Building People Awards 2026 Winners

The 2026 Building People Awards was held on Friday 14 August in Tāmaki | Auckland

View the photos from the 2026 Building People Awards here.

Congratulations to all our winners and other placeholders on the night. Read about them below. 

• RESENE Next Gen Award
• BCITO Emerging Leader Award
• DOMINION CONSTRUCTORS LTD Health, Safety & Wellbeing Award
• ROOF LOGIC Collaboration - Under $20m Projects Award
• HUBEXO Collaboration Over $20m Projects Award
• KALMAR CONSTRUCTION LTD Consultants Award
• HAYS Under $7.5m Projects Award
• CARTERS $7.5m-$50m Projects Award
• BESIX WATPAC $50m - $100m Projects Award
• BARNES BEAGLEY DOHERR Over $100m Projects Award
• JAMES HARDIE Innovation Award
• SOUTHBASE Digital Technology Award
• HAWKINS Site Manager of the Year Award
• GIB Supreme Award

RESENE Next Gen Award 

Winners

Ivy Peng 
PhD in Architecture, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Pōneke | Wellington

Ivy Peng of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington is challenging how the industry thinks about sustainable construction. Through pioneering research into material toxicity and life cycle assessment, she is advancing healthier, more transparent building practices. Her work combines academic excellence with practical relevance, helping shape a safer future for people and the built environment.

Tyron Oldroyd 
Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Pōneke | Wellington 

Tyron Oldroyd of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington is bringing together architecture, computer science, and emerging technologies to improve lives through design. His research into dementia-friendly environments demonstrates remarkable creativity and purpose, while his leadership within the Student Architecture Network highlights a strong commitment to the future of the profession.

Gerasimos Christoforatos 
PhD in Engineering - Waikato University, Kirikiriroa | Hamilton

Gerasimos Christoforatos of the University of Waikato has distinguished himself through exceptional research, international recognition, and a strong commitment to sustainable construction. His work is helping shape better decisions for New Zealand’s building sector, while his ambition, humility, and potential to influence policy and practice mark him as outstanding recipient. 

Next Gen Supreme Winner

Gerasimos Christoforatos 
PhD in Engineering - Waikato University, Kirikiriroa | Hamilton 

Supreme Citation: Outstanding research alone does not secure a Supreme Award - it is the combination of excellence, influence, character and future potential that truly distinguishes a winner. Gerasimos Christoforatos impressed the judges with his exceptional research achievements, international recognition and deep commitment to advancing sustainability in the built environment. They were equally struck by his authenticity, humility, self-awareness and clear sense of purpose. His vision extends beyond academic success to shaping industry practice and public policy for the benefit of future generations. Combined with a compelling and memorable presentation, his entry demonstrated both substance and inspiration. For his outstanding potential to make a lasting contribution to New Zealand’s built environment, Gerasimos is the Supreme Winner.

BCITO Emerging Leader Award

Special Mention

Michael Worsfold - Hawkins Ltd  
Project: Site 6, Tāmaki | Auckland 

Michael Worsfold of Hawkins has played a pivotal role in delivering Auckland's landmark Site 6 project. Leading structural delivery on one of New Zealand's most demanding construction programmes, he combined innovative thinking, technical expertise, and authentic leadership to earn the respect of colleagues, contractors, and clients alike. 

Highly Commended

Nicholas Rowe - BPM Ltd
Project: Heriot Drive Limited Project, Porirua

At BPM Ltd, Nicholas Rowe has already demonstrated the judgement and commercial maturity of a seasoned industry professional. Through his contribution to the Heriot Drive seismic strengthening project and his commitment to improving industry practice, Nicholas has consistently looked beyond the task at hand to deliver wider value.

Winner

Will Mattison - Southbase Construction 
Project: Airport Check-In Integration Project, Tāmaki | Auckland

Will Mattison of Southbase Construction is helping redefine how digital technology supports project delivery in New Zealand. Through his leadership on Auckland Airport's Check-In Integration Project, he championed innovative digital twin solutions that improved planning, reduced risk, and brought people together around better decision-making. His vision, humility, and ability to turn complex technology into practical outcomes make him a deserving Emerging Leader Award winner.

