The Central Property People Awards returned in 2025 with a celebration of the people, teams, and projects driving property innovation and community impact across Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Hosted by Property Council New Zealand, the Awards recognise excellence, leadership, and collaboration in the region’s property sector — because property is about more than buildings, it’s about the people behind them. Since 2010, the Awards have highlighted the talent, passion, and dedication that help shape thriving communities.
Outstanding Achievement in Leadership and Innovation
The evening’s top honour, the Colliers Project Leaders Supreme Excellence Award, was presented to the Amohia Ake project team, led by Tainui Group Holdings. The team’s vision delivered a culturally significant, 6-Star NABERSNZ-rated headquarters in Hamilton that integrates social, environmental, and cultural values.
Judges praised the project as “a shining example of collaboration and sustainability with lasting community significance.” The team incorporated iwi artwork, storytelling, and opportunities for Māori and Pasifika contractors, creating a building that is both energy-efficient and culturally meaningful.
Other award-winning projects also showcased the power of collaboration. The 90 Devonport Road Team in Tauranga, behind New Zealand’s largest modern mass timber office building, was recognised with the Veros Best Team Award. The team’s collaborative approach delivered the project on time, under budget, and with exceptional environmental, cultural, and operational outcomes. Judges described it as “an outstanding example of integrated delivery.”
Meanwhile, the Tauranga City Council City Shaping Team won the Fosters City Shaper Award for its work revitalising the city centre and Te Papa peninsula. Their projects create more liveable neighbourhoods, expand housing choice, and improve transport and public spaces, all developed in partnership with tangata whenua and the community. Judges noted the team’s “lasting legacy and broad impact on the community.”
Recognising Rising Stars
The Awards also shone a spotlight on emerging talent. Adam Musa of CKL NZ, named Rider Levett Bucknall Young Achiever of the Year, has rapidly progressed to Manager, Associate, and Shareholder by age 31. A Licensed Cadastral Surveyor, Adam is recognised for his technical excellence, leadership, and mentoring of future professionals. Judges described him as “a well-rounded individual with a great future.”
Celebrating Women in Property
Leadership and long-term contribution were also recognised with the Beca Women in Property Award, won by Tracy Hayson, Managing Director of Hayson Knell. With over 25 years’ experience in planning, governance, and strategic project delivery, Tracy has mentored countless professionals while delivering complex projects across public and private sectors. Judges praised her as “a standout, whose leadership, commitment, and contribution to the industry is strongly evident.”
Honouring Career Excellence and Long Service
Long-standing service and professional excellence were a highlight of the night. Craig McMichael of Veros won Property Professional of the Year for his outstanding track record delivering high-value, complex projects with clarity and confidence.
Decades of dedication were recognised with long service awards for Dr Joan Forret (Waikato) and Bill Wasley (Bay of Plenty). Joan has guided clients and communities in environmental and resource management law while mentoring the next generation of professionals. Bill has shaped Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty through visionary urban planning, governance, and leadership over more than 40 years.
Judges’ Choice: Purpose-Driven Leadership
Two winners took home the Harkness Henry Judges’ Choice Award. Julie Price of Veros was recognised for her fearless, purpose-driven leadership delivering projects that strengthen communities, including Rotorua Lakefront and Ōmanawa Falls. Judges praised her cultural insight and people-first approach.
The Hamilton Airport Project Team was also honoured for delivering the International Terminal and associated readiness projects. Bringing together engineers, contractors, and government agencies, the team transformed an empty terminal into a fully operational international gateway ahead of schedule and under budget. Judges described the achievement as “a remarkable demonstration of teamwork and innovation.”
Outstanding Leadership
The Chow:Hill Architects Outstanding Leadership Award went to James Haworth of LT McGuinness, recognised for delivering the 90 Devonport Road project while fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, and opportunity. Judges highlighted his innovative communication style and commitment to developing future leaders.
A Night to Celebrate the People Behind Property
Property Council New Zealand Chief Executive Leonie Freeman said:
“These Awards highlight that property is about people. Our winners demonstrate the leadership, collaboration, and innovation that make our cities and regions thrive. From Hamilton to Tauranga, they are not just building structures — they’re building communities and shaping the future of our region.”
The 2025 Central Property People Awards showcase a vibrant, skilled, and forward-thinking property industry. From rising stars to long-serving professionals, from transformative teams to landmark projects, the night celebrated the passion and expertise that drive property in the Central region.
2025 Central Property People Award Winners
- 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.