Auckland, New Zealand, 14th June 2019: Christchurch’s new Central City Library, Tūranga, has claimed the coveted Supreme
Award at Property Council New Zealand’s Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards this evening.
Tūranga is one of nine anchor projects that support the regeneration of Canterbury following the earthquakes. The five
storey building, which was opened in October 2018, spans 9500m2, making it the largest public library in the South
Island.
The Christchurch development was one of eleven best in category winners at the annual awards, held at Spark Arena this
evening. The red-carpet event is the biggest property industry event in New Zealand, attracting around 1600 people. The
Awards recognise exceptional property projects that are innovative, sustainable, and deliver a financial and/or social
return.
Judges cited Tūranga as a visually stunning symbol of hope, unity and rebirth, shaping the way the community and
visitors experience Christchurch’s City Centre. “Tūranga encompasses a wide range of facilities for the community,
including a heritage collection, an innovation zone, music and video studios, a 200-seat arena, a café and outdoor roof
terraces. There is a high level of community pride and ownership in Tūranga which will ensure it remains relevant to the
city and community for decades to come.”
Earlier in the evening Tūranga won best in category in the Warren and Mahoney Civic and Arts Property Award. The other
best in category winners were all eligible for the Supreme Award.
The Holmes Consulting Group Tourism and Leisure Property Award went to Christchurch’s Taiora QEII Recreation and Sport
Centre, which closed in 2011 due to earthquake damage. The site previously known as Queen Elizabeth II Park was home to
the facility constructed for the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Taiora was the result of a long and hard-fought battle by the
community to get a pool rebuilt at QEII Park.
The RCP Commercial Office Property Award went to the PwC Centre in Wellington. The premium new office building in the
regenerated Kumutoto precinct, was touted as a standout example of what a modern and resilient office development can
achieve.
Auckland Airport’s DSV facility scooped the CBRE Industrial Property Award. Located within The Landing Business Park,
the purpose-built facility consolidates multiple warehousing operations. Judges cited the optimal use of industrial
space and an impressive 14 month turnaround.
The Housing New Zealand Multi-Unit Residential Property Award went to St Marks – a mixed-use living development in
Auckland’s Remuera. “Significant thought went into the design which includes an internal courtyard and live five storey
green wall.”
Auckland’s H flagship store at Commercial Bay won the Yardi Retail Property Award. The five-level store trades over four levels – a
first for New Zealand. Judges cited the development as a connector into the precinct’s retail laneways, breathing
renewed vitality into the CBD.
The Mason Bros. redevelopment in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter was the recipient of the Resene Green Building Property
Award. Judges cited the adaptive reuse of the character warehouse into the three storey commercial development. “The
project team worked hard on great place making, financial transparency and a world leading Six Green Star rating.“
The GIB Education Property Award went to Freemans Bay School in Auckland. The new development, which was completed last
year incorporates Whānau Ata - the oldest Māori immersion unit in central Auckland. “The design of Freemans Bay School
successfully joining the dots between future-focused schooling and use of space.”
Rotorua’s Te Aka Mauri Children’s Health and Library Hub won the Fagerhult Health and Medical Property Award. The
redevelopment of the existing library created the opportunity to combine community services. “The concept is a
ground-breaking and a truly successful example of what can be achieved for the community when local and central
government organisations collaborate.”
The Hawkins Heritage and Adaptive Reuses Property Award went to Auckland’s Campbell Bay Early Learning Centre - a
bespoke, aesthetically designed modern development integrating seamlessly into a historic church. “The quality of design
and careful building positioning ensured an unwanted church building has been retained and enriched.”
The Vinegar Lane and Cider building in Auckland’s Ponsonby won the Natural Habitats Urban Land Development Property
Award. The regenerated city block was cited as “a unique example of a true mixed-use architectural precinct.”
For more information on the Property Council New Zealand’s Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards, and a full
list of winners and nominees, visit the Awards website.