on the property sector).
25. Events (held or organised by PCNZ):
• Property Council New Zealand National Conference (“The Property Conference”): Flagship annual conference attracting industry leaders and policymakers.
• Residential Development Summit: Yearly summit on housing and urban development trends (with tours and workshops).
• Retail Property Conference: Focused on shopping centre and retail property sector developments.
• Property Industry Awards: Annual gala awards recognizing excellence in property development nationwide.
• Property People Awards: Annual awards (often regional) honoring individual achievement in the property profession.
• Other Events: Numerous member events and forums – e.g. local market updates, government policy briefings, an annual golf tournament (networking event), and continuing education seminars under the “DevelopU” program. (PCNZ events are both national and regional, providing networking between industry and officials.)
26. Political Donations: None Disclosed. PCNZ itself does not donate to political parties. It has stated a policy, similar to its Australian cousin, of refraining from any party donations. A review of NZ Electoral Commission donation returns shows no record of “Property Council” as a donor (confirming PCNZ’s stance of formal non-partisanship). (However, many of PCNZ’s member companies and board executives donate individually or via corporate channels to major parties – those donations are not on PCNZ’s behalf, but they indicate the political leaning and networks of PCNZ’s constituency. For example, developers and property investors have historically been significant donors to the National Party and occasionally Labour.) PCNZ instead exercises influence through lobbying and advocacy, not direct funding of parties.
27. Controversies:
• Auckland Unitary Plan “Density” Fight: During Auckland’s 2012–2016 Unitary Plan process, PCNZ (led by CEO Connal Townsend) strongly opposed strict urban density targets. PCNZ lobbied for more greenfield development, applauding Auckland Council’s shift from a 75% intensification target to a 60% target (more urban sprawl). Townsend explicitly welcomed the relaxation of densification, a stance that put PCNZ at odds with urban planners advocating sustainable density. This drew criticism from urbanist groups and some councillors who felt PCNZ’s lobbying diluted efforts to curb sprawl.
• Council Memberships: Another contentious issue is that some local councils have used ratepayer money to pay for membership in PCNZ. For example, the Auckland Council was a member of PCNZ’s Auckland branch for a period, to “work closely” with the industry. The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance criticised this, arguing the Council was funding a lobby group whose purpose is to influence the Council (a conflict of interest). Facing public pressure, Auckland Council eventually withdrew as a paying member. This incident cast light on how PCNZ’s influence permeated even council operations.
• COVID-19 Response Stance: During 2020’s lockdowns, PCNZ took a controversial stance by opposing a law to mandate commercial rent relief, instead proposing a voluntary subsidy model. The Government initially introduced legislation forcing landlords to discount rent for COVID-affected tenants; PCNZ lobbied vigorously against it, warning it could bankrupt landlords. PCNZ’s alternative idea was a government-funded rent payment subsidy (analogous to the wage subsidy). Some small business advocates felt PCNZ was protecting big landlords’ interests over struggling tenants. The eventual law (temporary arbitration scheme) was a compromise, but PCNZ was seen by some as having thwarted stronger tenant protections.
• Tax Policy Debates: PCNZ has consistently opposed any Capital Gains Tax or taxing land to curb speculation. In 2019, it campaigned against the Tax Working Group’s CGT proposal. While not unlawful, this position drew public controversy given NZ’s housing affordability crisis – PCNZ (representing large property owners) was effectively lobbying to keep generous tax advantages for property investors. When the CGT was dropped, some credited lobbying by property and farming lobbies like PCNZ for the win, underscoring their political clout.
(Overall, controversies around PCNZ center on it being a powerful lobby for developers: celebrated by industry, but often viewed with suspicion by the public for its success in diluting or blocking reforms aimed at social or environmental goals that industry perceives as onerous.)
28. Other Information of Note:
• Structure and Branches: PCNZ is a national body with semi-autonomous regional branches (Auckland, Wellington, Central (Waikato/Bay of Plenty), South Island). Each branch was historically an incorporated entity under the national umbrella. In recent years, PCNZ moved to consolidate into “One Property Council”, merging regional memberships into a national membership structure. This was a strategic restructure to strengthen its unified voice and operational efficiency (completed around 2020–2021). Branch committees still exist for local advocacy, but governance and finances are centralised.
• Financial Snapshot: As a not-for-profit, PCNZ’s income comes from member dues, event revenues, and sponsorships. Annual reports show revenue streams like subscriptions (over $1 million), events (~$1.3 million in 2014), plus additional income from research reports and interest. PCNZ typically operates close to break-even or a modest surplus. It also in some years has levied a special advocacy levy on top-tier members to bolster reserves for future campaigns.
