INCLUDE   RESPECT   INSPIRE

Welcome to the 2025 NAWIC Excellence Awards!


Thank you to our Awards partner, Naylor Love


Each year the NAWIC Excellence Awards provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to recognise, be recognised and celebrate the amazing mahi of wāhine in construction across Aotearoa, New Zealand.


Excellence Awards 

Count down

  • 30 April – Judging Day
  • 23 May - Finalists will be notified by email and revealed on social media
  • 30 May - Awards tickets on sale from Sunday, 26 May


NAWIC Excellence Awards Gala Dinner

Date: Friday 25 July

Venue: Cordis Hotel – The Great Room

Time: 6pm – 10.30pm


Ticket price (incl. GST, plus booking fees):

Finalists - $100*

Judges - $170*

General Admission - $200

Table of 10 - $2,000


* Finalists and Judges will be sent a code to access this special price


Mark this in your diary, tickets go on sale Friday 30 May

Get your tickets early—this event will sell out!


Special Daytime Events 


To inspire and drive change, we’re launching two daytime events before the Excellence Awards:


Luncheon in partnership with BCTF 

Unsung Heroes: Celebrating the women behind construction’s success


Behind every successful construction project, there’s a team of dedicated women working behind the scenes—managing work schedule, job sheets and labour resources, overseeing payroll, managing accounts, work meetings at the dinner table, coordinating logistics, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Too often, their contributions go unrecognised. Does this sound like you?


Join us for Unsung Heroes, a special luncheon celebrating the incredible women who keep their construction businesses ticking over. Connect with like-minded wāhine and take pride in the impact you make every day.


Luncheon Speaker

Brigitte Knill

Director - BCTF - Building and Construction Training Fund

General Manager/Director at Triangle Fire Protection Ltd


Let us recognition for your contributions to the industry.


Date: Friday 25 July

Venue: Cordis Hotel – Crystal Room

Time: 11.00am – 12.30pm

Ticket price (incl. GST, plus booking fees): $75


Mark this in your diary, tickets go on sale Friday 30 May



Panel Discussion in partnership with HEB

Building a more inclusive future for women in construction

The construction industry is evolving—but what more can be done to create truly inclusive workplaces where women thrive?


Join NAWIC for an engaging panel discussion featuring four inspiring women from different areas of the construction sector. 


This facilitated interactive session will explore:

  • Real challenges faced by women in construction
  • Practical solutions & strategies for change
  • Bold ideas to shape a more diverse and equitable future


Panellists

Amanda Dennis Project Manager, HEB 

Jackie Lloyd Chair and Director, Naylor Love

Anita Varga Regional Manager, Fulton Hogan and NAWIC National Council Chair

Jodhi Warwick-Ponga Head of Programme and Apprenticeships, Vertical Horizonz 



Your voice matters—be part of the conversation!


Date: Friday 25 July

Venue: Cordis Hotel – Crystal Room

Time: 1pm – 2.30pm

Ticket price (incl. GST, plus booking fees): $60


Mark this in your diary, tickets go on sale Friday 30 May


Packages:

Ticket price (incl. GST, plus booking fees):

Gala Dinner and Special Daytime Events $325

Special Daytime events only $125



Have questions? Contact us at awards@nawic.org.nz


Please check back here for the latest Awards updates

Key Dates

Key Dates & Event Details

 

Judging Day: 30 April 2025

Finalists notified: Friday 23 May 2025

Tickets on sale: Friday 30 May 2025

 

Events:

  • Luncheon in partnership with BCTF - Unsung Heroes: Celebrating the women behind construction’s success 11.00am – 12.30pm
  • Panel Discussion in partnership with HEB - Building a more inclusive future for women in construction
    1pm – 2.30pm
  • NAWIC Excellence Awards Finalists Pre-Event:
    5.15pm – 6pm
  • NAWIC Excellence Awards Gala Dinner
    6pm – 10.30pm


Venue

Cordis Hotel

83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 

 

Have Questions?