Dominion Contractors Health, Safety & Wellbeing Award

Highly Commended 

Rebecca Hunter - Cook Brothers Construction 

Rebecca Hunter of Cook Brothers Construction has been a driving force behind stronger health, safety, and wellbeing outcomes across the business. Through her energetic approach to culture change, injury prevention, and empowering site teams, she has helped embed lasting improvements that make a real difference on projects every day.

Winner 

Greg Bailey - Kalmar Construction 

For Greg Bailey of Kalmar Construction, health and safety is about protecting people and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. Drawing on profound personal experience, he has transformed challenge into positive action, strengthening safety culture, mentoring others, and helping shape better industry practice. His leadership, resilience, and commitment to people make him a worthy winner of this award. 

RoofLogic Collaboration – Under $20m Projects Award

Highly Commended 

Josh Gibbons - Cook Brothers Construction, Ian Adamson - Warren and Mahoney, Tony Galavaz - Holmes Group, Ed McDonald - Powell Fenwick 

Project: The Mill Queenstown, Tāhuna | Queenstown 

The team behind The Mill Queenstown brought together expertise from across design, engineering, construction, and fabrication to deliver a complex project with remarkable alignment and trust. Their commitment to open collaboration, disciplined coordination, and sharing knowledge beyond the project earned the judges' admiration and this Highly Commended recognition. 

Winner

Bruce Tizard - Scope Projects, Damian Thompson - NPM Construction Ltd, Louise Jelicich - Ministry of Education, Simon Mandeno - Mandeno Design

Project: Tauraroa Area School - New Classroom Block & Whare, Whangarei

Bruce, Damian, Louise and Simon exemplified the very best of collaborative delivery on the Tauraroa Area School project. Navigating change, programme pressures, and complex stakeholder needs, they built a culture of trust, openness, and shared ownership. The judges praised the team's honesty, adaptability, and unwavering focus on achieving the best outcome for the school community. 

Hubexo Collaboration – Over $20m Projects Award

Highly Commended 

Brendan Raj - Argon Construction, Robbie Richmond – AECOM, Riaan Van der Merwe - Health NZ, Sandee Stanley – Jasmax, Dylan Karamaena - Rider Levett Bucknall, Jeremy Evans - Health NZ 

Project: Whangarei Radiation Oncology Project – Te Hihiri Whakahauora, Whangarei 

The team behind Te Hihiri Whakahauora united around a shared purpose: delivering a vital healthcare facility for Northland. Built on trust, alignment, and strong stakeholder relationships, their collaborative approach enabled confident decision-making and exceptional outcomes in a complex hospital environment. 

Winner

Jeff Robertson – Aspec, Margaret Waller - University of Auckland, Jared Williams – Architectus, Andy O'Neill – Archifact, Jack Southee – Beca, Christine Wang – RCP 

Project: UoA B104 Old Choral Hall Seismic Upgrade and Refurbishment, Tāmaki | Auckland 

The team behind the University of Auckland's B104 Old Choral Hall project demonstrated collaboration at its highest level. Faced with heritage constraints, technical uncertainty, and unforeseen challenges, they fostered a culture of openness, trust, and shared ownership. By working as one team, they delivered an exceptional outcome that sets a benchmark for collaborative project delivery in New Zealand. 

Kalmar Construction Consultants Award

Highly Commended

John McDowell - TSA Riley 

Project: Hangar 4 Auckland Airport, Tāmaki | Auckland 

John McDowell of TSA Riley provided steady leadership through the complexity of delivering Auckland Airport's Hangar 4 project. Balancing programme pressures, evolving project demands, and stakeholder expectations, he fostered a culture of trust, accountability, and practical problem-solving that helped the team achieve an exceptional outcome.

Winner

Dan Bradley - BPM Ltd 

Project: Heriot Commercial Seismic Strengthening, Porirua

Dan Bradley of BPM stood out for his innovative thinking and unwavering focus on collaboration. On the Heriot Commercial Seismic Strengthening project, he brought stakeholders together around a pioneering delivery model that reduced risk, accelerated delivery, and created lasting value. His leadership is helping shape better project outcomes across New Zealand's construction industry.

Hays Under $7.5m Projects Award

Highly Commended 

Richard Wheeler & Robert Davis - Aspec Construction Limited 

Project: Chapel of Our Glorified Lord & St Barnabas Seismic Upgrade – Diocesan School for Girls, Tāmaki | Auckland 

Richard Wheeler and Robert Davis of Aspec Construction Limited successfully balanced complex seismic strengthening with the preservation of a cherished heritage building. Working within a live school environment, they demonstrated technical expertise, thoughtful planning, and strong collaboration to overcome challenges and deliver a lasting result.

