The Press Power List 2026: Recognising Influence Across the South Island

Each year, The Press releases its Power List, a curated snapshot of the most influential individuals shaping the South Island’s direction across business, development, politics, and community impact. Rather than a popularity ranking, the list is editorially compiled, drawing on newsroom insight, sector influence, and measurable contribution to regional growth. It reflects those not only leading within their industries, but actively shaping the future of the cities and communities they operate in.

The 2026 release reinforces a clear theme: influence in the South Island is increasingly tied to long-term vision, strategic investment, and the ability to deliver meaningful, lasting impact. From infrastructure and innovation through to urban regeneration, those recognised are playing a direct role in how our cities evolve.

A Christchurch Lens: Richard Peebles

Among those recognised, Richard Peebles stands out as a key figure in Christchurch’s ongoing transformation.

Peebles has long been associated with thoughtful, design-led development that contributes to the city beyond the immediate project boundary. His work reflects a clear understanding of Christchurch’s trajectory post-rebuild, balancing density with livability, and ensuring developments enhance, rather than detract from, the surrounding environment.

What distinguishes his contribution is consistency. Projects under his direction tend to prioritise architectural integrity, functional design, and long-term value, both for owners and for the wider city. This approach aligns closely with the direction Christchurch continues to move in: a more considered, connected, and design-conscious urban centre.

Downtown Christchurch: A Precinct Taking Shape

That vision is most clearly seen in the emerging Downtown precinct, a significant inner-city regeneration led by the Peebles Group. The $130 million project has now received the green light to proceed, marking a major step forward for one of the last remaining large-scale “super lot” sites in the CBD. 

Downtown is not a single development, but a master-planned precinct set to reshape a full city block, reconnecting key parts of the city and reactivating a site that has remained largely under-utilised since the earthquakes. At over 13,000m² of total development, it represents one of the most ambitious inner-city projects Christchurch has seen in recent years. 

This scale allows for something Christchurch has not yet fully realised, a truly integrated urban environment. The precinct will bring together residential apartments, premium hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces, all connected through activated laneways and public spaces designed for constant movement and interaction. The reimagining of Bedford Row as a pedestrian link between Cashel Mall and Te Kaha / One NZ Stadium is a key part of this, effectively stitching together major anchors of the central city. 

Rather than a single large structure, the decision to deliver multiple architecturally distinct buildings creates a more human-scale, established feel, designed to look as though it has evolved over time, rather than been delivered in one phase. The outcome is intended to be a precinct that feels lived-in, layered, and active both day and night.

Within Downtown: No. 192

Within this broader precinct, SM Property is proud to be involved in the sale of No. 192 Downtown.

Positioned within the wider Downtown vision, No. 192 represents an opportunity to secure a foothold in what is set to become one of Christchurch’s most activated and connected urban environments.

The project reflects the same core principles underpinning Downtown, efficient, design-led living, strong architectural identity, and practical layouts suited to both owner-occupiers and investors. As the precinct evolves, developments within it are expected to benefit from increasing amenity, foot traffic, and sustained demand driven by proximity to the CBD, hospitality hubs, and major event infrastructure.

Why This Matters to Us

At SM Property, our approach to selecting developments is deliberate.

We work alongside developers who demonstrate a clear commitment to quality, long-term thinking, and meaningful contribution to Christchurch’s growth. Recognition such as The Press Power List reinforces the importance of aligning with those shaping the city at a precinct level, not just individual sites.

Our involvement within Downtown reflects that philosophy. It is not simply about bringing property to market, but about standing behind projects we believe will add lasting value, both for our clients and for Christchurch as a whole.

For further information on this development, or to discuss how it aligns with your investment or lifestyle goals, get in touch with our team