Programme

Speakers

Morning session

Starts 8.30am

Mihi whakatau

Welcome from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, grounding the day in place and purpose.

MC Welcome 

International Keynote (Virtual)

Real commitment. Proven results. From theory to practice.

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.  

Simon Wilson | Director, RDT Pacific (Introduction)

Manoj Kumar | Senior Project Manager, RDT Pacific

Bridget Pyć  | Property Sustainability Manager, Samson Corporation (42 Ponsonby)

Marcus Bunn | Senior Project Manager, Savory (Kärcher)

Morning Tea / Paramanawa 

10.20am - 10.50am

Smarter electrification for lower costs and better buildings

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.

Sam Archer | Director of Transformation, New Zealand Green Building Council (Moderator)

Ellie Callard | Sustainability Manager, Auckland Airport

Chris Whitely | Director of Facilities Management, Colliers Real Estate 

Scott Smith | Technical Director of Sustainable Buildings, Beca

From novelty to necessity as AI scales sustainable buildings

AI is moving from novelty to necessity in the built environment, but only if it delivers tangible, lower-carbon outcomes that advance sustainability.

Maria Mingallon (Mott MacDonald) explores how AI is already being applied across design, construction and operations to drive measurable gains in energy, carbon, materials and building performance. Grounded in real delivery experience, the session will tackle what’s genuinely working, what hasn’t lived up to the hype, and the uncomfortable question of how sustainable AI itself really is.

Maria Mingallon | Knowledge & Information and AI  Lead - APNA, Mott MacDonald

Nick Sterling | Founder & Chief Executive, Innovation Activator

Jon Sinclair | Digital Services Director, Preformance Building Technologies

Alex Hampshire | Director, Advisory, WT Partnership

 2026/27 Future Thinker of the Year and Emerging Leader Awards Presentation

 Celebrating the best and brightest young talent coming through in our sector.    

Lunch / Tina

12:40pm - 1.25pm

Energy savings transformed through the NABERSNZ evolution  

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. 

Bobby Shen | Impact Manager - Buildings, New Zealand Green Building Council

Frankie L'Estrange | Head of Sustainable Finance, ASB Bank

From global megatrends to local fitouts

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. It 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

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.

Joe Quad | Technical Development Lead, New Zealand Green Building Council

Lizzie Whaley | Chief Executive, Spaceworks

Dave Moolman | Vice President of Strategic Accounts & Sustainability, Shaw Contract

Mainstreaming Green Star to unlock 4 Star buildings 

Green Star isn’t just for large or premium projects. New Zealand Green Building Council’s launch of this new guide is designed to make 4 Star Green Star more accessible, demonstrating how it supports sustainable finance, delivers real value, and helps smaller buildings achieve a recognised sustainability outcome without unnecessary cost or complexity. 

Afternoon Tea / Paramanawa 

New Zealand Green Building Council and NZ Construction Industry Council Special Event:

Construction and Property Political Panel 2026

This election‑year political panel brings together senior ministers and cross‑party spokespeople to discuss their priorities and vision for New Zealand’s built environment.

The discussion will explore major reforms and challenges facing the construction and property sectors, including regulation and consenting, resilience, access to materials, energy security and affordability, workforce capability, and cost‑of‑living pressures.

Liam Dann | Business Editor-at-Large, NZ Herald (Moderator)

Hon Chris Bishop (National)

Hon Shane Jones (NZ First)

Cameron Luxton (ACT)

Arena Williams (Labour)

Julie Anne Genter (Green)

Qiulae Wong (Opportunity)

Green Star Champions announced and closing remarks 

Networking Drinks

5.30pm - 6.30pm