Alec Tang is Auckland Council’s Acting Chief Sustainability Officer and leads a team focussed on creating a more sustainable, resilient and equitable Auckland. The Chief Sustainability Office works across Auckland Council’s diverse operations and alongside Auckland’s mana whenua, mataawaka, communities and businesses to deliver the system shifts required for this future, from infrastructure provision and service delivery through to funding and decision making. Most recently, the office has been focused on the development and implementation of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan which sets a path for rapid decarbonisation, in line with the region’s 1.5°C commitment, whilst also preparing the region for the impacts of climate change. Alec is a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment as well as a Chartered Environmentalist and has enjoyed a diverse career focussed on the delivery of sustainable solutions across business, academia and the public sector. 

Leonie is a well-respected industry leader with extensive experience in the New Zealand property industry, having held top positions in both the public and private sector. In 2011, Leonie was appointed to the board of NZX listed company Goodman Property Trust, and up until her 2018 appointment as Property Council’s chief executive, she dedicated her time to leading an independent philanthropic initiative to solve Auckland’s housing crisis.Leonie holds a Master of Commerce, majoring in valuation and property management and is a life member of the Property Institute of New Zealand, a chartered member of the Institute of Directors, and a member of Global Women. Leonie is a strategic thinker, capable of seeing the big picture whilst also digging into the detail – a rare combination that makes her both an inspirational leader and exemplary spokesperson.

Chris Barton is an architecture critic and editor of Architecture New Zealand. He has combined his journalism background and architectural training with architectural education since 2012. He has 30 years’ experience in newspapers and magazines and a Master of Architecture (Auckland School of Architecture 1985). A press fellowship in 2010 to Wolfson College, Cambridge enabled him to research architectural writing in mainstream media. His teaching includes AD1&2 studio in collaboration with practising architects, MArch thesis writing workshops, architecture criticism and thesis supervision. His research focus is writing in architectural practice and architecture in the media.

With a 20-year career spanning project management and business leadership, Peter brings a wealth of experience to bear on every project. Joining Rubix as a director in 2006, he’s helped to create a culture where people and projects can thrive.Enthusiastic and energetic, Peter has a knack for fostering supportive team environments. He’s successfully overseen and managed a wide array of client projects in both public and private sectors. He’s passionate about positive environmental outcomes, driving our Auckland office to obtain carboNZero certification.Peter brings logic, curiosity and a diligent work ethic to his role. His forthright approach sees him developing lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, contractors and consultants alike. As Green Star Accredited Professional for over 10 years , he’s well positioned to advise clients on sustainability matters, helping them to navigate their options in a rapidly changing context.

Mark Todd has been a residential property developer for nearly two decades. Starting out on the tools, Mark worked as a builder with his brother and father, before co-founding Ockham Residential with Benjamin Preston in 2009. It might seem a bold-bordering-on-ballsy move to start building apartments right in the middle of the GFC, but Mark (and Ockham) have always believed in Auckland — and had a definite vision of what a medium-density Tāmaki Makarau can be.“We strive to make buildings as beautiful as the landscapes they sit within,” Mark says. “We call ourselves ‘urban regenerators’ – we want to play our part in making the new Auckland work, without losing the charm of the old. We look long-term: we see housing as infrastructure – the building blocks of community.”You’ll find “Built for Auckland” inscribed on foundation plaques at most of Ockham’s 12th completed developments so far. It’s a neat distillation of the company’s mission: “To make beautiful buildings that people love to live in, homes that honour this dynamic Pacific city, stand the test of time, inspire others – and bring an awesome Auckland lifestyle to as many people and communities as we can.”