INCLUDE   RESPECT   INSPIRE

Finalists reflect changing face of construction industry

  • By NAWIC
  • 05 Jul, 2017

Women are flourishing throughout New Zealand’s construction sector with 39 finalists in the third annual Hays NAWIC Excellence Awards reflecting the outstanding contribution being made by women across the industry.

The awards, which will be held at the Aotea Centre in Auckland on Friday 18th August, celebrate the achievements of women in construction along with honouring organisations which are actively working to redress the industry’s gender imbalance.

NAWIC president Donna Howell says the finalists are blazing a trail for others to follow while showcasing the huge variety of career opportunities for women in construction.

“We had over 80 entries this year which made it very difficult to select the finalists from among so many talented women. It’s inspiring to see increasing numbers of women having such a huge impact on New Zealand’s growing construction industry.

“The finalists are a truly outstanding group of women who are committed to excellence while giving back to the wider community. We’re excited to celebrate their success at our awards ceremony in August.”

The awards have six categories which cover a wide range of roles across the industry. The finalists in each category are:

The Helen Tippett Award – Becky Macdonald (Beca), Laura Clifford (Hawkins Construction), Pam Bell (Prefab NZ), Robyn Phipps (Massey University), and Sue Bradley (Beca)

Tradeswoman of the Year – Laisa Pickering (Electrix Ltd), Lisa Lawrence (Basically Floors Ltd), Melvina Browne Uriarau (LiveWire Electrical), Tina Mehlhopt (Honeybone Builders), and Verena Maeder (Solid Earth Ltd)

Professional Woman of the Year –  Andrea Williamson (Fletcher Construction), Andrea Jarvis (Holmes Consulting Group), Carolynn Marot (CPB Contractors), Donna Bridgman (GHD NZ Ltd), Hayley Tribble (Tripro Ltd), Lana Duboka (AECOM), and Rachael Rush (Klein Ltd)

Outstanding Achievement in Design – Esther Loh (Beca), Sheila Karimi (Beca), and Sian France (Beca)

Excellence in Construction Administration – Bev McKay (Registered Master Builders Association), Carolyn Jane (Signature Residential Ltd), Sophie Lackey (Leighs Construction Ltd), Sally Davis (BCITO), Sarah Greenwood (Respond Architects), and Emma Cushnie (Fulton Hogan)

Rising Star Award – Steph McLeod (Stantec NZ Ltd), Harriet-Rose Follas (Beca), Jordan Kirk (Fulton Hogan Ltd), Stephanie Cerpa (Contract Construction), Vikki Stephens (Beca), and Willien Irvia (Rawlinsons Ltd)

Student/Apprentice Excellence Award – Emily Sutton (City Care Ltd), Nikita Ward (Hutt Gas and Plumbing Systems Ltd), Amritpal Kaur (AUT), Fahimeh Zaeri (AUT), Gillian Linton (Arvinda), Lisa Brook (Signature Homes Ltd) and Megan Burfoot (AUT)

For further information on the 2017 Hays NAWIC Excellence Awards and for interview opportunities please contact:

NAWIC Communications Manager – Gina McKenzie – email: gina@realcommunications.co.nz

NAWIC President – Donna Howell – email: president@nawic.org.nz

Posted on Wed, 5 Jul 2017 by Rebecca Hodges

By Jen Tyson 20 Mar, 2024
Now that nominations for our 2024 awards have officially closed, we would like to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for all those who have taken the time to put a nomination in for themselves or someone else. We have reached a new record number with 242 submissions, this number has doubled in the last 3 years and the calibre of nominations remains high.
By Jen Tyson 27 Feb, 2024
In 2024 this should not be a challenge that women in construction still need to face at any level. As an advocate for women in trades, women's health, periods and mental health, I have been sharing some of what I have observed and experienced onsite throughout my 6 years in construction. I do this in the hopes that the industry will improve and become more inclusive for future generations of anyone who chooses to work in the industry.
By Jen Tyson 13 Feb, 2024
In the spirit of providing some additional encouragement, we reached out to some of our amazing finalists and winners from last year to ask them a few questions about what it meant to them to be nominated, become a finalist and what they would say to others to encourage them to put themselves or someone else forward. Thanks to all those who opted to share and be part of the cheering squad for this years nominees.
Show More
Share by: