The 2025 Building People Awards was held on Friday 8 August in Pōneke | Wellington. Congratulations to all our winners and other placeholders on the night. Read about them below.
CONSTRUCTION GROWTH FOUNDATION Consultants | Matanga
HUBEXO Collaboration | Kotahitanga
NZIOB CHARITABLE EDUCATION TRUST Under $10 Million Project Award
CARTERS $10-$50 Million Project Award
BARNES BEAGLEY DOHERR Over $50 Million Project Award
SOUTHBASE CONSTRUCTION Health, Safety and Wellbeing | Wairuatanga
JAMES HARDIE Innovation | Auaha
HAWKINS Site Manager of the Year Award
Ellie Graham - Diploma of Architectural Technology, Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Tauranga | Bay of Plenty
Ellie Graham’s idea focuses on bridging the gap between design and construction through short learning modules, onsite shadowing, and interactive tools. By encouraging mutual understanding and respect across disciplines, Ellie’s proposal aims to improve collaboration, communication, and project outcomes across the industry. Ellie has a Bachelor of Construction, a Master of Applied Business and is now completing a Diploma of Architectural Technology. Currently working as a Quantity Surveyor her long-term goal is to become a versatile professional who bridges the gap between design, construction, and management.
Shanta Persad - PhD Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury, Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Shanta Persad’s idea, based on her PhD research, is an innovative solar calculator that accurately maps solar potential in complex urban environments. Her algorithm overcomes the limitations of simplified models, enabling data-driven decisions around solar panel placement and building design. Her research is already being recognised by industry and academia alike, through published papers and conference presentations. Shanta is driven to make clean energy solutions accessible to all communities, reducing carbon emissions and resource consumption in the construction industry.
Sarah Shiella Skillen - Master of Architecture (Professional), Te Herenga Waka
– Victoria University of Wellington, Pōneke | Wellington
Sarah Shiella Skillen’s idea: WasteXchange, is a digital marketplace transforming construction waste into valuable resources by enabling builders and developers to list and share surplus materials, reducing landfill waste and fostering sustainable building practices. Sarah has demonstrated leadership and innovation throughout her Master of Architecture studies. Her thesis on regenerative school design has led to presentations, publication opportunities, and national recognition. She has initiated mentorship and equity programmes, held leadership roles in sustainability organisations, and actively shaped more inclusive learning environments within her faculty and the wider industry.
Shanta Persad - PhD Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury, Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Shanta’s work stands out for its technical excellence, innovation, and commitment to equitable clean energy access. In the future, Shanta plans to expand her solar calculator into a widely accessible planning tool, integrating it into urban design practices both in Aotearoa and globally. She is committed to bridging the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that renewable energy solutions are embedded into the built environment—especially in communities that need them most. We look forward to seeing Shanta shine as a leader in the future in construction and infrastructure.
Judges said: “Shanta’s commitment to sustainability, equity, and wellbeing is truly inspiring. She’s a leader shaping the future of our built environment.”
Anntonina Savelio - Zero Harm Advisor, Hawkins, Tāmaki | Auckland
Anntonina Savelio is raising the bar for health and safety on the complex Auckland Airport Domestic Jet Terminal project. Her technical expertise, paired with compassion, energy and passion, are delivering quality and reducing risk. She sees a future where safety is everyone’s responsibility, and where people from all backgrounds feel they truly belong. Already a mentor and changemaker, Anntonina is inspiring a more inclusive industry—and she’s just getting started.
Sarah Parsons - OFCI Manager, Icon Co Pty NZ, Tāmaki | Auckland
Sarah Parsons is a passionate and driven leader who was instrumental in delivering New Zealand’s largest data centre project. Her leadership not only delivered outstanding results but also lifted those around her to perform at their best. Her referee, with 40 years’ international experience, calls her “by far the best person” he has seen, praising her critical role as second-in-command and her enormous value to every part of the project. Beyond technical skill, Sarah champions greater representation of women in senior construction roles.
Lian Versteeg - National Services Manager, Summerset Management Group, Tāmaki | Auckland
Lian Versteeg built Summerset’s Services team from scratch, scaling it to four engineers across 13 projects. He led the complex $385M St Johns services design, navigating COVID disruptions and technical challenges. A volunteer firefighter, Lian introduced emergency training onsite and personally delivered generators after Hawke’s Bay floods. A referee called him “critical” to the project, highlighting his valued training workshops. He mentors nationwide and is pursuing a Masters in Engineering Management - combining technical excellence with genuine care as a standout emerging leader.
