The Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Interim Chief Executive and Auckland Branch Chair have announced they are teaming up with the nation’s largest trade event, BuildNZ, at the Auckland Showgrounds on 15–16 July 2025. They will deliver what they describe as a game-changing, pan-industry future of housing summit, tackling the real issues holding us back. 

Following on from the wide media coverage of the KiwiBuild Summits held alongside BuildNZ 2018 and 2019, the NZIA thinks it is timely to reset the wider industry conversation around the nation’s growing need to build affordable homes. Its promise is that The Future of Housing Summit will this time deliver genuine actionable outcomes.  

“The industry has been clear they want less talk and more actionable outcomes to get things moving and BuildNZ is the natural place for that discussion, with thousands of architects, builders, developers and policy makers converging under one roof,” says Peter Townsend, architect and Auckland Branch Chair of the NZIA. 

“Importantly, the summit will be free to attend for our member architects and any build or construction professional across any discipline to join in the conversation/debate,” says Townsend.

“I’m heartened that our industries are getting together to start a new discussion and get new views on solving big challenges like affordable housing,” adds Mark Abbot, Interim Chief Executive of the NZIA. “I encourage all our NZIA members to participate in the Future of Housing Summit and contribute toward a pan-industry approach to problem-solving. I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to create significant outcomes that can make a real difference.” 

With a line-up of the biggest industry influencers joining the discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead, equipped with the knowledge and connections needed to drive meaningful change. 

Amongst those confirmed speakers already are NZIA President Huia Reriti, Registered Master Builders CE Ankit Sharma, NZIA Strategic Sustainability Advisor Rachel MacIntyre, NZ Certified Builders CE Malcolm Fleming, BCI Central NZ Country Manger Ben Hurrell and Kāinga Ora, CE Matt Crockett, with more to be announced shortly. 

The summit will explore innovative construction methods and the use of cutting-edge technology, software, robotics and AI to speed up construction, reduce costs and minimise environmental impact, as well as new ownership models  such as co-housing and shared equity schemes and streamlined regulations aiming to simplify approval processes for new housing projects. By bringing together policymakers, developers and industry leaders, the summit will facilitate a dialogue on creating a more efficient regulatory framework. 

In addition, a BCI Central panel will discuss changes, risks and opportunities in the New Zealand construction market. 

Organisers say The Future of Housing Summit at BuildNZ promises to bring together the brightest minds and boldest ideas to ensure New Zealand’s housing needs are met for generations to come. 

Whether you are an architect, developer, investor, or policymaker, this summit is an unmissable opportunity to be part of the solution. Don’t miss out on being a part of the future of New Zealand’s housing. 

All industry professionals can register now to attend BuildNZ, for free, at buildnz.com.

Registrations for the Future of Housing Summit will open shortly. 

Video of the 2019 Housing Summit highlights

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