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About

Property Investors Federation (NZ)

  1. Business / Trading Name: New Zealand Property Investors’ Federation Incorporated (commonly known as NZ Property Investors Federation or NZPIF).

  1. Company Number: 441208 (Incorporation Number)

  1. NZBN (New Zealand Business Number): 9429042707783

  1. Entity Type: Incorporated Society (non-profit industry association).

  1. Business Classification: Industry advocacy group for property investors/landlords (peak body for local Property Investors’ Associations).

  1. Industry Category: Residential real estate investment and property rental sector (private rental housing providers).

  1. Year Founded: 1983 (officially incorporated in 1983).

  1. Addresses: Postal – PO Box 5014, Springlands, Blenheim, New Zealand. (No single public physical office; officials and member associations operate nationwide.)

  1. Website URL:

https://nzpif.co.nz

  1. LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-zealand-property-investors-federation/.

  1. CompanyHub NZ URL: N/A – (No CompanyHub profile; NZPIF is not a registered company. Related entry “Federated Property Investors Ltd” was a defunct entity, not the Federation).

  1. NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.businessregisters.govt.nz/sber-businesses/viewInstance/view.html?id=229a78e05307b6d8bf1b29667f00cb1740db48c95e5e533e&_timestamp=3696777045617892 (Incorporated Societies Register)

  1. Social Media URLs: Twitter (X) – twitter.com/NZPIF ; Instagram – instagram.com/nzpif

  1. Ultimate Holding Company: None – NZPIF is an independent federation owned by its member associations (no parent company or holding entity).

  1. Key Shareholders: None – As a non-profit federation, it has no shareholders. Its “members” are the 17 affiliated regional Property Investors’ Associations across New Zealand.

  1. Leadership: President – Peter Ambrose (Wellington-based property investor) ; Vice President – Peter Lewis (Auckland landlord) ; Immediate Past President – Sue Harrison ; Treasurer – Amanda Watt ; Secretary – Shirley Berryman ; Regional Reps – Tim Horsbrugh, Daryl Fisher, Kerry Beveridge, Kathryn Seque-Roche (representing central, northern, southern regions). (The Executive Committee is composed entirely of veteran property investors.)

  1. Staff:; PR & Advocacy Manager – Matt Ball (hired 2024 as first dedicated communications lobbyist) ; Operations/Administration – (not publicly named; general inquiries handled via office@nzpif.org.nz). (Historically, day-to-day operations were run by volunteer executives; in recent years NZPIF has professionalised by hiring staff.)

  1. Staff With Previous Government Roles: No senior NZPIF staff are former elected officials. However, PR Manager Matt Ball has “decades of experience” in politics and was the Director of Communications for the Act Party (Apr 2023 – Oct 2023). (There are no known former Ministers or MPs on staff, but Ball’s background indicates insider political communications experience.)

  1. Past Employees: Andrew King – NZPIF Executive Officer (2014–2020), long-time spokesperson who served 6 years in the role before stepping down in 2020. (King was instrumental in NZPIF’s advocacy expansion; previously also a past President or Vice President.) Sharon Cullwick - Executive Officer (2020 – 2022). No other full-time employees pre-2020 (the Federation relied on volunteers and contracted support).

  1. Clients: N/A (Membership Organisation) – NZPIF does not have “clients” in a commercial sense. Its constituents are its members – primarily private landlords and property investors (over 7,000 individual members via local associations as of 2009). The Federation’s purpose is to serve these members’ interests rather than external clients.

  1. Industries/Sectors Represented: NZPIF represents the private residential rental property sector, i.e. private landlords and “mum-and‑dad” property investors providing rental housing. Its advocacy covers housing policy, tenancy law, property taxation, and related real estate investment issues on behalf of these private rental providers.

