Green Property Summit 2026 - Presentations & Recordings

Opening address: The forces reshaping New Zealand's Commercial Property Market

Brad Olsen, Infometrics

Leading economist Brad Olsen opens the summit with a sharp, on-the-ground view of the forces reshaping New Zealand’s commercial property sector. Known for connecting economic trends to real market dynamics, Brad will discuss what’s driving change right now, from cost pressures and capital constraints to shifting development and investment decisions.

Drawing on insights across construction, infrastructure, and property, he will set the local context and provide a practical lens on what it means for the sector over the next few years.

International Keynote: Big thinking for a changing world

Kai-Uwe Bergmann, Partner, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

One of the key figures shaping some of the most ambitious and recognisable projects in the world today.

Drawing on projects that are redefining skylines and reshaping cities around the world, he will explore how architecture is responding to the pressures of climate change, urban growth, and shifting community expectations.

From bold green building innovations to the ideas driving the future of design, this keynote will challenge thinking, spark new ideas, and leave you with a clearer sense of the opportunities ahead for Aotearoa’s built environment.

Real commitment. Proven results. From theory to practice.

Simon Wilson, Director at RDT Pacific

Manoj Kumar, Senior Project Manager at RDT Pacific

Bridget Pyc, Property Sustainability Manager at Samson Corporation

Marcus Bunn, Senior Project Manager at Savory Construction

Two projects. Different starting points. One outcome: Green Star certification, led by Samson and Savory and supported by RDT Pacific.

42 Ponsonby, a retail and commercial development, shows the value of integrating sustainability from day one. Kärcher, an industrial project, illustrates how an existing Design & As Built pathway can transition to Green Star Buildings.

Together, they show that with the right support and genuine client commitment, high-performing outcomes are achievable. This is not theory. It's delivery in practice.

Smarter electrification for lower cost and better buildings | Panel

Sam Archer, New Zealand Green Building Council

Ellie Callard, Auckland Airport

Chris Whiteley, Colliers

Scott Smith, Beca

There are many ways to reduce reliance on gas in non-residential buildings, but the real opportunity lies in doing it efficiently and cost-effectively.

Hear real-world examples of what’s working, where the savings are being realised, and how to transition in a way that delivers both financial and operational benefits.

Making the business case for reducing reliance on natural gas

Kate Gunthorp, EECA

With gas supply tightening and businesses finding it harder to manage energy costs and plan with certainty, now is a good time to explore options to reduce reliance on natural gas.

EECA’s Director of Commercial & Investment, Kate Gunthorp, will provide an overview of EECA's expert advice and support options to help with getting investment ready. She will also cover business access to lower cost bank finance under the new Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme to improve energy resilience and prepare for the future.

Energy savings transformed through the NABERSNZ evolution

Bobby Shen, New Zealand Green Building Council

Frankie L'Estrange, ASB

As NABERSNZ expands to cover more building types, energy performance is becoming clearer, more comparable and more relevant to finance. This session explores why NABERSNZ is evolving, the impacts for owners and developers, and how robust energy ratings can support sustainable finance pathways, inform investment decisions, and accelerate performance improvements across the built environment.

From global megatrends to local fitouts

Davina Rooney, Green Building Council Australia

What’s driving the global shift toward circular fit‑outs and why does it matter now?

A global view of the forces shaping the next decade of building design, materials, and interiors. From international regulation and corporate commitments to evolving investor and occupier expectations, explore how circularity is fast becoming a mainstream requirement. Davina will share how Australia is responding and engaging with the new Green Star Fitouts tool. This session offers a glimpse into what’s emerging globally and how those signals are likely to land in Aotearoa.

Fitouts reimagined for a circular, measured and future-ready approach | panel

Joe Quad, New Zealand Green Building Council

Lizzie Whaley, Spaceworks

Dave Moolman, Shaw Contract

Martin Skinner, NZ Retail Interior Association

Explore the evolving landscape of sustainable fitouts with fresh research, a new business case for circular approaches, and the tools available to make measurement easier and more meaningful.

This session brings together experts from across the Asia Pacific region to discuss the trends, tools, and industry shifts shaping the next generation of Green Star Fitouts.