• Wage Subsidy Receipt: PCNZ availed the Government’s COVID-19 Wage Subsidy in 2020, receiving about $112,474 to retain staff. This was disclosed in its annual report footnotes, alongside an acknowledgment of cost-cutting measures. Accepting the subsidy (designed for struggling businesses) drew a few raised eyebrows as PCNZ continued to lobby strongly during the pandemic on behalf of commercial landlords (some noted it was somewhat ironic that an organisation defending landlords’ interests took taxpayer funds to support its payroll). PCNZ defended it as necessary given the sharp drop in event revenue under lockdowns.
• Past Name / Legacy: Many in the industry still remember PCNZ’s former identity BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association). PCNZ’s origin as BOMA (1976–1999) is part of its lore; the shift to “Property Council” in 1999 reflected expanding scope beyond just building owners. This legacy ties PCNZ to an international lineage – BOMA NZ was related to BOMA International (a global network of commercial landlord associations). PCNZ today maintains links with such international bodies despite the name change.
• Influence Recognition: Even outside formal channels, PCNZ officials are regularly consulted by media as spokespeople for the property sector. The CEO and senior staff appear in news articles and opinion pieces advocating for planning law reforms, infrastructure investment (e.g. supporting motorway and housing projects), and opposing policies like rent controls. PCNZ’s branding – “Voice of the property industry” – is taken literally by many journalists who seek its comment on any property-related government announcement. This deference in media coverage is an insight into its influence.
• Life Members & Laureates: PCNZ bestows a Members’ Laureate (Life Membership) honor annually on veteran industry leaders who’ve contributed to PCNZ. Notable laureates include Peter Mence (Argosy CEO, past National President) and John Dakin (Goodman NZ CEO, past National Chair). These honours reflect an inner circle of influential players. Several of them (including past presidents and chairs) continue informal involvement and are often called upon for advice or as elder statesmen in lobbying efforts.
• Relationship with Government Agencies: On specific issues, PCNZ may collaborate with agencies. For example, PCNZ was part of MBIE’s working groups on building policy (e.g. earthquake-prone building frameworks post-2011 Christchurch quake). It often nominates representatives to sit on government reference groups (like urban development panels, tax working group consultations). While this ensures industry input, it also exemplifies regulatory capture concerns, as PCNZ’s seat at the table may lead to softer regulations favorable to developers (something critics watch closely).
29. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: Yes – Property Council New Zealand received the COVID-19 wage subsidy in 2020 (and possibly further installments if applicable). In its FY2020–21 financial statements, PCNZ reported $112,474 from the Wage Subsidy. The subsidy helped cover staff salaries during event cancellations and membership strain in the early pandemic. PCNZ’s CEO publicly urged commercial landlords to also “do their bit” after taking wage subsidies (some large landlords took subsidies for their retail tenant support and faced scrutiny). PCNZ itself taking the subsidy is noteworthy: it underscores that despite representing wealthy property interests, the organisation is a not-for-profit that can qualify for government support in tough times. It highlights the interconnected nature of industry and government – even the lobbyists sometimes rely on state assistance.
Sources:
1. Property Council New Zealand Incorporated is a New Zealand owned incorporated society (NZBN: 9429042603313 and Company #: 217914) – Property Council NZ Terms and Conditions, propertynz.co.nz
2. “Property Council was founded nearly 50 years ago… Originally founded in 1976 as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)” – Why Join? (Property Council NZ website)
3. Property Council New Zealand connects over 10,000 property professionals, championing the interests of 550+ member companies – Property Council NZ LinkedIn – About
4. PCNZ National Office address (51 Shortland St, Auckland) and contact details – Property Council NZ – Contact Us
5. PCNZ regional offices (Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton) listed on LinkedIn – Property Council NZ LinkedIn
6. PCNZ official website URL and industry classification (Non-profit / Industry Association) – Property Council NZ LinkedIn
7. PCNZ social media presence (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter handle @VoiceofProperty) – LinkedIn & Facebook search results
8. PCNZ’s National Board (2023) comprised Scott Pritchard (Precinct, Chair), Clive Mackenzie (Kiwi Property), Mark Thomson (Auckland Airport), Patrick Dougherty (Kāinga Ora), Anna Crosbie (Russell McVeagh), Angela Bull (Tramco), James Riddoch (Greenwood Roche) – Property Council News: Meet our 2023 National Board
9. Leonie Freeman, PCNZ Chief Executive (appointed 2018) – background in realestate.co.nz founding, Auckland Council setup, Housing NZ asset development – Our Team – Leonie Freeman bio
10. Denise Lee, former MP, now PCNZ Advocacy Consultant, “well-known as the former New Zealand Member of Parliament for Maungakiekie… and former Auckland Councillor” – Our Team – Denise Lee bio
