INCLUDE   RESPECT   INSPIRE

Congratulations to all our incredible finalists

  • By Jen Tyson
  • 21 May, 2023

Tickets are now on sale for our awards ceremony

As you can see from the judges comments, all the nominations were amazing, and the sheer number of talented wāhine across the sector made for a challenging judging day, a huge thank you to all those who took the time to nominate themselves or someone else for the 2023 NAWIC Excellence Awards.

The high numbers of entries for the NAWIC Awards this year has proved a positive shift in attitude within Construction.

We were thrilled with the overwhelming response from the industry in our new record of NAWIC Award nominees.

We received 238 entries and we are excited about this group, and the stellar women we will meet through the process. We thank nominees for being Bold in entering and also thank nominators for their work in supporting the nominee to get to this point and beyond."

Stacey Mendonca - NAWIC Awards Director

Thank you to our 37 Judges and 5 Moderators who all took time out to be part of our judging panel, with the number of nominations this year, it was no small task. It was described as immensely challenging to judge the finalist group with so many talented women entering this year. Some of our judges have sent back short reflections, comments or insights.

Judges comments


Bob Hall - “I think NAWIC is an influencer in the industry and the job you do supporting women and giving them a professional voice is awesome.”

Linda Kestle  “It is really encouraging to hear and see the amazing roles and impacts women in our industry continue to pursue, be passionate about and excel in.”

Graham BurkeIt is truly enlightening to review the incredible range and consistently high calibre of the nominees, making it incredibly difficult to pick winners in the categories.

Brian ReardonPersonally, I found the process of judging both extremely difficult and incredibly rewarding. The high calibre of candidates made the selection process a real challenge – I wanted them all to win.”

Paul Southey - “We have amazing wāhine in the construction industry, we are honoured to be able to Tautoko them on their journey.”

Ruth WilliamsIt was a pleasure to be part of the panel. I can see how the awards inspire initiative, persistence, excellence and energy when the people we spoke to have all that in spades.”

Liz WatsonHow many superstars do we have in our industry? - A lot!”

Jose DavidWow, what an experience and privilege it has been to be involved in the judging – and a responsibility. I really hope some of these women enter again as most of them have the potential to win!”

Emma WeirIt is so reassuring after talking with these positive and passionate women with me being more at the end of my construction journey, they are the future of the industry, and it is going to be in such great hands.”


Congratulations to all our finalists

* In no particular order

Achievement in Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Environment Award

  • Daniela Santacruz
  • Esmarie Jackson
  • Fran Edmunds
  • Kate Perrott
  • Rose Coulter
  • Shannon Wright

Apprentice Excellence Award

  • Alice Rabbitts
  • Amy Stowers
  • Bridget Cassie
  • Emma de Salis
  • Hera Eruera
  • Iona Allinson
  • Nicola Ross

Student Excellence Award

  • Mrydhinyi Krishnan
  • Olivia Kieser
  • Oriwa Curtis
  • Gloria Jeong

Rising Star - Site based

  • Bayley Smith
  • Jasmin Lawrence
  • Mary Fatima Atonio
  • Nat Pouniu
  • Nerissa Ross
  • Siobhan Lenehan

Rising Star - Office based

  • Anna Gibbs
  • Eliza Cowey
  • Holly Scott
  • Lara Georgis
  • Natasha Mudaliar
  • Rumana Sayyad
  • Tina Wieczorek
  • Virginia Hogan

Excellence in Construction Administration - Site based

  • Annmaree Kane
  • Jen Lourdsamy
  • Michelle Goggans
  • Rachel Reeder
  • Tui Simon

Excellence in Construction Administration - Office based

  • Barbara MacGregor
  • Karen Manning
  • Kylie Baker
  • Marcelle Moore  
  • Rowena Massey
  • Vicky Henderson

Outstanding Leader of the Year - Site based

  • Betty Mitrova
  • Clare Miller
  • Nicola Leman
  • Sarah Hall

Outstanding Leader of the Year - Office based

  • Aleshia Perry
  • Amanda Batchelor
  • Clara Sumner
  • Natasha Possenniskie
  • Gabrielle Tabron
  • Jennifer McLean
  • Liz de Kort
  • Rohan Bush
  • Vicki Lees

Tradeswomen of the Year

  • Alex van Dam
  • Billie McDonnell
  • Ella Star
  • Hannah Broderick
  • Lucy Clark
  • Tanya Claxton

Helen Tippett Award

  • Anna Morris
  • Aurelie Le Gall
  • Chloe Williams
  • Jennifer Parker
  • Sonia Muir


We can’t wait to celebrate with you all at our Awards Event and of course hear who the category winners and award recipients are.

Friday 21st July, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City


Purchase your awards event tickets here


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.
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