Auckland, 13 June 2025: Mānawa Bay has been awarded Best in Category in the Yardi Retail Property Award at Aotearoa New Zealand’s most prestigious property awards programme, the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards.
As New Zealand’s first purpose-built premium fashion outlet centre, built, owned and operated by Auckland Airport, Mānawa Bay offers a fresh and authentic outlet shopping experience.
Designed by Taylor Robinson Chaney Broderick, built by Savory Construction, and owned exclusively by Auckland International Airport, the 35,000m² centre sits on a 150,000m² site, which is home to over 100 fashion brands and diverse food and beverage options.
The outlet centre features a modern interior design with three main entrances and a figure-eight layout that allows for smooth flow and easy navigation. At the centre of the complex is a food and beverage area with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Nestled on the water’s edge of Manukau Harbour, the centre is named after the surrounding mangroves (‘Mānawa’ in te reo Māori), the large windows enhance the experience by offering scenic water views, natural light, and exposure to the northern sun.
The interior design embraces a minimalist, industrial style with polished concrete floors, while the customer facilities add warmth using natural colours, textures, and materials.
Just minutes from Auckland Airport’s terminals and hotels, Mānawa Bay has delivered a vibrant and significant retail outlet within the airport precinct for Auckland and the tourism market. Reachable from the north and south-east, with public transport nearby, Mānawa Bay prioritises accessibility and convenience for all.
“Mānawa Bay has ignited the Airport precinct, providing a place for local, and visiting shoppers to shop, dine and experience a world-class retail experience at a time when the retail industry is under pressure,” said Andy Evans, chief judge for the awards.
“Mānawa Bay is about more than retail therapy: it’s about breathing life into the Airport precinct, paving the way for other projects in the precinct, further expanding this area for years to come.”
Sustainability is at the heart of Mānawa Bay, which sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious retail in New Zealand. Spanning 200,000m², the development features more than 100,000 plants and trees, creating a lush, park-like setting. It is home to the country’s largest rooftop solar system, generating 2.3 megawatts of renewable energy annually, which is enough to cover approximately 80 per cent of the centre’s power needs.
The all-electric, zero-gas food court further reflects its commitment to reducing environmental impact. Designed with durable, energy-efficient materials, Mānawa Bay is targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating and exemplifies world-class sustainable design.
“Today’s retail centres have an important role to play in creating more sustainable and environmentally conscious communities. Mānawa Bay is a thoughtful example of how large-scale developments can be designed with care for people, and the planet,” says Freeman.
“With its accessible location, inviting atmosphere, and premium retail offerings, Mānawa Bay stands among the leading outlet destinations in Australasia for both locals and visitors.”
Now in their 35th year the Property Industry Awards are the most prestigious property awards programme in Aotearoa New Zealand celebrating excellence in design and innovation in the built environment.
Yardi Retail Property Award
Best in Category: Mānawa Bay
- Address: 4 Jimmy Ward Crescent, Auckland Airport, Auckland
- Owner/developer: Auckland International Airport
- Construction: Savory Construction
- Architect: Taylor Robinson Chaney Broderick
- Structural engineer: Day Consultants
- Service engineer: Electrical Consulting Services
- Mechanical engineer: Thurston Consulting
- Quantity surveyor: Rider Levett Bucknall
- Project manager: RDT Pacific
- Other consultants: Eclipse Architecture, Initia and DHC Consulting Group
OTHER WINNERS IN THIS CATEGORY INCLUDED:
Merit:
- Kai Tahi, Porirua
- Woolworths Waimakariri Junction, Christchurch
ENDS