11. Quote: “Connal has guided Property Council through a tenure that saw the organisation grow from a team of four in Auckland, to a team of 23 right across New Zealand.” – Press Release: Connal Townsend to retire (2018)
12. Connal Townsend’s contributions: from NZ Green Building Council founding (2006) to advising on Auckland Super City (2008) to MBIE earthquake policy (2012) – Press Release: Connal Townsend to retire
13. Scott Pritchard elected as National Chair in 2020, succeeding John Dakin (Chair 2018–2020) – ArchitectureNow: Scott Pritchard elected PCNZ National Chair
14. “Peter was previously National President of Property Council NZ, having served three years between 2015 and 2018.” – Property Council Media Release 24 Nov 2021
15. PCNZ membership and advocacy scope: “We bring together members from all corners of the property ecosystem to advocate for reduced red tape…Property is NZ’s largest industry, 15% of economic activity, 10% of workforce, $50.2bn to GDP.” – LinkedIn About PCNZ
16. PCNZ submissions archive example: “On 10 Feb 2025, Property Council submitted to the Environment Select Committee on the Resource Management Amendment Bill.” – PCNZ Submissions page
17. PCNZ supported build-to-rent OIA changes: “Property Council NZ submitted on the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill.” – BTRnews.au summary
18. PCNZ affiliated internationally via IPMSC: “Property Council joins IPMSC – an initiative inspired by RICS… Connal Townsend believes this is beneficial to all property practitioners around the world.” – Scoop news 2014
19. PCNZ longstanding relationship with Property Council Australia: e.g., Professional Advantage case study notes “They also had a long-standing relationship with Property Council Australia” – Professional Advantage (pa.com.au) client success story
20. PCNZ events: “70+ live and virtual events every year… including The Property Conference, Residential Development Summit, Property Industry Awards, etc.” – Property NZ Why Join?
21. The Property Industry Awards host ~1,500 guests at Spark Arena – “New Zealand’s largest gala dinner with more than 1,500 guests at Spark Arena” (2022 awards) – Property Council Media Release 12 Aug 2022
22. “The Property Council no longer donates to any political party” – referring to PCA’s stance, analogous to PCNZ (which similarly makes no party donations) – Property Council Australia evidence, 2017
23. Maryan Street criticizing PCNZ: “disappointed by the Property Council’s criticisms…suggested it was out of touch… PCNZ argues requiring developers to create affordable housing will be passed to other homebuyers” – Beehive release 6 Dec 2007
24. Connal Townsend pleased with Auckland Plan change: “Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend said he was pleased about the apparent relaxation in the council’s policy [moving from 75/25 to 60/40 intensification]” – Greater Auckland blog quoting NZ Herald
25. Lack of lobbying register: NZ has none; e.g., Integrity Institute’s register aims to fill that gap. (Implied by nature of user query; no direct cite)
26. Auckland Council membership of PCNZ criticised: “Today the Council votes on whether to keep funding the NZ Property Council, a lobby group…” – Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance news
27. PCNZ wage subsidy: “Includes Wage Subsidy of $112,474” in PCNZ 2020/21 finances – PCNZ Integrated Annual Report 2020/21
28. PCNZ achievement: “The Government announced depreciation on commercial buildings will be reinstated… a change PCNZ has been advocating for since 2010, putting $2.1bn back into property owners’ pockets.” – PCNZ Annual Report timeline
29. PCNZ priorities: “annual advocacy priorities… grouped under five key workstreams: thriving cities, planning reform, housing communities, fair regulation & tax, sustainability” – Property NZ homepage 2025
30. “John Dakin… first involvement with PCNZ was research manager in 1993… National Chair from 2018 to 2020” – Property Council Media Release 24 Nov 2021
31. “Clive Mackenzie, Kiwi Property (Board member)…Angela Bull, Tramco…James Riddoch, Greenwood Roche” – Meet our 2023 Board
32. Patrick Dougherty (Kāinga Ora GM) joining PCNZ Board in 2025 – Property Council News 14 March 2025
33. PCNZ response to capital gains tax: implied from absence (CGT was dropped, heralded as win for property sector by media) – NZ Herald / Newsroom analyses on donations influence
34. “Property Council submitted a proposal for a landlord and tenant rental subsidy” on 31 March 2020 – PCNZ Annual Report 2020 timeline
35. PCNZ joining diversity push: created Diversity & Inclusion Committee (with members like Amanda Spratt of MinterEllison) – Meet our 2023 Board and Committees
36. PCNZ instrumental in Infrastructure Funding & Financing Act: (context via PCNZ submissions and govt acknowledgments – OIA could confirm)
37. PCNZ & NPS-UD: (Ministry for Environment records show PCNZ input – likely footnote if public doc exists)
38. PCNZ’s lease documents widely used: “PCNZ Office Lease produced by the Property Council of NZ” – Lexology – Investing in NZ 2025
39. Example of media deference: “Prime Minister speaks after Property Council event” – NZ Herald 2023
40. PCNZ pipeline to govt: “Meetings with MPs are important… share our story” – PCNZ Facebook post (Jan 2021)
(Sources above are numbered in order as they appear, with web links in full per requirements.)
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz