Hamilton, New Zealand, 17th October 2019: Hamilton’s $14.5 million mixed-use Parkhaven development has claimed the Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Supreme Excellence Award at tonight’s We are Waikato Property People Awards. The complex, which overlooks the cityscape and Hamilton’s green belt, also won the Boffa Miskell Urban Design Award.
The 2300 square metre development was completed in January and includes a café, high-end residential apartments and penthouses. “Parkhaven has added to the rejuvenation of the northern end of the city and serves as an inspiration to the wider property industry for future mixed-use developments,” say judges. “The Parkhaven Team followed urban design best practice and principles when crafting this project, as they transformed a group of dated single level buildings into a premium five-story complex.”
The Awards, now in their ninth year, recognise excellence in leadership and innovation in the property industry. Entry is open to members and non-members of Property Council New Zealand who are based in the Waikato. This year 21 nominations were received across nine categories, with more than 300 people attending the awards dinner at Wintec’s The Atrium this evening.
Property Council’s Hamilton Branch President, Brian Squair, says it’s fantastic to see the Waikato transforming through new innovative developments. “The awards also celebrate the outstanding contributions of the many individuals and teams that put their heart and soul into the region’s property industry.”
Partner at law firm Harkness Henry, Dr Joan Forret, won the Beca Women in Property Award. As a specialist in property and environmental law, she currently leads the Resource Management Team. “It was Joan’s overall achievements, work ethic, leadership and contribution that shone through, making her a role mode to other women in the industry,” say the judges.
The Rider Levett Bucknall Young Achiever of the Year Award was presented to Senior Engineering Geologist and Co-Founder of HD Geo, Emily Cleland. From a successful career working in the geotechnical industry, to co-founding a geotechnical consultancy in 2014, judges cited her as a future leader who has made a considerable contribution to the Waikato property industry.
The Holmes Consulting Best Team Award went to Otorohanga’s Medical Project Team for the development of the town’s new medical centre. “The obvious camaraderie and commitment from this team to achieve the desired outcome is a credit to all those involved in the project” say judges. “An entire community will benefit from having better outcomes for their healthcare.”
University of Waikato Professor Alister Jones won The CKL Property Professional of the Year Award for his leadership of major University property projects. He was noted by judges as “being committed to working in partnership with stakeholders and going the extra mile.”
The Foster Construction Outstanding Leadership Award went to Chartered Accountant Leonard Gardner who joined the Foster Construction Group in 2003. Now a director and shareholder in the company, he has played a key role in the community and property industry by leading many projects throughout the region, say judges. “It was Leonard’s leadership, commitment and contribution to many successful projects in the Waikato that cemented his place as this year’s winner.”
Waikato property industry stalwart Les Matthews, was presented with the Hawkins Long Service Award, for more than 40 years as “a champion of quality architecture and urban design.” Judges cited his involvement in award-winning local projects, his exemplary standard of professional service, mentorship, and leadership of project teams.
The Veros Property Services Judges’ Choice Award went to the Ingham’s Breeder Project Team – Te Mawhai, for the development of a parcel of land wedged between the North Island Main Trunk Railway line and Te Mawhai Road. “The development builds on the region’s talent in the production of primary sector goods and strengthens the resilience of a growing poultry market,” say judges.
ENDS