A record number of entries reflected the depth and breadth of talent across the sector at this year’s Building Institute Aotearoa Building People Awards.
More than 600 guests gathered in Auckland for the 2026 Building People Awards, with a record number of entries recognising the people making a difference across our country’s building and construction industry.
Hosted by Building Institute Aotearoa, the awards held on August 14 celebrated everyone from students, apprentices and emerging leaders to the people and teams delivering major construction projects, driving innovation and finding new ways to improve how the industry performs.
This year’s record number of entries reflects the depth and breadth of talent across the sector, with particularly strong interest in the Collaboration and Project categories.
Supreme winner
The evening’s highest honour, the Supreme Building People Awards Winner, was presented to Brian Hayes of BESIX Watpac, recognising his exceptional leadership in delivering one of the most complex and significant construction projects undertaken in Christchurch – One New Zealand Stadium.
Leading BESIX Watpac’s first project in New Zealand, Hayes established a high-performing delivery team from the ground up, earning the trust of the local construction sector, project partners and the wider Canterbury community.
Throughout the delivery of the Stadium, Hayes led with a calm, unwavering commitment to his team, uniting more than 110 subcontractors behind a shared vision and creating a culture where people were empowered to contribute and succeed.
The project was delivered on time and below budget, but the judges recognised that Hayes’ contribution extended well beyond the successful delivery of the project.
Through partnerships with local universities and the establishment of cadet and apprenticeship programmes, more than 90 trainees developed their skills through the project, creating pathways into the construction industry and helping build capability for the future.
CARTERS $7.5m - $50m Projects Award
Winner: Steve Lindley - LT McGuinness Ltd
Project: Diocesan School for Girls Shrewsbury Building, Tāmaki | Auckland
Steve Lindley of LT McGuinness showed exceptional leadership on the Diocesan School for Girls Shrewsbury Building refurbishment, earning this coveted CARTERS-sponsored award for $7.5m - $50m projects. Guiding a complex project within a live school environment in Auckland, he successfully balanced technical excellence with people-focused leadership, delivering outstanding project outcomes while investing in the next generation of industry talent.
CARTERS CEO Craig Banfield presented this sponsored award on the night. He said,
Highly Commended: Kurt Sickler - LT McGuinness Ltd
Project: 68 Jervois Quay, Pōneke | Wellington
Successfully leading the delivery of Wellington City Council's new civic headquarters fitout led to a highly commended honour for Kurt Sickler of LT McGuinness. Navigating specialist technical requirements within a live refurbishment, he combined practical leadership, meticulous planning, and a collaborative approach to deliver an outstanding result.
Highly Commended: Cade Scott – Southbase
Project: Koawa Post Production Building, Ōtautahi | Christchurch
On one of New Zealand's most technically specialised construction projects, Cade Scott of Southbase demonstrated exceptional leadership and determination. His ability to overcome complex acoustic and programme challenges, while maintaining outstanding safety and quality outcomes, earned the respect of clients, consultants, and project partners alike.
“Reading through the nominations, what stood out to me was the range of contributions being recognised. The finalists come from different disciplines, career stages and backgrounds, but all have made a positive contribution to their organisations, their colleagues and the wider industry,” says Kirsten Magnusson, Chief Executive of Building Institute Aotearoa. “There is no single path to making a difference, and that is one of the strengths of our profession.”
The annual awards recognise people across the building and construction industry making a real impact. From inspiring ‘Next Gen’ already shaping the future, to those delivering major projects on site and behind the scenes, the awards celebrate excellence at every stage, in every role and at every scale.
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