From climate-conscious design to community infrastructure and city-defining retail, the 2025 Wellington Property People Awards honoured the individuals and teams shaping the capital’s future.
Hosted by Property Council New Zealand, the annual event recognises people whose leadership, innovation and collaboration are delivering better places and stronger communities across the region.
A dual triumph for sustainability leader Emily Newmarch
The night’s standout success story belonged to Emily Newmarch of Warren and Mahoney, who claimed both the Beca Young Achiever Award and the Greenwood Roche Supreme Excellence Award.
Judges cited Newmarch’s “extraordinary impact” in translating PhD-level climate research into practical, low-carbon design solutions across sectors from health to aviation. Her influence extends beyond the studio, with contributions to sector education through the New Zealand Institute of Architects and international speaking engagements focused on sustainability in design.
Property Council Chief Executive Leonie Freeman said the winners reflected the breadth of purpose and expertise shaping the capital’s property sector:
“Property is about people. From regenerative education spaces to retail revival and world-class public facilities, these recipients show expertise meeting purpose. Their mahi is shaping a stronger, more sustainable Wellington.”
Collaboration recognised in landmark civic projects
The BBD Best Team Award was presented to the Archives New Zealand Project Team — an alliance led by Dexus and the Department of Internal Affairs alongside RJHA, Warren and Mahoney, Tihei (Māori Design Lead), Aurecon, NDY, Arup, WT, Holmes Fire, RCP, Stantec, Rider Levett Bucknall, Boffa Miskell and LT McGuinness.
The six-year project delivered a world-class, base-isolated archival facility meeting rigorous seismic, environmental and operational thresholds. Judges praised the shared BIM ecosystem and Māori-led design approach as exemplary collaboration in public-sector delivery.
The Judges’ Choice Award went to the team behind Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness in Naenae, stewarded by Hutt City Council with a multidisciplinary group including AECOM, Apollo Projects, Architecture HDT, Powell Fenwick, GHD, Boffa Miskell, Baked Design, The Price of Change and Barnes Beagley Doherr.
The facility was recognised as New Zealand’s first Green Star 5-rated aquatic centre — a benchmark project integrating real-time performance tracking, expanded rainwater harvesting and deep community partnership.
Leadership, sustainability and long service celebrated
Jim Wana received the Catalyst Property Professional of the Year Award for nearly three decades of contribution to Wellington’s property market, including two decades dedicated to retail leasing and investment sales. Judges commended his “sustained leadership in transactions that have shaped the city’s retail core.”
The TSA Riley Sustainability Champion Award recognised the Ngā Mokopuna Project Team (Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington; The Building Intelligence Group; Tennent Brown; LT McGuinness; 335; Dunning Thornton; Oculus; Rider Levett Bucknall; Tonkin + Taylor; Wraight + Associates; Hakaraia Designs). The 3,000m², three-storey mass-timber whare is on track to be one of around 35 fully certified Living Buildings worldwide, blending energy and water systems, natural ventilation and cultural design integration.
The Ortus International Long Service Award honoured Alison Pharaoh of Niche FM for four decades of leadership spanning property management, investment strategy and public-sector resilience initiatives. Judges acknowledged her pivotal role in establishing Women in Property Wellington and mentoring countless professionals throughout her career.
Grant Heighway of Catalyst was presented with the Rolle Property Outstanding Leadership Award for his stewardship of company culture, major project delivery and long-standing service on Property Council’s Wellington Regional Committee.
Honouring people who shape Wellington’s future
As the evening drew to a close, Freeman said the event captured the essence of what drives the industry forward:
“Whether it’s delivering world-class civic facilities, advancing sustainability, or mentoring the next generation, these individuals and teams remind us that people are the true foundation of Wellington’s progress.”
2025 Wellington Property People Award Winners
- Greenwood Roche Supreme Excellence Award & Beca Young Achiever Award — Emily Newmarch, Warren and Mahoney
- Catalyst Property Professional of the Year — Jim Wana
- BBD Best Team Award — Archives New Zealand Project Team
- Rolle Property Outstanding Leadership Award — Grant Heighway, Catalyst
- TSA Riley Sustainability Champion Award — Ngā Mokopuna Project Team
- Ortus International Long Service Award — Alison Pharaoh, Niche FM
- Judges’ Choice Award — Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness Team, Hutt City Council