For immediate use 5 March 2008
Property Council Growing in South Island
South Islanders – prepare to hear a lot more about the Property Council of New Zealand.
The council is a proactive professional association advocating for members who have a vested interest in commercial
property. It actively works with central, local and other government associated bodies.
The Property Council’s members include building owners, developers, agents, construction companies, retail/shopping
centre owners, investment companies, asset managers and service suppliers.
South Island president Layne Harwood says while the council has a high profile in the North Island, and regularly
appears before parliamentary select committees, its southern counterpart has been quiet … until now.
“We are actively raising the profile, to offer people with an interest in South Island commercial property the chance to
benefit from the council’s support and knowledge,” he says.
“The South Island board includes leading property-focused lawyers, construction industry leaders and one of
Christchurch’s foremost property advisors. It’s a group with its finger on the commercial property pulse, with lots of
experience to share.
“Nationally, the council’s members own and manage a $24 billion commercial property investment in this country. We want
to raise the southern component of that, as part of our aim to help create a vibrant commercial property market.”
Professional development is an important aspect of the council’s work. The council employs fulltime researchers to study
and interpret market information, predict trends and share the findings with members.
The Property Council of New Zealand holds about ten events a year and a national conference, working towards its goal of
growing and championing the property sector. It is keen to welcome new South Island members.
ENDS