Property Institute Welcomes New Property Chair

Wednesday 1 May 2002

NZ Property Institute Welcomes New Property Chair At Auckland University

The New Zealand Property Institute welcomed today's announcement that The University of Auckland is strengthening its studies in property with the establishment of a Chair in Property.

This follows Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Property, Planning and Fine Arts, Associate Professor Michael Pritchard's announcement at an Auckland Property Graduate dinner, of the new Chair. He said that the university had now begun a local and international search to appoint a Professor to fill the Chair as head of its Department of Property.

Property Institute CEO, Conor English said today, "This is good news for the property sector, and frankly the economy. The New Zealand property asset base has a value of some $420 billion which drives New Zealand's $100 billion GDP. What happens with that asset base is important to the New Zealand economy and our communities. Small gains in the performance of that asset base can have a significant impact on the nations growth.

"There are many things that impact on this performance but enhancing the human and intellectual capital applied to it is very important. This is a key goal of the Institute.

"Our three universities who offer property courses, Massey, Lincoln and Auckland, play a critical role in this. This announcement is another very positive move for the property sector.

Mr English said that the Institute was building a closer relationship with New Zealand universities and had a program specifically targeted to assist students make the transition from study into the real environment of the workplace and the profession.

Mr English said all graduates at the graduation dinner should be congratulated for choosing an exciting and important career in the property sector. The Property Institute awarded three prizes to graduates. Top graduate, Peter Dufaur won the New Zealand Property Institute Auckland Branch F E R Noble Memorial Prize and the New Zealand Property Institute Student of the Year Award. The New Zealand Property Institute Squire Speedy Prize in Property was awarded to John Holmes.

The New Zealand Property Institute represents some 3000 professionals who impact on the $400 billion asset base either directly or indirectly.

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