Contact us at awards@nawic.org.nz

 

Stay Updated – Bookmark this page for the latest news!

 

#NAWIC #WomenInConstruction #NAWICAwards #BreakingBarriers #CelebratingSuccess


2025 Awards Categories

A full description of each category and the judging criteria can be read below:

  • Helen Tippett Award

    This category celebrates significant achievement in advancing and furthering the interests of women in the building, construction or infrastructure industries – those who actively promote participation of women and encourage their progression.


    This category is open to any organisation, company, partnership, firm, or individual operating in New Zealand.


    Share with us how the nominee/company demonstrates an ongoing and significant commitment to advancing and furthering the interests of women in the building, construction or infrastructure industries.


    We would like to hear what else the nominee/company does to promote and encourage women? Do they actively participate in their wider community, volunteer for organisations, attend school career visits or pursue sports or team events.


    [Note: This category is NOT about an individual’s career progression or contribution to a project. It is about making a difference and furthering the interests of women in the building, construction or infrastructure industries. Discuss as if you were giving a newspaper interview rather than writing a job application.]


    Helen Tippett was a professor at the Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Architecture. She was widely regarded as the grandmother of the industry, and it was at her behest that NAWIC was established in New Zealand.



    Judging Criteria

    1. Holds a senior position with authority enabling them to influence and/or make policy decisions beneficial to women in the building, construction or infrastructure industries.
    2. Encourages and empowers women in construction through education, initiating organisational structure, enacting legislation, establishing company policy and actively promotes the inclusion of women in the building, construction or infrastructure industries.
    3. Demonstrates leadership by taking initiatives and implementing them on behalf of women.
    4. Acts as a role model and/or mentor for women working in the building, construction or infrastructure industries.
    5. Share any other activities they are involved in with other women in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here


  • Wahine Toa Tradeswoman Award

    This category celebrates achievement made by qualified tradeswomen working in the construction, building or infrastructure industries.


    The award aims to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of qualified tradeswomen, and how they are an inspiring role model for others to follow. These talented nominees excel in achieving high quality standards in their trade, demonstrate excellent safety work practices, mentor and train others, and encourage other women into the construction, building or infrastructure industries.


    We would like to hear what else the nominee does? Do they actively participate in their wider community, volunteer for organisations, attend school career visits or pursue sports or team events.


    Please provide proof of New Zealand trade qualification/registration.



    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe the nominee’s role and level of responsibility, and how they deliver excellence.
    2. Explain how they promote a high level of health and safety awareness amongst other workers, continuously improve workplace practices, including any innovations to improve safety.
    3. How has the nominee trained and mentored others and encouraged more women into the industry?
    4. Describe their commitment and future aspirations within the construction, building or infrastructure industries. 
    5. What exceptional qualities sets them apart from others in the workplace?
    6. Share any other activities they are involved in with others in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here


  • Outstanding Leader of the Year - Office Award

    This category celebrates women who make a significant leadership contribution to the building, construction or infrastructure industries in their chosen profession or expertise.


    This category is open to all women who have used their influence and position of power to make a difference to others and has over 8 years’ experience in this capacity. The nominee is a leader who inspires and motivates their peers - to be more, and to do more. 


    The nominee is a game-changer and role model who leads by example, with integrity, dedication and commitment. As a mentor, the nominee encourages others to enhance and develop their careers and leaves the ladder down for other women to follow.


    The nominee is involved in organisations and activities outside the workplace to enhance the environment for other women working in the building, construction or infrastructure industries.


    This award is for women who predominantly work in an office environment.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Explain the initiatives and contributions they make at work or by participating in other industry related associations.
    2. Describe the significance of these contributions and the impact they make.
    3. Describe how they demonstrate outstanding leadership through unwavering perseverance and dedication.
    4. Explain how they encourage personal growth of others in their workplace, industry related organisations or community opportunities.
    5. What developments or changes do they want to implement in the industry and how? 
    6. How do they participate in the wider community in a leadership capacity? Share any other industry activities or wider community contribution they are actively involved in.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here

  • Outstanding Leader of the Year - Site Award

    This category celebrates women who make a significant leadership contribution to the building, construction or infrastructure industries in their chosen profession or expertise.


    This category is open to all women who have used their influence and position of power to make a difference to others and have over 8 years’ experience in this capacity. The nominee is a leader who inspires and motivates their peers - to be more, and to do more. 


    The nominee is a game-changer and role model who leads by example, with integrity, dedication and commitment. As a mentor, the nominee encourages others to enhance and develop their careers; and leaves the ladder down for other women to follow.


    The nominee is involved in organisations and activities outside the workplace to enhance the environment for other women working in the building, construction or infrastructure industries.


    This award is for women who predominantly work on site.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Explain any initiatives and contributions they make at work or by participating in other industry related associations.
    2. Describe the significance of these contributions and the impact they make.
    3. Describe how they demonstrate outstanding leadership through unwavering perseverance and dedication.
    4. Explain how they encourage personal growth of others in their workplace, industry related organisations or community opportunities.
    5. What developments or changes do they want to implement in the industry and how? 
    6. How do they participate in the wider community, in a leadership capacity? Share any other industry activities or wider community contribution they are actively involved in.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here


  • Excellence in Construction Organisation - Office Award

    This category acknowledges the accomplishments of women contributing behind the scenes, playing a crucial role in ensuring the success of the workplace, whether in an office or project office setting.


    These women excel in technical support roles in the building, construction or infrastructure industries dedicating the majority of their working week to office-based responsibilities.

    Nominees contribute significantly to the seamless functioning and success of construction projects through enhancements or process innovation and related endeavours from the office. 


    We would also like to hear what else the nominee does. 


    Open to all women who serve in an organisational or administrative capacity, including roles in sales/marketing, education, project administration, building officials, building compliance, local and central government, document control, industry organisations, office/practice management, tender services, customer support, procurement, training and development, human resources, planning, communications, business analysis, legal counsel, and other roles vital to the building, construction or infrastructure industries.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe the nominee’s role, and provide examples of how they demonstrate excellence in their work.
    2. Describe how they work collaboratively with their peers and project stakeholders in the workplace.
    3. Explain any innovation and creativity the nominee has incorporated into their role or process to significantly enhance the workplace/management system or project success.
    4. Demonstrate their commitment to the construction industry.
    5. Share any other activities they are involved in with other women in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here



  • Excellence in Site Operational Management – Site or Field Award

    This category celebrates the accomplishments of women contributing in a crucial role in ensuring the success of the workplace on site, on the road, out in the field, or in a technical supporting role.


    Nominees safely plan and lead work teams to ensure all resources (people, plant and equipment) are available to successfully execute their role in the project. This includes planning and scheduling, leading multiple operational teams, subcontractor management, supplier management, and involvement  of the site safety management.


    An effective communicator with both internal and external stakeholders including design and construction teams, and regulatory authorities, these women provide leadership and guidance to the team for a safe and efficient workplace environment.


    This category is open to all women who work in site operations such as; Site supervisor/manager, leading hand, site engineer, foreperson, field/case manager, production manager, stakeholder manager, STMS management, land surveyors, inspectors, technical advisors. 


    Using their exceptional operational talents, how else do they participate in the industry that goes above and beyond the requirements of their workplace or wider community.


    These women dedicate the majority of their working week to site or field-based responsibilities on site, on the road away from the main office (maybe based in a site office).


    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe the nominee's role and level of responsibility, and how they deliver excellence.
    2. Provide examples of how they are effective communicators working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders, including design and construction teams, and regulatory authorities.
    3. Describe an innovation and/or methodology they have developed to significantly enhance the workplace/management system or project success.
    4. Describe how their role and contribution impacts on the overall success of their workplace or project.
    5. Share any other activities they are involved in with other women in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here

  • Rising Star - Office Award

    This category celebrates women who demonstrate significant initiative and leadership potential within the building, construction or infrastructure industries.


    Recognises the ability of women to proactively inspire others, demonstrate initiative and dedication of a future leader working in the building, construction or infrastructure industries and wider community.