  1. Publicly Disclosed Engagements: Regular submissions to Parliament and government agencies on housing legislation (e.g. on Residential Tenancies Act amendments and Reserve Bank consultations on mortgage rules). NZPIF representatives frequently meet with or present to Ministers and MPs – notably, the Housing Minister (e.g. Phil Twyford) addressed the NZPIF annual conference in 2018. NZPIF is “regularly consulted” by officials on tenancy initiatives (such as incentives for landlords housing emergency tenants) by its own account. In late 2023 it announced it would send a policy proposal letter to every MP in the incoming government. (Lacking any official lobbyist register, many such engagements are self-reported or disclosed via OIA requests.)

  1. Affiliations (incl. Regional Associations): NZPIF is the national umbrella for 17 local Property Investors’ Associations (PIAs) across New Zealand. Major affiliates include Auckland Property Investors’ Association, Wellington PIA, Canterbury (Christchurch) PIA, and others in regions such as Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Otago, etc., each an independent non-profit. NZPIF coordinates with these associations, which collectively form its membership and governance structure. (There are also life members and past presidents who remain influential in the federation’s network.)

  1. Sponsorships / Collaborations: The Federation partners with numerous businesses to provide member benefits and receives sponsorships that also support its activities. Corporate Partners include Bunnings Warehouse (hardware chain providing trade discounts and rebate funding to NZPIF), insurance providers (Initio and First Lane Insurance), a fuel card program, property software (e.g. myRent) and others. Event Sponsors have included Resene Paints (sponsor of “Renovation of the Year” award) and even the government’s MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment), which controversially sponsored NZPIF’s Landlord of the Year Award. NZPIF also claims collaboration with “other industry bodies” to align policy efforts (e.g. informal alliances with real estate industry groups on shared concerns).

  1. Events: Annual NZPIF Conference – flagship event hosted in rotation by local PIAs, drawing hundreds of landlords and featuring industry speakers and politicians. The conference often includes an awards gala (e.g. Landlord of the Year, Renovation of the Year). NZPIF also conducts educational seminars (e.g. “RentSkills” training), webinars, and supports local monthly meetings run by affiliates. Events serve as networking and lobbying platforms; for instance, government ministers and opposition housing spokespeople are invited to speak, indicating NZPIF’s access to policymakers.

  1. Political Donations: No direct donations by NZPIF as an organisation are recorded. However, individuals and entities in the property investment industry – including figures associated with NZPIF – contribute heavily to political parties. Since 2021, donors “aligned with the property industry” have given over NZ$2.5 million to parties, with more than 85% of that going to the centre-right National, ACT, and NZ First parties. This suggests the political preferences of NZPIF’s community. (E.g. wealthy landlords like Mark Wyborn donated hundreds of thousands to those parties.) NZPIF’s policy goals often mirror the platforms of these parties, underscoring an indirect influence via aligned donors rather than formal PAC-style contributions.

  1. Controversies: NZPIF has attracted criticism for its public statements and stances. Notably, Executive Officer Sharon Cullwick caused outrage in 2020 by claiming that first-home buyers entering the market “actually make the housing crisis worse” by reducing rental supply. Economists slammed this as “ridiculous” and “tone deaf”. The Federation’s opposition to certain tenant-protection measures has been contentious (e.g. it fought to retain no-cause evictions and resisted some Healthy Homes standards, prompting accusations of putting landlord profits over tenant welfare). NZPIF’s credibility has also been questioned for “integrity washing” – presenting itself as promoting “socially responsible” property management while lobbying against regulations like tighter rent controls or stronger insulation mandates. Tenant advocacy groups (e.g. Renters United) have openly criticized NZPIF’s proposals as aimed at “lining investors’ pockets at the expense of renters”. Furthermore, NZPIF’s close alignment with certain political parties and acceptance of government sponsorships (like MBIE funding an award) have raised eyebrows about conflicts of interest.