Pip Strawbridge - Project Architect, Wilkie and Bruce Architects
Project: St Andrews College - Nga Toi Performance Arts Centre including the Gough Family Theatre (STAC PAC), Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Pip Strawbridge led the complex redevelopment of St Andrews College’s Nga Toi Performing Arts Centre with outstanding coordination and problem-solving. Her hands-on approach ensured seamless integration of technical elements like reflector panels and tiered seating adjustments, all within a live school environment. Navigating seismic gaps, acoustics, and fire safety, Pip delivered innovative solutions that balanced reuse and new build. Her dedication to collaboration and sustainability has left a lasting impact on the project and community.
Alex Heperi - Project Architect, Designgroup Stapleton Elliott
Project: Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre, Te Matau-a-Māui | Hawkes Bay
Alex Heperi played a pivotal role in the Waiaroha project, leading the seamless integration of cultural storytelling with technical precision. As the sole Māori design lead, she ensured tikanga and mana whenua values were embedded from the start, not as an afterthought. Her collaborative leadership in co-design wānanga and hui brought together mana whenua, council, contractors, and artists to create a water infrastructure facility that honours heritage while meeting functional needs. Alex’s dedication to cultural integrity, environmental sustainability, and bridging diverse stakeholders made Waiaroha a landmark project.
Amanda Bulman - Architect, Three Line Studio, Denis Chin - Architect, Three Line Studio, Ken Johnston - Project Manager, Naylor Love Wellington, Murray Edridge - Client, Wellington City Mission, Matt Reed - Client-Side Project Manager, Kensway Consultants, & Dion Williams - Site Manager, Naylor Love Wellington
Project: Whakamaru | Wellington City Mission, Pōneke | Wellington
The Whakamaru project team worked in close partnership with the client, consultants, and contractors—united by a shared belief in the project’s purpose of service—which fostered trust, openness, and extraordinary teamwork to deliver an innovative facility that truly meets the needs of the community. They expertly integrated Building Information Modelling (BIM) to coordinate complex cross-laminated timber and steel construction, navigated Covid-19 disruptions, and applied value management to balance budget and quality. Their genuine collaboration, shared vision, and technical innovation set a new benchmark for social infrastructure.
Dave Bintliff - Technical Manager, Norman Disney Young, Andrew Burton - Client Project Manager, RCP, Joe Buxton - Quantity Surveyor, Barnes Beagley Doher, Dani Lake - Project Delivery Manager (Client), Allevia Health, Dean Shanud - Lead Architect, Klein Architects, & Craig Younger - Project Director, Leighs Construction
Project: Allevia Hospital Epsom Redevelopment, Tāmaki | Auckland
The Allevia Hospital Epsom Redevelopment team delivered a technically complex facility, featuring digital operating rooms and hybrid theatres, on time and within budget. They expertly managed construction alongside live surgical environments, adhering to strict noise and vibration limits amid Covid-19 challenges. Their early contractor involvement and values-driven collaboration enabled rapid adaptation to a late-stage design changes. As one referee, said, “This was the most exceptional project team I’ve seen. They were consistently solution-focused and constant communication was the key - It was phenomenal.”
Ian Rattray - Project Manager & Director, Ruruku (formerly IR Group)
Project: Mission House, Pōneke | Wellington
Ian Rattray transformed a seismically unsound heritage building into a modern, safe, and sustainable facility, showcasing technical innovation and collaborative leadership. With 35 years’ experience, he led from project inception—helping secure funding in 2016—through to completion in 2025. He embraced innovative construction methods including laminated veneer lumber (LVL) timber and cassette flooring, overcame COVID challenges, fostered a no-blame team culture, and prioritised mentoring. His long-term commitment and proactive leadership delivered a benchmark for seismic retrofit and timber construction, reflecting Ian’s deep commitment to community and sustainable outcomes.
Michael Drinnan - Director & Architect, Stiffe Hooker & Dylan Menzies - Senior Project Manager, Total Project Partners
Project: Te Hau Awhiowhio - Hauora Whanau Centre, Whangārei | Northland
Dylan Menzies and Michael Drinnan delivered an innovative, sustainable health facility on challenging reclaimed land, overcoming complex technical and structural issues with recycled plastic fibre concrete technology and strong contractor collaboration. Their culturally responsive approach, including local artist involvement and universal design, created a space truly reflective of its community. Delivered on time and under budget, this project exemplifies empathetic leadership, environmental responsibility, and excellence in client care.