Winner 

Peter Lalin, Zach Duncan-Shepherd & Reynold Cai - Cook Brothers Construction 

Project: Target Road School, Tāmaki | Auckland 

Peter Lalin, Zach Duncan-Shepherd and Reynold Cai of Cook Brothers Construction exemplified collaborative leadership on the Target Road School project. Drawing on lessons from previous work, they navigated programme challenges, united stakeholders behind a shared vision, and delivered the project eight weeks ahead of schedule. Their proactive approach and commitment to value creation set them apart as deserving winners.

CARTERS $7.5m - $50m Projects Award

Highly Commended

Kurt Sickler - LT McGuinness Ltd 

Project: 68 Jervois Quay, Pōneke | Wellington 

Kurt Sickler of LT McGuinness successfully led the delivery of Wellington City Council's new civic headquarters fitout. Navigating specialist technical requirements within a live refurbishment, he combined practical leadership, meticulous planning, and a collaborative approach to deliver an outstanding result.

Highly Commended 

Cade Scott – Southbase 

Project: Koawa Post Production Building, Ōtautahi | Christchurch 

On one of New Zealand's most technically specialised construction projects, Cade Scott of Southbase demonstrated exceptional leadership and determination. His ability to overcome complex acoustic and programme challenges, while maintaining outstanding safety and quality outcomes, earned the respect of clients, consultants, and project partners alike. 

Winner 

Steve Lindley - LT McGuinness Ltd 

Project: Diocesan School for Girls Shrewsbury Building, Tāmaki | Auckland 

Steve Lindley of LT McGuinness distinguished himself through exceptional leadership on the Diocesan School for Girls Shrewsbury Building refurbishment. Guiding a complex project within a live school environment, he successfully balanced technical excellence with people-focused leadership, delivering outstanding project outcomes while investing in the next generation of industry talent. 

BESIX Watpac $50m - $100m Projects Award

Highly Commended 

Guillem Ferrer - Hawkins 

Project: Manaaki Hōhonu, Tāmaki | Auckland 

Delivering a major project within a live hospital environment demands exceptional judgement, and Guillem Ferrer of Hawkins rose to that challenge. Through careful planning, strong stakeholder engagement, and calm leadership, he balanced patient safety, operational continuity, and programme certainty to achieve an outstanding outcome. 

Highly Commended 

Darren Mead - Summerset 

Project: Summerset Waikanae, Village Centre, Kapiti 

Darren Mead of Summerset demonstrated resilient leadership throughout the delivery of the Waikanae Village Centre. By building a high-performing team, developing local capability, and successfully navigating significant change, he achieved outstanding quality outcomes while creating a lasting positive impact beyond the project itself. 

Winner 

Jeff Robertson, Lucian Iacob & Evan Forde - Aspec Construction Limited 

Project: UoA B104 Old Choral Hall Seismic Upgrade and Refurbishment, Tāmaki | Auckland 
 
Jeff Robertson, Lucian Iacob, and Evan Forde of Aspec Construction Limited delivered a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Faced with significant unforeseen challenges, they united stakeholders behind a best-for-project approach, preserving a treasured heritage building while achieving modern performance standards through technical excellence, adaptability, and teamwork. 

BBD Over $100m Projects Award 

Highly Commended 

Dylan Kane & Jimmy Corric - NZ Strong Group Ltd 

Project: Air New Zealand Hangar 4, Tāmaki | Auckland 

In one of the strongest and most closely contested categories of the evening, Dylan Kane and Jimmy Corric of NZ Strong Group are recognised for their exceptional leadership in delivering Air New Zealand Hangar 4. Tackling a New Zealand and Southern Hemisphere first, they combined technical ingenuity with hands-on, people-focused leadership to overcome unprecedented engineering, logistics, and health and safety challenges. Their willingness to lead from the front, foster a culture of trust and shared ownership, and develop innovative solutions where no blueprint existed inspired confidence across the entire project team. Their humility, resilience, and commitment to excellence have earned them well-deserved recognition in this outstanding category. 

