From sustainability pioneers to visionary leaders and community collaborators, Auckland’s property professionals gathered at the Hilton Auckland tonight to celebrate the people behind the projects at the 2025 Auckland Property People Awards.
Hosted by Property Council New Zealand, the annual event recognises the individuals and teams whose leadership, talent and collaboration are transforming the city’s built environment.
Hiwa Recreation Centre Project Team named Supreme Winner
The night’s top honours went to 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 claimed both the Auckland Airport Best Team Award and the Barker & Associates Supreme Excellence Award, with judges commending 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 collaboration.
“It’s proof that complex projects can be delivered with heart,” said Property Council Chief Executive Leonie Freeman. “This team’s work exemplifies what’s possible when vision, purpose and partnership align.”
Freeman said this year’s winners reflect the depth of expertise and leadership driving Auckland’s next chapter.
“Property is about people. 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 and lifetime achievement recognised
The Hawkins Sheree Cooney Memorial Young Achiever of the Year Award went to Josh Tattley of Rider Levett Bucknall, recognised for his early career success, industry governance contribution and leadership potential. Judges described 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, sustainability and city-shaping excellence
Simon Neale, Chief Property Officer at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, was named winner of the Rider Levett Bucknall Outstanding Leadership Award for his visionary stewardship of one of the country’s largest and most complex property portfolios. Judges said Neale “has been a catalyst for change, marrying commercial pragmatism with innovation and collaboration.”
Bruce Gallie of Colliers received the Envelope Property Professional of the Year Award, celebrating four decades of integrity, professionalism and commitment to developing the next generation of property leaders.
The Pragmatix Women in Property Award went to Kalpana Reddy of Chow:Hill Architects, recognised 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.
The Tāmaki Regeneration Development and Commercial Team won the Isthmus City Shaper Award for their transformative 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), acknowledged for excellence in integrated infrastructure delivery under complex operating conditions.
Celebrating people, purpose and progress
Closing the night, Freeman reflected on the shared values uniting this year’s winners:
“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.”
2025 Auckland Property People Award Winners
- Barker & Associates Supreme Excellence Award & Auckland Airport Best Team Award — Hiwa Recreation Centre Project Team (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)