Matt Hope - Quantity Surveyor/Estimator, Callum Quarton - Project Manager, & Benji Solomona - Senior Site Manager at Hawkins
Project: Victoria University of Wellington, William Weir Wing Seismic Upgrade, Pōneke | Wellington
This team, led by Matt Hope, Callum Quarton & Benji Solomona, delivered a seismic upgrade to a live, heritage student residence while overcoming major structural and logistical challenges through innovative engineering, inclusive leadership, and relentless teamwork. Working above the Wellington Cable Car tunnel, they avoided a critical failure through smart redesign, all while keeping the building safely occupied. Their humility, adaptability, and commitment to others stood out, from Christmas shifts to mentoring interns. Completed on time and under budget, this was heritage restoration at its best: complex, human-centred, and technically brilliant.
Paul O’Connor - Project Manager, Hawkins
Project: The Court Theatre, Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Described as “a true leader” and “an exceptional guy”, Paul O’Connor led the Court Theatre project with technical mastery, humility, and emotional intelligence. From managing a major late-stage flood with calm leadership to mentoring cadets into future site managers, Paul consistently puts people first, turns challenges into opportunities for growth and delivers excellence under pressure. “It’s people like Paul we strive to work with,” said one referee, reflecting the trust, care, and excellence he brings.
Gareth Salisbury - Project Manager, Naylor Love Canterbury
Project: Te Hurihanga ō Rangatahi, Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Gareth Salisbury led a complex, values-rich project with humility, calm confidence, and outstanding communication. He seamlessly wove Te Ao Māori design principles into daily practice and brought people together with respect and purpose. One referee described him as “a powerhouse when it comes to communication,” while another said, “He shows respect in everything he does, as a team player and champion for the project.” Gareth overcame funding uncertainty and stakeholder resistance with empathy and precision, while fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
James McLean - Project Manager & Engineer, LT McGuinness
Project: Ngā Mokopuna (formerly known as Living Pā), Pōneke | Wellington
James McLean led one of Aotearoa’s most complex sustainability projects, Ngā Mokopuna, with exceptional technical skill, calm leadership, and deep cultural awareness. He guided a young team to deliver a technically demanding mass timber project under the rigorous constraints of the Living Building Challenge. Employing thoughtful and deliberate leadership he fostered a collaborative, inclusive, and stress-aware site culture. Through hands-on workshops and clear communication, he aligned stakeholders and brought vision to life. The client said, “James was THE standout performer in what was a standout project.”
Ben Whaanga - Project Manager, LT McGuinness
Project: Archives New Zealand | Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga, Pōneke | Wellington
Ben Whaanga delivered one of the country’s most complex builds in Archives New Zealand | Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga. Challenges included coordinating piling rigs during riots, navigating 15,000m³ of winter excavation with no tip access, and resolving high-performance façade and seismic designs on the fly. Described as “exceptionally capable” and “the best in town,” Ben led with humility, empathy, and innovation by introducing building information modelling (BIM) stations on site, now used company-wide. He is a calm, knowledgeable, people-first leader who proves success doesn’t need confrontation or ego.
Rhys McKenzie - Project Manager, Hawkins
Project: Site 6 - Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct, Tāmaki | Auckland
Rhys McKenzie delivered the Wynyard Quarter project under relentless pressure, remaining calm and composed throughout. Project challenges included restarting a misaligned build, managing massive integrated fitouts, and re-sequencing works to install an onsite manufacturing plant that ultimately saved time and money. Rhys remained steady throughout the project, never faltering, even through personal tragedy. Described as “absolutely superb” and “the most impressive contractor project manager in the industry,” referees said the project outcome would have been very different if not for Rhys. The judges remarked Rhys “is absolutely extraordinary.”
Kristal McGill - General Manager Health, Safety and Environment, Kā te Rama Switched On Group, Ōtautahi | Christchurch
Kristal McGill is a pragmatic, inclusive, and deeply values-driven health and safety leader. Rising from admin to general manager in just five years, she now supports over 2,000 contractors across the South Island. From red zone recovery work to translating training into Portuguese, Kristal leads with heart, technical excellence, and real-world impact. One judge summed it up best: “She supports the small guys” — lifting tradie teams with tools, trust, and genuine care.
Jamie Summers - Project Director, The Building Intelligence Group
Project: Health15, Tāmaki | Auckland
Jamie faced profound personal challenges after suffering a stroke in 2019. While many would have turned inward, Jamie turned personal adversity into powerful impact. Through Health15, he’s delivering life-saving cardiovascular screenings directly to workers on-site, meeting them where they are, in language they understand, and with genuine care. By building trust and removing barriers, Jamie is reaching those who often fall through the cracks. The judges commented that Jamie’s “leadership in Health15 is changing the way health and wellbeing are approached in construction.”
Dan Bradley - CEO, ConTech Solutions, Pōneke | Wellington
After losing a close friend to suicide, Dan Bradley founded ConTech Solutions to make construction safer and more human. Building the company from scratch, he faced funding gaps, industry resistance, and the challenge of designing tech that’s both powerful and easy to use. Today, ConTech supports small contractors with tools for procurement, site safety, and mental wellbeing. It’s designed for real people, not just systems. Dan’s courage and compassion are driving meaningful change through inclusive, purpose-built technology.
Patrick Gallego - BIM Coordinator, Naylor Love Wellington
Project: CarbonCore 360, Pōneke | Wellington
Patrick Gallego identified a critical gap in sustainable construction: teams couldn’t track embodied carbon early enough to influence decisions. In response he built CarbonCore 360, a smart, integrated solution combining building information models, carbon databases, and real-time dashboards, giving teams live visibility of carbon alongside cost and programme. Patrick’s work proves that sustainability and performance can go hand-in-hand, and he brings the kind of energy, genuine enthusiasm, and open mindset that’s essential to driving change through digital tools and collaborative processes.
Alex Hampshire - Director - Advisory, WT
Project: Archives Building, Pōneke | Wellington
Alex Hampshire demonstrated outstanding technical leadership in delivering New Zealand’s most advanced digital twin implementation at the Archives Building. He led the integration of complex asset data into a live, operational model—transforming how the building will be managed for decades to come. His approach overcame fragmented systems, aligned diverse stakeholders, and embedded lifecycle thinking from day one. Through hands-on training, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a deep understanding of facilities management, Alex set a new benchmark for innovation, operational excellence, and the future of building performance.
Chris Harrison - Senior Site Manager, INC Group
Project: Pacifica Penthouses, Tāmaki | Auckland
Chris Harrison is a humble and unassuming guy however it was clear to all of the judges that the role he played in delivering this project was significant and worthy of mention. Under extremely adverse circumstances Chris lead and united a diverse site team to produce an exacting high-quality finish that is hard to replicate. The judges said Chris’ talents and collaboration skills make him stand out in this strong field of finalists.
Andrew Sorrenti - Site Manager, Icon Co Pty NZ
Project: 6-8 Munroe Lane and Lorne Street Student Accommodation, Tāmaki | Auckland
Andrew Sorrenti is a highly capable and calm site manager who impressed the judges with his mature, solutions-focused approach and strong technical ability. Working on two challenging student accommodation projects in the Auckland CBD, Andrew navigated complex in-ground conditions and spatial constraints by developing innovative methodologies, resequencing programme works and repositioning the crane—ultimately delivering significant time savings. Andrew builds trust with his team and subcontractors, communicates across cultures, and mentors others with care and adaptability.
James Rolfe - Site Manager, Hawkins
Project: The Court Theatre, Ōtautahi | Christchurch
James Rolfe is a calm, capable site manager who led the complex delivery of The Court Theatre with technical precision and care. He overcame major sequencing and acoustic challenges, built trust across diverse teams, and mentored young talent on site. Judges were impressed by his maturity, leadership, and thoughtful problem-solving on a highly bespoke project. James is a standout young professional with a big future ahead in construction.
Lachlan Grant - Site Manager, Hawkins, Pōneke | Wellington
Lachlan Grant led the complex structural and commissioning phases of Wakefield Hospital, including base isolation, surgical theatres, and critical services integration. He implemented cutting-edge tools like HammerTech, drone scans, and 360° photography, now adopted business-wide. His ability to resolve sequencing, detailing, and post-COVID market challenges was matched by his mentorship, team wellbeing initiatives, and community outreach. The judges said if they were “ever in need of a champion site manager, Lachlan would be our go-to!”
Lian Versteeg - National Services Manager, Summerset Management Group, Tāmaki | Auckland
Lian is a “star of the future”, a “deeply impressive” leader who looks after his growing team by maintaining a people first approach, whilst successfully delivering the services requirements for all of Summerset’s developments across New Zealand.
He led Summerset’s first large-scale $385M project service’s design for Summerset’s St Johns development from concept through to completion, navigating high technical complexity and innovation whilst also building a new services team within Summerset and delivering the services design and delivery across all of Summerset’s projects in New Zealand.
He has built Summerset’s services team from scratch, upskilled more than 160 employees through the development of Summerset's services training module and the roll-out of this nationwide whilst also focussing on embedding sustainable technology across Summerset’s developments. With Summerset’s expansion into Australia, Lian is planning to replicate his impact internationally.
He is committed to improving the construction industry's knowledge of building services by developing and presenting courses for educational service providers such as Unitec and BCITO.
Lian is not only delivering for Summerset’s future, he is also building the next generation of construction leaders for the industry.
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