Building People Award Categories

Which category fits you best? 

Cost based categories 

NON-COST BASED CATEGORIES

1. NEXT GEN AWARD

This award recognises our Next Generation – students, apprentices and cadets who while in training are already making strides in the industry. To be eligible, a nominee must be a Next Gen member of the Institute, and currently enrolled in training or study in the industry. Find out more about the Next Gen Awards. 

2. EMERGING LEADER AWARD

This award identifies and recognizes younger building industry practitioners, whose competencies and achievements stand them out amongst their peers. To be eligible, a nominee must be aged 30 or under as of 1 August 2026.

Judging criteria includes the nominee’s:

• Academic achievements
• Achievements as a building practitioner
• Ability to lead change within their company
• Verifiable contribution to the building profession 
• Contribution to their communities (geographical and/or professional)

3. HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING | WAIRUATANGA

This award recognises the importance of health and safety along with a focus on wellbeing in the construction industry. If we are going to keep our people safe and healthy both physically and mentally, we need to put the work in. This award celebrates those who are doing the mahi and making the industry a better place to be.

4. COLLABORATION Under $20M | KOTAHITANGA

The construction industry by its nature, demands strong collaboration. A key determinant of how successful a construction project will be is the relationship between those commissioned to design, document, and deliver the resultant building. This award celebrates exceptional examples of collaborative partnerships between consultant(s) and contractor on construction projects valued at under $20 million.

5. COLLABORATION Over $20M | KOTAHITANGA

The construction industry by its nature, demands strong collaboration. A key determinant of how successful a construction project will be is the relationship between those commissioned to design, document, and deliver the resultant building. This award celebrates exceptional examples of collaborative partnerships between consultant(s) and contractor on construction projects valued at Over $20 million. 

6. CONSULTANTS | MATANGA

This award was introduced in 2018 and reflects the Institute’s desire to broaden the range of professions that enter the annual awards. The Consultants / Matanga Award recognises the high performance of design consultants (architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, or project managers) who have contributed to the design, documentation, and delivery stages (either in part or in entirety) of a successful construction project.

COST BASED CATEGORIES

7. PROJECTS UNDER $7.5M

Open to nominee(s) who have led the delivery of a commercial, industrial, or residential construction project, which had a construction cost of less than $7.5 million.

8. PROJECTS $7.5M–$50M

Open to nominee(s) who have led the delivery of a commercial, industrial, or residential construction project, which had a construction cost in the $7.5 million to $50 million range.

9. PROJECTS $50M–$100M

Open to nominee(s) who have led the delivery of a commercial, industrial, or residential construction project, which had a construction cost in the $50 million to $100 million range.

10. PROJECTS OVER $100M

Open to nominee(s) who have led the delivery of a commercial, industrial, or residential construction project, which had a construction cost greater than $100 million.

NON-COST BASED CATEGORIES

11. INNOVATION | AUAHA

This award recognises an innovation that is specific to the building industry. The innovation may be a product, a construction technique, a new design application, an emerging technology, or any other facet that has, or will, create value to the building industry and the people within it.

12. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY | MATIHIKO

We all use digital technologies in some ways in our work, in the construction industry making the most of digital technologies leads to better productivity and more sustainable and efficient delivery of the built environment. This is a new category for 2024 and provides an opportunity to recognise those making great strides in the area of digital technology by bringing positive change through efficiency, productivity, sustainability and more. 

13. SITE MANAGER OF THE YEAR

This recognises outstanding individuals in the role of Site Manager. This category was introduced in 2025 and celebrates Site Managers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, planning, and team coordination to deliver successful projects.