    This category is open to all women who have worked in the building, construction or infrastructure industries with more than two years and less than six years experience. This includes work performed in the trades, as a professional or in an organisational or operational role.


    We want to hear examples of how the nominee’s active participation and innovation goes above and beyond the requirements of the workplace.


    Demonstrate the nominee’s initiative and potential as future leader; and inspiring role model in the building, construction or infrastructure industries as well as the wider community.


    This award is for women who predominantly work in an office environment.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe the nominee’s role, and an innovation and/or methodology have they developed to significantly enhance the workplace or project success? 
    2. Describe how they demonstrate significant initiative, are an active role model and show exceptional future leadership qualities.
    3. Tell us how their contribution has impacted the workplace and inspired other staff or wider community. 
    4. Outline their goals and future aspirations within the construction, building or infrastructure industries.
    5. What developments or changes do they want to implement in the industry and how? 
    6. Share any other activities they are involved in with other women in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here

  • Rising Star - Site Award

    This category celebrates women who demonstrate significant initiative and unquestionable leadership potential within the building, construction or infrastructure industries.


    Recognises the ability of women to proactively inspire others, demonstrate initiative, potential  and dedication of a future leader working in the building, construction or infrastructure industries and wider community.


    This category is open to all women who have worked in the building, construction or infrastructure industries with more than two years and less than six years experience. This includes work performed in the trades, as a professional or in an organisational or operational role.


    We want to hear examples of how the nominee’s active participation and innovation goes above and beyond the requirements of the workplace.


    Demonstrate the nominee’s initiative and potential as future leader; and inspiring role model in the building, construction or infrastructure industries as well as the wider community.


    This award is for women who predominantly work on site.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe the nominee’s role, and an innovation and/or methodology have they developed to significantly enhance the workplace or project success? 
    2. Describe how they demonstrate significant initiative, are an active role model and show exceptional future leadership qualities.
    3. Tell us how their contribution has impacted the workplace and inspired other staff or wider community.
    4. Outline their goals and future aspirations within the construction, building, infrastructure industries.
    5. What developments or changes do they want to implement in the industry and how? 
    6. Share any other activities they are involved in with other women in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here

  • Excellence in Health, Safety & Wellbeing Award

    This category celebrates the outstanding contribution of women who actively promote the inclusion of health, safety & wellbeing practices, initiatives, or innovations on a project or across an organisation operating in the construction, building or infrastructure industries.


    The award is assessed on demonstrating outstanding contribution to health, safety, and wellbeing leadership with the ability to solve complex problems on a specific project within the building, construction or infrastructure industries.


    We want to hear from women who are passionate about inspiring positive change and action by encouraging and supporting others in the building, construction or infrastructure industries to be healthy and safe.


    Quantifying the nominee’s contribution to health, safety and wellbeing in their workplace and how it has shaped them and the impact these positive changes have made to others.


    This award is dedicated to Kristy Christensen - Kristy was a tireless campaigner and advocate for women in both the mining and construction industries across New Zealand and Australia. Unfortunately, Kristy passed away from breast cancer in March 2022. 


    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe your role on a project or within an organisation, and the challenges, risks and improvements made, and any specific background or history to give context. 
    2. What was your contribution for promotion of health, safety and wellbeing, challenges overcome, or new initiatives or innovations developed?
    3. Demonstrate how these actions or initiatives taken benefits/impacts key project stakeholders, people and communities.
    4. What makes this action or initiatives standout from other site environments.
    5. Share any other activities they are involved in with other women in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here

  • Specialist Plant & Machinery Operators Excellence Award

    This category acknowledges the exceptional accomplishments of women engaged in the operation of vehicles, heavy machinery, and various plant equipment.


    These dedicated women play a pivotal role in efficiently managing materials and machinery on construction sites, showcasing expertise in handling heavy trucks, excavators, cranes, developing improved work processes and more. Their responsibilities extend to ensuring safety both on-site and during transportation, as they actively lead the development of strategies for workplace hazard management.


