Hiwa Recreation Centre Project Team named Supreme Winner as Auckland’s property professionals celebrate the people shaping our city’s future.
AUCKLAND – 21 November 2025: From visionary leaders and sustainability trailblazers to teams reshaping entire communities, Auckland’s property professionals gathered tonight to celebrate the people behind the projects at the 2025 Auckland Property People Awards, held at the Hilton Auckland before a sold-out crowd of more than 370 guests.
Hosted by Property Council New Zealand, the annual awards recognise the individuals and teams whose talent, passion and collaboration are transforming Auckland’s built environment.
At the top of the honours list was the Hiwa Recreation Centre Project Team, a multidisciplinary collaboration led by Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, alongside Barker & Associates, Beca, Colliers Project Leaders, Hawkins, MJMA, Rider Levett Bucknall and Warren and Mahoney.
The team took home both the Auckland Airport Best Team Award and the Barker & Associates Supreme Excellence Award, earning praise from judges for their “one-team attitude, transparent communication and people-first approach.”
Two decades in the making, the Hiwa Recreation Centre was recognised as a benchmark in human-centred design and university collaboration. “It’s proof that complex projects can be delivered with heart,” said Leonie Freeman, Chief Executive of Property Council New Zealand. “This team’s work exemplifies what’s possible when vision, purpose and partnership align.”
Freeman said this year’s winners demonstrate the depth of expertise and leadership shaping Auckland’s next chapter.
“Property is about people,” she said. “It’s the developers, investors, owners, engineers, planners, architects, project managers and mentors who turn ideas into communities. These awards celebrate the individuals whose leadership and innovation are shaping our city’s future.”
Emerging talent was also on display, with Josh Tattley of Rider Levett Bucknall named the Hawkins Sheree Cooney Memorial Young Achiever of the Year. Judges commended his early career achievements and contribution to industry governance, describing him as “a young professional already leading with maturity and purpose.”
At the other end of the career spectrum, Marilyn Storey of Argosy received the Martelli McKegg Long Service Award, acknowledging more than two decades of leadership across commercial and industrial portfolios, and her ongoing mentorship of emerging property professionals.
Leadership was another major theme, with Simon Neale, Chief Property Officer at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, taking home the Rider Levett Bucknall Outstanding Leadership Award for his visionary stewardship of one of the country’s largest property portfolios. Judges said Neale “has been a catalyst for change, marrying commercial pragmatism with innovation and collaboration.”
Bruce Gallie of Colliers was named Envelope Property Professional of the Year, recognised for his four decades of integrity, professionalism and commitment to growing future leaders.
The Pragmatix Women in Property Award went to Kalpana Reddy of Chow:Hill Architects, applauded for her inclusive leadership style, governance experience and people-focused business transformation.
In the sustainability space, the RDT Pacific Sustainability Advisory Team took home the C3 Construction Sustainability Champion Award for leading industry change through measurable impact and practical innovation, while the Tāmaki Regeneration Development and Commercial Team won the Isthmus City Shaper Award for their transformational work delivering New Zealand’s largest urban renewal programme across Glen Innes, Point England and Panmure.
The Judges’ Choice Award went to the AIAL Transport Hub 01 Project Team (Icon Co Pty NZ), a recognition of excellence in integrated infrastructure delivery under complex operating conditions.
Freeman said the diversity of winners reflects a property sector grounded in purpose:
“From sustainability to city-shaping, from mentoring young talent to delivering world-class projects, these recipients remind us that property is ultimately about people and the impact they create for generations to come.”
Winners at a glance:
- Barker & Associates Supreme Excellence Award and
Auckland Airport Best Team Award
Hiwa Recreation Centre Project Team – Property Services, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland; Barker & Associates; Beca; Colliers Project Leaders; Hawkins; MJMA; Rider Levett Bucknall; Warren and Mahoney - Hawkins Sheree Cooney Memorial Young Achiever of the Year
Josh Tattley, Rider Levett Bucknall - Rider Levett Bucknall Outstanding Leadership Award
Simon Neale, Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland - Envelope Property Professional of the Year
Bruce Gallie, Colliers - Pragmatix Women in Property Award
Kalpana Reddy, Chow:Hill Architects - Isthmus City Shaper Award
Tāmaki Regeneration Development and Commercial Team - C3 Construction Sustainability Champion Award
RDT Pacific Sustainability Advisory Team - Martelli McKegg Long Service Award
Marilyn Storey, Argosy - Judges’ Choice Award
AIAL Transport Hub 01 Project Team – Icon Co Pty (NZ)
ENDS