Excellence in the Kiwi construction industry was recognised at the 2024 NZ Building People Awards.
Winners forging successful paths in the Kiwi construction industry were celebrated at the NZ Building People Awards 2024 on Friday 30 August. Organised by the New Zealand Institute of Building, the Auckland event saw winners and highly commended entrants announced across a dozen categories.
“Congratulations to all our winners and those named highly commended and special mentions on the night,” said NZIOB organisers.
Here’s a look at who took out the titles on the glamorous gala night.
Resene Next Gen Award – Yu Li, PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury
The judges were very impressed with Yu Li’s innovative and practical idea and wanted to learn more about her study. They said they could tell that the research and the tireless work she was putting into communicating her findings would be very valuable to the construction industry – not just here in Aotearoa but worldwide. They are certain the future will be bright for Yu Li and can’t wait to see the positive impact she has on the industry.
BCITO Emerging Leader Award - Joe Burke, Project Manager, Hawkins, Auckland
Judges heard how Joe Burke has proven himself as a thoughtful and considered leader with adaptability and skill beyond his years. His leadership style fosters strong relationships, emphasising teamwork and collaboration. His enthusiasm and initiative in resolving challenges with a best-for-project mindset, coupled with his willingness to get his hands dirty, have made him an indispensable go-to guy.
MATES IN CONSTRUCTION Health, Safety and Wellbeing - Michaela Murray, HSSQ Manager, Cook Brothers Construction, Christchurch
In response to the need for renewed engagement post-Covid, Michaela Murray developed the 'RESET' programme for Cook Brothers Construction. Inspired by Worksafe’s Taking 5 initiative, drawing on neuroscience principles in a dynamic, and engaging game show style, innovative programme makes safety training engaging and effective.
BCTF Collaboration / Kotahitanga - Papa Hou project team, Christchurch: Matt Eglen, Tim Harman, Josie Ogden Schroeder, Milly Perkins, Lisa Renton, Glenn Whitney
The Papa Hou project team was recognised for exceptional engagement, ensuring everyone understood and committed to the project's goals. They showed a collaborative spirit, crucial in overcoming the challenges of a limited budget and the complexities of a multi-use building, including fire and acoustic coordination.
KEYSTONE TRUST Consultants / Matanga - Isaac Kett, Delivery, Interface & Design Manager, Frequency
Isaac Kett's leadership of the ambitious Papakura to Pukekohe KiwiRail project exemplifies excellence in engineering and project management. Drawing from his roots in highway stabilisation, the audience heard how Isaac brings a rare blend of technical prowess and hands-on experience to his role, promoting a culture of open communication and innovation. His forward-thinking approach to sustainability shines through.
JAMES HARDIE Innovation - Kristy Jones, Sustainability Manager, Cook Brothers Construction, Queenstown
Kristy Jones is recognised as a standout leader in environmental sustainability within the construction industry. Her dedication to the environment is exemplified by her leadership of the innovative Sustainable Carpenter Program at Cook Brothers Construction, which repurposes construction waste into valuable community items, championing a circular economy approach.
REVIZTO Digital Technology - Nick Clements, Managing Director, YourQS Ltd
Nick Clements was celebrated for his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing digital solutions and productivity in the construction industry. Over 20 years ago, driven by frustration with existing technology and its integration challenges, Nick embarked on creating a groundbreaking digital solution tailored to industry needs.
GIB Under $10 Million Project Award - Kierran Tuhi, Project Manager, Savory Construction
Kierran Tuhi Kierran excelled in the New Zealand Blood Service Highbrook Fitout project by effectively managing the programme, cost, and quality aspects despite complex challenges along the way. He implemented solutions to maintain project timelines and quality standards while adhering to budget constraints. His leadership ensured the team remained focused, with proactive problem-solving and communication.
XLAM $10-25 Million Project Award - Andrew Leary, Project Manager, LT McGuinness
As Project Manager, Andrew Leary delivered the exceptional Willis Lane project – an underground entertainment hub in Wellington’s CBD. While the finished product is a striking design, the work that went into the project was less glamorous, judges heard, as much of the key work at Willis Lane occurred underground.
CARTERS $25-50 Million Project Award - Nick Morris, Project Manager, LT McGuinness
Nick Morris is a passionate and articulate Project Manager and natural leader who is dedicated to learning and growing himself and others, judges reflected. He faced significant challenges on the seven-storey 44 Bowen project, including managing critical interfaces with Wellington Water’s sewer interceptor asset. As noted by referees, Nick's positive demeanour, leadership skills, and deep construction knowledge have earned him high praise. And Wellington Water has since adopted his methodology.
BARNES BEAGLEY DOHERR Over $50 Million Project Award - Chad Robinson, Project Manager, Southbase
Chad’s leadership on the Te Rangihīroa project exemplified his outstanding dedication and innovative approach as Project Manager, judges learned. Faced with the challenge of integrating cultural heritage with sustainable design, Chad led his team through tight timelines and stringent facility standards with remarkable agility. His commitment to robust communication and resource allocation, despite procurement delays and Covid 19 disruptions, ensured the project’s success.
GIB Supreme Award - Isaac Kett - Delivery, Interface & Design Manager, Frequency
Project: Pukekohe to Papakura (P2P) Project, Tāmaki | Auckland
The audience at the August 30 event were told of Isaac’s rare blend of technical prowess, ingenuity, and hands-on experience. Judges reflected on the fact that Isaac questioned the status quo and drove the development of significant cost and time saving designs and construction methodologies with the contractor, which included initiatives that greatly improved the environmental impact of the project.
“The work he did to review the environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements were precedent setting and warrant developing into a case study for the ESG requirements that are expected to become mandatory within the construction industry,” said judges.
