The WIP Collective (Wāhine in Property Collective) was established with a primary focus on empowering and uplifting wāhine in the Ōtautahi commercial property sector. Our mission is to harness the collective wisdom and resources of the remarkable women within our industry to cultivate a space where both new and existing networking relationships can flourish.
At the core of our philosophy is the belief in fostering genuine connections. We are committed to providing a wide range of events and networking opportunities that cater to our diverse community, encompassing women of all cultures, ages, and backgrounds. Our overarching goal is to create an environment that is a source of inspiration, education, and the nurturing of meaningful mentors and advocates.
The WIP Collective warmly extends an invitation to women from various walks of life and with a broad spectrum of expertise. Whether you are a seasoned professional, embarking on a new journey in the corporate property world, a recent graduate, returning to work after dedicating time to childcare, or rediscovering Ōtautahi after an extended period abroad, we wholeheartedly encourage you to join our vibrant community.
Together, we can empower each other and collectively thrive in the property sector.
Past Events
International Women’s Day - Te Kaha Stadium Tour
International Women’s Day - Te Kaha Stadium Tour
International Women’s Day - Te Kaha Stadium Tour
To celebrate International Women's Day the WIP Collective in collaboration with BESIX completed a sold out exclusive site visit of Te Kaha Stadium followed by a social catch up at Dux Central.
WIP's Couch to 5K Challenge!
International Women’s Day - Te Kaha Stadium Tour
International Women’s Day - Te Kaha Stadium Tour
Congratulations to the crew from the WIP Collective who completed the Couch to 5KM programme and completed in the City to Surf event on March 17th.
RAVENSCAR HOUSE MUSEUM TOUR
International Women’s Day - Te Kaha Stadium Tour
RAVENSCAR HOUSE MUSEUM TOUR
In September we came together for our Spring Social! We started with a drink at Fiddlestick's and then had a private tour at Ravenscar House Museum. This was not only an incredible private collection but also an amazing property.
ESG Panel Breakfast
Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre Tour
RAVENSCAR HOUSE MUSEUM TOUR
In June we held an information filled panel discussion focussed around ESG.
Thanks to our amazing speakers;
- Lucy Robinson Anthony Harper
- Joanna Den Hollander Ngai Tahu
- Lisa Oliver Holmes Group
- Ryan Reynolds Gap Filler
A special shout out to Anthony Harper for hosting and sponsoring our Posh Porridge breakfast.
Christmas Lunch 2024
Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre Tour
Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre Tour
In late November, 40 of our members enjoyed a social Christmas lunch at the stunning Bar Franco.
The event was a great way to top off a fantastic year for our collective.
Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre Tour
Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre Tour
Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre Tour
We finished 2024 with a tour of Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre located in the heart of Christchurch delivered by Crown Infrastructure Delivery.
The development is primed to take centre stage as a world-class facility featuring state-of-the-art dry and wet areas, including basketball courts, high-performance sports facilities, hydrotherapy pools, and New Zealand's first aquatic sensory space. Thanks to Crown Infrastructure Delivery for hosting the tour.
WOMEN & WINE
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
We kicked off 2025 with an evening at local bar Fiddlesticks. We had approx. 40 property professionals join us for Women & Wine.
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
The WIP Collective had an exclusive tour led by Joseph Hullen (Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāti Hinematua) through Ōtautahi’s CBD. We immersed ourselves in the stories, values, and identity of Ngāi Tahu, as reflected in the city’s public art, landscapes, and architecture.
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
The WIP Collective enjoyed a tour of the South Frame greenway hosted by Sophie Burtt from Eliot Sinclair. It was fascinating to learn how plans for the greenway originated and developed over time and the challenges to create and protect public spaces in our central city. Sophie was joined by Cameron Mclean, Mark O'Loughlin from Harcourts and Chris Damsteegt from Team Hutchinson Ford who gave insights into how the greenway is operating and the positive impact on businesses and development.
INVESTMENT FUNDAMENTALS with Cambridge Partners
INVESTMENT FUNDAMENTALS with Cambridge Partners
SUMMER WALKING SERIES - ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND STORYTELLING
In April, Cambridge Partners hosted an empowering financial session tailored for women in their wealth accumulation phase. Hannah Meikle, Ashley Salt, and Anja Clarkson of Cambridge Partners shared invaluable insights on financial planning, KiwiSaver, and investing.
