Over 280 guests gathered at the highly anticipated South Island Property People Awards this evening to celebrate the outstanding contributions of industry leaders shaping the future of the South Island’s built environment. In a night full of recognition and reflection, Michael Connolly of Colliers took centre stage, earning both the prestigious GHD Property Professional of the Year Award and the coveted Property Council Supreme Excellence Award.
The winners were:
Greenwood Roche Young Achiever of the Year
Tom has consistently proven to be a leader in both his career and his community. In a career spanning just over ten years, Tom has made a significant impact and had an impressive career trajectory. The judges highlighted Tom’s drive to push beyond what’s in front of him, taking ownership of challenges and excelling as an intern on the South Island Regional Committee. Tom’s dedication, leadership, and standout achievements make him truly deserving of this award.
Congratulations Tom!
Urban Design Award
The winner of this year’s Urban Design Award is a project that has truly reshaped the heart of Ōtepoti Dunedin. The Ō3 Collective, comprising Jasmax, AECOM, and Isaac Construction, delivered the George Street Retail Quarter—a $110M transformation that revitalized the city’s historic retail hub. Prioritising pedestrians and embedding cultural narratives, the design brings together street art, native plantings, and Te Reo to create a dynamic, accessible public space. The judges praised this project as a bold, city-shaping endeavour with a standout partnership with mana whenua.
Congratulations to the Ō3 Collective!
Best Team Award
This year’s Best Team Award winners exemplify excellence in collaboration and heritage conservation. The Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre Team – comprising Dave Pearson Architects, Heritage New Zealand, Holmes NZ LP, Leighs Construction, RCP, Rhodes and Associates, The Arts Centre Trust, and Warren and Mahoney—took on the monumental task of restoring one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage sites. The judges praised their remarkable achievement, seamlessly strengthening and modernising the centre while preserving its historical integrity. This is a masterclass in teamwork and dedication.
Congratulations to the Te Matatiki Toi Ora Team!
Property Council Long Service Award
This years’ recipient of the Property Council’s Long Service Award, Philip Carter, and the contribution of he and his family to the Canterbury region, likely needs no introduction.
When it comes to his leadership of Carter Group, Philp Carter has demonstrated the vision, dedication, and expertise needed in the development, growth and then the subsequent re-imagining of New Zealand’s second largest city.
With a first-class honours degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury, Philip became a chartered professional engineer and then followed in the legacy of his father Maurice, literally building on the Carter reputation for good design and quality builds. For nearly five decades Philip has gone beyond this, beginning with the creation of Hyde Park, Regents Park, and extending the Avon Motor Lodge.
He converted the unoccupied United Bank building into the Holiday Inn City Centre Hotel and developed the former Regent Theatre Building. He then bought the Arthur Barnett’s building and linked it via a new airbridge across Colombo St for seamless access to Ballantynes. Meanwhile, he led Carter Group investment beyond his home city of Christchurch including acquiring commercial property at Kawarau Falls in Queenstown and the purchase, strengthening and refurbishment of the Crowne Plaza Queenstown. Beyond New Zealand’s shores, Philip also purchased and upgraded a 200-room hotel in central Melbourne.
Although the Canterbury Earthquakes destroyed many of Carter Group’s local developments, this served to only strengthen Philip’s commitment and resolve. Now with three of his equally committed children joining the Group, he contributed to the re-imagining of Christchurch, developing its future when it would have been easier to walk away.
The Crossing retail development was opened in 2017 and is now the city centre’s premier shopping destination. Close by is the new Kathmandu flagship store, and this year the Group completed a new office building in Cathedral Square, named The Regent in a nod to the site’s former Regent Theatre building. The Regent is about to be joined by two new buildings currently being developed on the site of the former Holiday Inn.
The Carter vision included identifying the need for more wider housing and business support in the region, which led to the creation of the i-Port Business Park in Selwyn and much needed residential subdivisions in Halswell. And, Carter Group is now progressing large residential developments in the communities of Lincoln and Rolleston.
Philip has also demonstrated the importance of community service throughout his career. Elected to the Waimairi County Council at the age of 25, he went onto serve as a prominent Christchurch City Councillor and was the inaugural Chair of Christchurch City Holdings Limited. In this role, he set a high standard for CCHL, not only in good governance and stewardship of existing assets but enabling growth. An achievement of which Philip is particularly proud during his tenure at CCHL is his role in leading the strategic purchase of North Island gas retail operation Enerco and its subsequent sale. This transaction resulted in a $600 million return to his home city’s Council, which in today’s money would be more than $1billion.
Today he continues at the helm of Carter Group. Philip is well known for his philanthropy and is an active supporter of the arts. He has served on prominent boards including the Orion Group, Christchurch International Airport Limited and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Philip is indeed a deserving recipient of our Long Service Award for 2024.
Preformance Building Technology Excellence in Sustainability Award
This project addresses one of the most pressing global challenges—sustainable food and resource production. The Waimarie Science Facility at Lincoln University exemplifies innovation and collaboration. The project team—comprising Lincoln University, Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Warren and Mahoney, BECA, and many more—delivered a 9,500m² facility that prioritises sustainability, from carbon reduction to water efficiency. The judges praised the project’s human impact and impressive integration of cultural values.
Congratulations to the Waimarie Science Facility Project Team!
GHD Property Professional of the Year Award
Michael has shaped the sector with his deep expertise in valuation, property management, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the New Zealand property industry. The judges highlighted his passion, commitment, and significant impact on the industry, especially his mentoring and guidance of the next generation. Michael’s long-standing career and dedication have made him a true leader in the field.
Congratulations, Michael!
Anderson Lloyd Judges' Choice Award
The Anderson Lloyd Judges’ Choice Award celebrates projects that exemplify exceptional collaboration, innovation, and dedication. This year, the judges found it impossible to separate two nominees in this category, so we have two joint winners: The Dunedin Railway Station Team and the University of Otago Te Rangihīroa Team.
First, the Dunedin Railway Station Team—comprising Allans Sheetmetal and Engineering, Dunedin City Council, Naylor Love, Salmond Reed Architects, and many others—overcame significant challenges to restore one of Dunedin’s most iconic heritage sites. Their unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and problem-solving set this project apart.
Second, the University of Otago Te Rangihīroa Team, including Jasmax, Southbase, and the University of Otago, delivered a world-class student accommodation facility. With a strong focus on sustainability, they achieved an outstanding Green Star rating and navigated complex project hurdles through seamless collaboration.
Congratulations to both remarkable teams!
Property Council New Zealand Supreme Excellence Award
The Property Council New Zealand Supreme Excellence Award is the highest honour of the evening. This year, we are proud to present this prestigious award to Michael Connolly of Colliers.
A true stalwart with nearly 40 years of experience in the property industry across New Zealand and Australia, Michael’s journey began in construction, before studying Valuation and Property Management at Lincoln University. He honed his skills in South Australia as a Registered Valuer and then returned to New Zealand to navigate the challenging economic conditions of the 1990s. His ability to pivot and evolve – gaining expertise in property management and leading rebrands—has been a hallmark of his career.
Since joining Colliers in 1992, Michael has built it to one of the most respected real estate management services teams in Christchurch, contributing significantly to the regional and national industry. The judges highlighted his passion, commitment, and leadership, noting his unmatched and enduring impact on the sector, and its people.
Congratulations, Michael – our 2024 Supreme Excellence Award winner!