Winner 

Brian Hayes - BESIX Watpac 

Project: One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, Ōtautahi | Christchurch 

Brian Hayes of BESIX Watpac is recognised for his outstanding leadership in delivering One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. Guiding one of New Zealand’s most technically demanding construction projects, Brian brought together a diverse team of more than 110 subcontractors through calm, collaborative leadership and a relentless focus on shared success. His strategic planning, technical expertise, and ability to navigate complex governance, consenting, and construction challenges ensured confidence at every stage of delivery. Brian’s professionalism, integrity, and 
unwavering commitment to excellence make him a truly deserving winner in this category. 

James Hardie Innovation Award

Highly Commended 

Atie Ahmadi - Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington 

Dr Atie Ahmadi of Victoria University of Wellington is pushing the boundaries of construction innovation through groundbreaking research that connects technology, human behaviour, and safety. By transforming complex insights into practical tools for industry, she is helping create safer, smarter, and more effective ways of delivering projects 

Winner  

Kristy Jones - Cook Brothers Construction 

Project: Waste Case Study 

Kristy Jones of Cook Brothers Construction has challenged the industry to rethink one of its greatest sustainability challenges. Through her pioneering Construction Waste Case Study, she combined research, collaboration, and practical action to create valuable new insights that have the potential to transform waste management and drive lasting industry change. 

Southbase Digital Technology 

Highly Commended 

Michael De Fazio - Naylor Love Wellington

Project: Hnry Stadium, Pōneke | Wellington 

When complex project challenges demanded innovative thinking, Michael De Fazio of Naylor Love Wellington turned uncertainty into opportunity. By harnessing advanced digital technology and transforming fragmented information into a reliable project environment, he improved safety, accuracy, and delivery outcomes while driving confidence across the entire team. 

Winner  

Hanna Hawke - LT McGuinness Ltd 

Project: Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga (Archives New Zealand), Pōneke | Wellington

Hanna Hawke of LT McGuinness demonstrated exceptional leadership in bringing digital delivery to life on the Archives New Zealand project. Bridging the gap between technology and construction, she empowered project teams, built trust in new ways of working, and showed how digital innovation can strengthen collaboration and project outcomes. 

Hawkins Site Manager of the Year Award

Highly Commended 

Daniel Browan - Hawkins Limited 

Project: HIWA 

Daniel Browan of Hawkins has built a reputation for finding solutions where others see obstacles. Leading within a complex, high-risk environment, he combined technical expertise, innovation, and a relentless focus on safety and quality, inspiring confidence across his team and delivering exceptional project outcomes. 

Highly Commended 

Adam Baxter - Fletcher Living 

Project: Superlot 2 (Building 10), Ōtautahi | Christchurch 

Adam Baxter of Fletcher Living has challenged conventional thinking to achieve outstanding results. Through innovative delivery strategies, exceptional organisation, and a commitment to developing those around him, Adam united project teams behind a clear vision and successfully delivered an exceptional outcome. 

Winner  

Nick Watson - Kalmar Construction 

Project: Foundation Building 2, Tāmaki | Auckland 

Nick Watson of Kalmar Construction demonstrated the qualities of an exceptional site leader on Foundation Building 2. Combining meticulous planning, technical expertise, and sound judgement, he successfully navigated significant challenges while delivering outstanding outcomes ahead of programme. His ability to empower people, foster teamwork, and maintain excellence under pressure set him apart as this year's winner.

GIB Supreme Award

Winner

Brian Hayes - BESIX Watpac 

Project: One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, Ōtautahi | Christchurch 

Brian Hayes stood out as an exceptional leader in delivering one of the most complex and significant construction projects undertaken in Christchurch and New Zealand. Throughout the delivery of Te Kaha, he led with calm assurance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to his team, achieving outstanding outcomes under the intense scrutiny that accompanies a nationally significant project.

Leading BESIX Watpac’s first project in New Zealand, Brian established a high-performing delivery team from the ground up while earning the trust of the local construction sector, project partners, and the wider Canterbury community. His collaborative leadership united more than 110 subcontractors behind a shared vision and created a culture where people were empowered to contribute and succeed. 

Beyond delivering Te Kaha on time and below budget, Brian invested in the future of the industry. Through partnerships with local universities and the establishment of cadet and apprenticeship programmes, his leadership created meaningful pathways into construction, with more than 90 trainees developing their skills through the project. 

The judges agreed that Brian’s leadership has created a lasting legacy for the New Zealand construction industry - one defined not only by an iconic stadium, but by the people, capability, and collaborative culture he leaves behind.