A huge thank you to Savills for hosting the event and providing delicious coffees. Best of all, all proceeds were generously donated to Ronald McDonald House, making a positive impact on the community.
SITE TOUR OF 211 HIGH STREET
INVESTMENT FUNDAMENTALS with Cambridge Partners
SITE TOUR OF 211 HIGH STREET
In May, Jono Skinner, Asset Delivery Manager from Portus shared insights into the challenges and solutions of this unique mass timber project.
Thank you to Portus for fabulous tour!
Our Founding Committee
Kayla O'Brien
Kayla O'Brien
Kayla O'Brien
Kia ora, I'm Kayla, a proud Kai Tahu wāhine with a deep passion for property, community, and connection.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive support from many individuals and businesses, and I feel privileged to give back to our community of wāhine in property here in Ōtautahi through the WIP Collective.
With over a decade of experience in commercial real estate across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, I am now based in my hometown (Ōtautahi). Since returning home I’ve played a key role in establishing Savills New Zealand's Asset Management division - leading the strategic direction of property management and working with a talented and diverse team.
Outside of work, I’m pursuing an MBA at Canterbury University, am an active member of the Richmond Squash Club, and love spending time outdoors!
anna Kennedy
Kayla O'Brien
Kayla O'Brien
Tēna koe,
I’m Anna, a registered valuer based here in Christchurch at CBRE.
I have 8 years of experience, specialising in commercial property, and have a great interest/passion for property and our industry.
In my career, I have been fortunate to have gained mentorship from many amazing Wāhine in Property.
In creating the WIP Collective (Wāhine in Property Collective) it will provide a strong network for other amazing Wāhine in our industry to connect.
Lucy Robinson
Kayla O'Brien
Lucy Robinson
My story began in Fairlie, South Canterbury, then to Otago university, four lovely years in Nelson in property law, ten fabulous years in London specialising in real estate investment and now back to start the next adventure here in Christchurch at Anthony Harper in the real estate team. Since coming back to Christchurch I am loving the buzz of the central city and seeing new things pop up all the time, how easy it is to get anywhere on my bike, the great facilities without big crowds and discovering new NZ wineries. I still struggle with the question "what are your hobbies", but if you want to know good coffee suggestions, new brunch spots, a good band coming up or the next wine tasting event I am confident I can help you out.
As part of the WIP Collective I am looking forward to learning from the wider industry about the different challenges that people face, hearing about and celebrating successes, meeting new people while doing some activities that are genuinely fun.
Maria Browne
Maria Browne
Lucy Robinson
Kia ora, I’m Maria, a property professional with over 20 years’ experience in the Property & Construction industry throughout New Zealand and Australia.
As a Senior Property Manager at Colliers I manage a diverse portfolio of Retail, Office and Industrial properties in Christchurch.
More importantly I’m mum (PA and uber driver) to a 9 & 12 year old and like most working parents struggle to juggle the work/life balance!
You may spot me playing social basketball at Pioneer, walking the Port Hills or attempting to keep to the fairways on the golf course in my spare time. I've also recently taken up a rewarding Board Trustee role for MS & Parkinson's Canterbury.
I have made some amazing connections in the first year of the WIP Collective and look forward to making many more.
Emma Bourke
Maria Browne
Emma Bourke
Welcome to WIP Collective, I’m Emma and am fresh to Christchurch City, having relocated here from beautiful Upper Moutere in January 23.
I’m proudly from Central Hawkes Bay and still refer to the Ruahine Ranges as home, although my work has taken me all over.
I feel quite fortunate reflecting on how my 16-year career in property has transpired, from building a technical foundation in land and negotiation skills with The Property Group through to a more investment and commercial focus in the latter years with the likes of Vail Williams LLP in UK, Eastland Group in Gisborne, and Gibbons in Nelson.
I am mum to Bertie and Frankie, enjoy dusting off my mountain bike and exploring all that’s on offer in beautiful Canterbury with new and old friends.
I hope you enjoy being a part of the WIP collective it is a space to build new connections, have interesting conversation and feel supported to be 100% authentic.