    This category is open to all women working as versatile plant and machinery operators on construction or infrastructure projects. Eligible nominees must possess the requisite licences and certifications for operating specific plant or machinery. These women are tasked with conducting quality checks on plant and machinery, often operating multiple machines within their certified range. Their skill set enables them to safely navigate and manipulate plant and machinery, estimating weights to comply with lifting limits and ensuring the secure distribution of loads during activities such as loading, unloading, and hauling materials around the site or to other locations.


    Furthermore, they are role models to their peers and contribute to the mentorship of less experienced colleagues when needed. We are also interested in how they contribute to other women in the industry and in the wider community.


    This category encompasses a diverse range of roles including; machine and plant operators, crane operators, rigging professionals, heavy truck drivers, water/wastewater operators, mechanics, bitumen tanker operators, stabilizer operators, road markers, and other specialist operators in the construction and infrastructure industries.


    Please provide proof by way of a list of current certifications/competencies from your employer/training certifier.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Explain the responsibilities of the nominee’s role, the types of machinery and plant they are qualified to operate and the scope of responsibility for the scheduling, maintenance and repairs? and resource planning for the sites’ equipment and plant.
    2. Provide examples of their exceptional skill operating the plant and machinery, manage loads distribution and hauling materials around the site or to other off site locations. 
    3. How do they deliver excellence in communications with other siteworks and operators critical in the safe operation of plant and machinery in a busy workplace.
    4. Describe how they adhere to health and safety regulations for the plant and machinery, and  how equipment maintenance is managed, while operating within programme expectations and site and general public environments.
    5. Describe what special qualities make them excellent. 
    6. Share any other activities they are involved in with other women in the industry and outside the workplace and wider community. 


    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here

  • Student Excellence Award

    This category celebrates female students who demonstrate a high level of potential and commitment within the construction, building or infrastructure industries.


    This category is open to all women who, at the time of entering, are engaged in study, either  part time or full time study at an accredited New Zealand tertiary institute related to the construction, building or infrastructure industries in an undergraduate course. This includes New Zealand studies such as a professional degree, or in an administrative or operational role.


    Describe the nominee’s role and influence within the construction industry; how it has shaped the nominee as a person; and what it means to be a future leader and how the nominee embodies this ability.


    Please provide proof of current study by way of course confirmation from the accredited New Zealand tertiary institute for 2024.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe their ability to overcome challenges, demonstrate initiative and how they show potential to make a significant contribution to the construction, building or infrastructure industries.
    2. Demonstrates the skills necessary to be successful in the construction industry in their chosen field of study/training.
    3. Outline their goals and future aspirations within the construction, building, infrastructure or related industries.
    4. Describe their potential to inspire, motivate and be a role model for other women to follow.
    5. Other criteria they and/or their nominator considers relevant. This may include voluntary work in the community in any sector.

    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here


  • Apprentice Excellence Award

    This category celebrates female apprentices who demonstrate a high level of potential and commitment within the construction, building or infrastructure industries.


    This category is open to all women who, at the time of entering, are completing an apprenticeship programme with an accredited provider related to the construction, building or infrastructure industries.


    Describe the nominee’s role and influence within the construction industry; how it has shaped the nominee as a person; and what it means to be a future leader and how the nominee embodies this ability.


    Please provide proof of current Apprentice training by way of the accredited provider, course confirmation for 2024.


    Judging Criteria

    1. Describe their ability to overcome challenges, demonstrate initiative, how they work as a team and show potential to make a significant contribution to the construction, building or infrastructure industries.
    2. Demonstrates the skills necessary to be successful in the construction industry in their chosen field of study/training.
    3. Outline their goals and future aspirations within the construction, building, infrastructure or related industries.
    4. Describe their potential to inspire, motivate and be a role model for other women to follow.
    5. Other criteria they and/or their nominator considers relevant. This may include voluntary work in the community in any sector.


    Click here to download a PDF copy.


    This year all entries must be submitted using the Award Force platform - start your submission here

Awards Partner


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