23 October 2025, Hamilton – Some of the region’s most inspiring property projects and professionals were recognised at the 2025 Central Property People Awards, held in Hamilton this evening.
Hosted by Property Council New Zealand, the Awards celebrate the people behind the buildings and spaces that shape our cities and towns — from Hamilton to Tauranga and beyond.
This year’s Colliers Project Leaders Supreme Excellence Award went to the Amohia Ake project team, led by Tainui Group Holdings. Based in Hamilton, the project delivered a new culturally significant headquarters and achieved the Central region’s first NABERSNZ 6 Star rating. Judges called it “a shining example of collaboration and sustainability with lasting community significance.”
In Tauranga, the city’s transformation was also celebrated. The Tauranga City Council City Shaping Team won the Fosters City Shaper Award for revitalising the city centre and Te Papa peninsula, delivering housing, transport upgrades, and public spaces in partnership with tangata whenua and local communities. Judges noted the team’s “lasting legacy and broad impact on the community.”
Innovation and collaboration were recognised in other major projects. The 90 Devonport Road Team, who delivered New Zealand’s largest modern mass timber office building in Tauranga, took out the Veros Best Team Award. Judges hailed the project as “an outstanding example of integrated delivery with exceptional cultural, environmental, and operational outcomes.”
Individual leaders were also celebrated. Adam Musa of CKL NZ, Hamilton, was named Rider Levett Bucknall Young Achiever of the Year, recognised for his technical expertise, leadership, and industry contribution. Tracy Hayson of Hayson Knell, winner of the Beca Women in Property Award, was praised for her decades of impact in planning and mentoring future leaders.
Long-serving professionals were honoured for their enduring contribution to the region. Dr Joan Forret (Waikato) and Bill Wasley (Bay of Plenty) received long service awards, recognising decades of leadership in law, planning, and governance.
Other awards included Property Professional of the Year, won by Craig McMichael of Veros, and Outstanding Leadership Award, won by James Haworth of LT McGuinness for his work delivering 90 Devonport Road. The Judges’ Choice Awards went to Julie Price of Veros, for her purpose-driven community-focused leadership, and the Hamilton Airport Project Team, who delivered a fully operational international terminal ahead of schedule and under budget.
Property Council Chief Executive Leonie Freeman said:
“These awards highlight the talent and commitment that make our communities thrive. From Hamilton to Tauranga, the people we’ve recognised are not just building structures — they’re building the future of our cities and regions.”
Winners at a glance
- Colliers Project Leaders Supreme Excellence Award and Boffa Miskell Sustainability Champion Award
Amohia Ake Team – Tainui Group Holdings, Taylor Coleman, Beca, Warren and Mahoney, Boffa Miskell, Mott MacDonald, Rider Levett Bucknall, Hawkins - Rider Levett Bucknall Young Achiever of the Year
Adam Musa, CKL NZ - Beca Women in Property Award
Tracy Hayson, Hayson Knell - Fosters City Shaper Award
Tauranga City Council City Shaping Team | Tauranga City Centre and Te Papa Peninsula Revitalisation Programme – Tauranga City Council - Veros Best Team Award
90 Devonport Road Team – Willis Bond, LT McGuinness, Warren & Mahoney, Dunning Thornton Consultants, Beca, Tauranga City Council - CKL NZ Property Professional of the Year Award
Craig McMichael, Veros - Chow:Hill Architects Outstanding Leadership Award
James Haworth, LT McGuinness - Hawkins Long Service Award – Waikato
Dr Joan Forret - Hawkins Long Service Award – Bay of Plenty
Bill Wasley - Harkness Henry Judges’ Choice Award
Julie Price, Veros AND Hamilton Airport Project Team for the International Terminal and Associated Readiness Projects – Waikato Regional Airport, Colliers Project Leaders, Livingstone Builders, Archimedia Waikato Architects, Holmes (Structural and Fire), Mesh Consulting, Maltby’s.
ENDS