  1. Other Information of Note: NZPIF is the pre-eminent landlord lobby in New Zealand, often treated by media as the voice of “mum and dad” rental property owners. It originated in response to impending regulation (the introduction of the Residential Tenancies Act in the 1980s) and has since grown alongside New Zealand’s boom in property investment. The Federation publishes the NZ Property Investor magazine in partnership with a private publisher (providing a media platform for its views), and it maintains a Code of Ethics for members (promising fair and honest conduct) – a document often cited in its PR. NZPIF’s membership (through local associations) has numbered in the thousands – it claimed to represent over 7,000 landlords by 2009 and continues to recruit members by offering discount schemes and political representation. Notably, NZPIF played a role in advocating the “Winter Energy Payment” concept (electricity subsidy for low-income tenants), which was adopted in modified form by the Government – an example of NZPIF attempting to shape policy in ways that preempt tighter regulation. In recent years the Federation has ramped up its lobbying efforts by hiring professional staff and launching campaigns (including a 2022 five-point “plan to fix the rental crisis” widely seen as favouring landlords).

  1. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: No.

Sources

[1] NZPIF email newsletter, “NZPIF was officially incorporated in 1983. Harry Lawson was President…”, New Zealand Property Investors’ Federation (2018), via nzpif.org.nz – (Discussing NZPIF’s 1983 incorporation and early leadership) – URL: https://www.nzpif.org.nz/emailers/view/59427 (see lines 1–4).

[2] “Established in 1983, the Federation has twenty affiliated local associations… It is the national body representing the interests of over 7,000 property investors on all matters affecting rental-housing.”, NZPIF Submission to Parliament on Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (June 2009) – URL: https://pimms.nzpif.org.nz/UserFiles/files/Federation/submissions/2009%2006%20RTA%20Amendment%20bill.pdf (see page 7, lines 1–4).

[3] NZPIF Website – “The NZPIF is the umbrella body for 17 local Property Investors’ Associations throughout New Zealand.”, NZ Property Investors Federation (2025) – URL: https://www.nzpif.org.nz (Contact page, lines 8–16).

[4] NZPIF Contact Page, Contact details for NZPIF (phone, email, postal address), NZ Property Investors Federation – URL: https://nzpif.co.nz/contact-new-zealand-property-investors-federation-nzpif/ (see lines 31–39 and 100–105).

[5] NZPIF Facebook Page (@nzpif), Official social media presence, Facebook – URL: https://www.facebook.com/nzpif (accessed 2025).

[6] NZPIF Twitter (X) Account (@NZPIF), Official social media presence (last active 2017), Twitter – URL: https://twitter.com/NZPIF (accessed 2025).

[7] “New Zealand Property Investors Federation (NZPIF), which represents private sector residential rental housing providers…”, Scoop News – NZPIF Members Support Greater Stability For Tenants (Press Release, 10 Nov 2022) – URL: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2211/S00058/nzpif-members-support-greater-stability-for-tenants.htm (see lines 94–101).

[8] NZPIF Press Release – “NZ Property Investors Federation Appoints New PR and Advocacy Manager” (25 June 2024), Scoop Business – URL: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2406/S00443/nz-property-investors-federation-appoints-new-pr-and-advocacy-manager.htm (see lines 89–98 and 99–107).

[9] RNZ News – “Property industry tops political donations” by Farah Hancock (Data journalist), RNZ (2 Oct 2023) – analysis showing $2.5m+ from property interests (53% to National, 32% ACT, 12% NZ First) – URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/499176/property-industry-tops-political-donations (see lines 51–59).

[10] RNZ News – “Property Investors Federation doubles down on claim first home buyers contributing to housing crisis” (4 Nov 2020), RNZ – quoting Sharon Cullwick and responses – URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/429819/ (see lines 49–57 and 79–84).

[11] NZ Herald – “What we are telling landlords about heating rental homes” by Andrew King (Northern Advocate/Herald, Sep 2020), Andrew King op-ed clarifying NZPIF stance on heat pumps and delays – URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/property/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503439&objectid=12362992 (see lines 198–207 and 246–254).

[12] Scoop News – “Delay Ring-fencing And Save Lives” (Press Release by NZPIF, 1 Apr 2020), NZPIF calling for delay of tax loss ring-fencing due to Covid, citing health benefits – URL: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2004/S00009/delay-ring-fencing-and-save-lives.htm (see lines 109–117 and 115–123).

