MEDIA RELEASE
12 October 2012
Outstanding contributions to Waikato earn honours
Inspiring contributions to the Waikato region’s built environment and economy, achieved during tough times, were
recognised last night at the second annual Property Council ‘We are Waikato’ awards.
Seven awards were presented to well-deserving finalists at a cocktail function and awards ceremony attracting more than
150 people, which was held at the University of Waikato’s Academy of Performing Arts in Hamilton. Four individuals and
five companies were recognised for industry excellence:
Arrow International Young Achiever of the Year – Steven Alsemgeest Memorial Award
Anna Wilkins (Traffic Design Group)
Hawkins Construction Long Service Award for Outstanding Contribution
Colin Jones (Commercial & Industrial Consultants)
Fonterra Property Industry Associate of the Year
Mark Apeldoorn (Traffic Design Group)
Foster Outstanding Leadership
Simon Perry (Perry Group)
BNZ Urban Design & Architectural Merit
Hamilton City Council, Downer NZ, Reset Urban Design for Worley Place shared zone
Staples Rodway Best Regional Project Team
Greenstone Group for Te Awa at The Base
Judges Choice Award for overall outstanding contribution to the Waikato property industry
Phoenix Group
In deciding the Judges Choice award, the judging panel recognised Phoenix Group’s drive to “improve buildings into
something that revitalises the areas and injects money into the local economy”.
“By improving the look and feel of commercial property, Phoenix Group have increased the profitability of their
businesses and increased exposure for others. They are a local organisation that support local. Phoenix Group will
consistently deliver for the betterment of the Waikato."
The judging panel was comprised of members of Property Council’s Waikato Branch and non-members in the business
community. Strict criteria were continually referred to by the judges, with judges identifying what was outstanding
about the nominee.
Property Council’s Waikato Branch President, Robert Dol, said he was pleased to see such an inspiring line up of
finalists and winners. “It is clear to me that the judges had a challenge on their hands selecting those most deserving
of recognition.”
“The winners acknowledged at our awards ceremony are all well-regarded in the property industry and business community
and I am delighted for the opportunity to see their efforts rewarded. I can see there will be even tougher competition
next year, as we received some very promising nominations. The efforts of all finalists are deserving of praise.”
END.
About the winners:
Arrow International Young Achiever of the Year – Steven Alsemgeest Memorial Award
Anna Wilkins (Traffic Design Group)
Anna has led and contributed to the growth and emergence of Traffic Design Group’s Hamilton Branch, which she started
from scratch in 2009 to a thriving business during a downturn in the property sector. The judges acknowledged “She's
built a business from concept to something that is in demand by many developers”, and noted her skills assist with the
future of roading in Hamilton. In the future, Anna would like to establish herself as the foremost specialist transport
advisor in the Waikato.
Hawkins Construction Long Service Award for Outstanding Contribution
Colin Jones (Commercial & Industrial Consultants)
Colin has been a key player in the property industry for more than 40 years. During this time, he has picked up vast
amounts of knowledge, making him the ‘go-to’ guy. He has been able to adapt with the changes in the industry, and isn’t
afraid to voice his opinion. In selecting him for this award, the judging panel said "While the other nominees have been
around for a long time and have done amazing things in the Waikato property industry, Colin has consistently advocated
for change. His knowledge on the industry is second to none."
Fonterra Property Industry Associate of the Year
Mark Apeldoorn (Traffic Design Group)
Starting his career as a local engineer with Waipa District and then Hamilton City Council, Mark is now a director of
Traffic Design Group in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. He has a comprehensive understanding of the relevant
laws, rules, standards and guidelines that identifies enabling pathways for property and land development to be
efficiently and economically advanced. The judges recognised "Mark does work for the property industry outside of his
usual tasks of his business” including sitting on the city’s Urban Design Panel. He is “always willing to assist” and
“cares about the greater good for the city”.
Foster Outstanding Leadership
Simon Perry (Perry Group)
As a director and chair of numerous companies in Waikato, Simon’s leadership has extended to some of the Waikato’s
highest profile property projects, both commercially with the Riverside Casino, Energy Products, and Freightways in
Gallagher Drive, and more recently through his commitment to community projects ‘Te Awa Cycleway’ and ‘Home of Cycling’.
In deciding the award recipient, the judges noted “Simon has one of those names that you respect and want to hear what
he is saying or doing. That respect is based on what he has done for the city, not just in property.”
BNZ Urban Design & Architectural Merit
Hamilton City Council, Downer NZ, Reset Urban Design for Worley Place shared zone
The Worley Place shared zone was delivered as part of Hamilton City Council’s CityHeart project, which aimed to activate
and revitalise the central city precinct in Hamilton. The Project team were tasked with delivering a project that
stimulated social, economic and transportation movement change. The judging panel commented "this concept is what should
be encouraged more. It fits the criteria of this award perfectly." The successful manner in which the team delivered the
project has led to Hamilton City Council planning new shared zones around the city.
Staples Rodway Best Regional Project Team
Greenstone Group for Te Awa at The Base
A part of this world class development at the Base, Greenstone Group was responsible for leasing management, project
managing construction, and tenancy coordination for Te Awa. The company chose a route that inspired and challenged the
project team and provide a collaborative environment to which everyone could contribute the best they had to offer.
According to the judges, this was the hardest category to judge; however, “the Greenstone Group team did an outstanding
job project managing a regional project that has injected money into the local economy and put the Waikato more on the
map”.
Judges Choice Award for overall outstanding contribution to the Waikato property industry
Phoenix Group
Established in 2006, the Phoenix Group prides itself on transforming the ordinary to the dynamic. Focused on developing
casual drinking and dining establishments in Hamilton, the company currently have interests in 10 properties. In
awarding the judges choice award, it was noted
"Phoenix Group consistently changes the face of Waikato property by improving buildings that didn't contribute much,
into something that revitalises the areas and injects money into the local economy. By improving the look and feel of
commercial property, Phoenix Group have increased the profitability of their businesses and increased exposure for
others. They are a local organisation that support local. Phoenix Group will consistently deliver for the betterment of
the Waikato.”
Property Council New Zealand
Property Council is New Zealand’s commercial property voice. Property Council represents New Zealand's office,
industrial, retail, property funds and multi-unit residential property owners, investors and managers. Property
Council’s branches throughout the country represent some of the largest commercial property portfolios in Auckland,
Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, East Coast/Hawkes Bay and the South Island, the value of which exceeds $30 billion.