Outstanding contributions to Waikato earn honours

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.

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