[13] NZ Herald – “Capital gains tax: landlords express relief for $150b of housing” by Anne Gibson (17 Apr 2019), NZ Herald – quotes Andrew King and notes NZPIF’s strong opposition to CGT in Tax Working Group process – URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/personal-finance/investment/capital-gains-tax-landlords-express-relief-for-150b-of-housing/QBLY7UCUOUKR44OLUL5NKKDISA/ (see lines 491–499 and 495–502).

[14] RNZ News – “Property Investors Federation claims to have plan to fix rental property crisis” (Midday Report, 28 Apr 2022), RNZ – outlines NZPIF’s 5-point plan and Renters United’s critique (“lining their pockets at expense of renters”) – URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/466269/ (see lines 104–113 and 114–122).

[15] Good Returns – “Solving the rental shortage – new legislation and a change of attitude” by GoodReturns.co.nz (21 Nov 2023), describes NZPIF letter to new government and quotes Peter Lewis on past exclusion of NZPIF from discussions – URL: https://www.goodreturns.co.nz/article/976522521/ (see lines 53–62 and 61–69).

[16] NZPIF Media Release – “NZPIF continues campaign with a new Executive Officer” (3 March 2020), via Illion Tenancy services – announces Sharon Cullwick replacing Andrew King, notes King’s 6 years as EO and Cullwick’s roles – URL: https://www.illiontenancy.co.nz/files/IF_continues_campaign_with_a_new_Executive_Officer.pdf (see lines 5–13 and 7–9).

[17] NZPIF Website – NZPIF Home / Advocacy page, “Championing Property Investors’ Rights… Our biggest win to date is the restoration of interest deductibility for property investors.”, NZPIF (post-2023) – URL: https://nzpif.co.nz (see lines 61–69).

[18] Scoop News – “NZ Property Investors Federation Awards Showcase NZ’s Top Landlords” (Business Scoop, Oct 2023) – mentions Resene and MBIE as award sponsors – URL: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2310/S00037.htm (see mention of Resene Renovation of the Year and MBIE sponsoring Landlord of the Year).

[19] NZPIF Partner Page – “We’ve teamed up with a range of trusted suppliers to offer you exclusive discounts… (Bunnings trade pricing, etc.)”, NZPIF.org.nz (2023) – describes corporate partner deals and rebate funding for NZPIF – URL: https://www.nzpif.org.nz/items/view/56622/ (see lines 40–48 and 49–57).

[20] Tenancy Services (Govt) – “Healthy Homes compliance timeframes”, tenancy.govt.nz (2020 update) – outlines phased deadlines later extended (context for NZPIF lobbying to delay deadlines). – URL: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/about-the-healthy-homes-standards/healthy-homes-compliance-timeframes/ (for reference on outcome timelines).

[21] Renters United (Facebook) – “The Property Investors Federation has launched a five point ‘plan’… aimed at helping investors line their pockets” – Geordie Rogers statement (28 Apr 2022) – URL: https://www.facebook.com/RentersUnitedNZ/posts/391728476291482 (mirrors RNZ quotes).

[22] Horizon Research Poll via Scoop – “More support than oppose capital gains tax” (Horizon Poll, Mar 2019) – indicated general public support vs NZPIF stance (contextual reference). – URL: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1904/S00034/more-support-than-oppose-capital-gains-tax.htm.

[23] Work and Income NZ – “2020 COVID-19 Wage Subsidy” (govt page) – confirms wage subsidy was broad support for businesses March–June 2020 (NZPIF likely eligible) – URL: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/previous-payments/2020-wage-subsidy.html (see summary).

[24] NZ Herald – “Landlords already pay extra tax via rates” (Anne Gibson, Feb 2019) – notes Andrew King/NZPIF’s opposition to CGT citing rates, etc. – URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/capital-gains-tax-debate-heating-up-final-recommendations-out-on/TZNBT5YFIFC5REZOHKZHR3HQIU/ (see quote from Andrew King opposing CGT).

Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz

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