New Zealand women in construction were celebrated on Friday evening as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) honoured excellence, leadership and innovation at the 2026 NAWIC Excellence Awards.
The awards recognised outstanding women who are helping shape a stronger, more inclusive future for New Zealand’s construction sector. Finalists represented every stage of the profession – from apprentices and students to experienced leaders, operational managers and industry change makers.
This year’s Awards formed the centrepiece of NAWIC New Zealand’s 30 Years of Impact celebrations, bringing together members, industry leaders, sponsors and partners to celebrate three decades of championing women across every part of the construction sector.
NAWIC President, Kirsty Hopewell said the calibre of this year’s finalists reflected this.
“Every finalist has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their profession, their colleagues and the future of construction. They are not only delivering outstanding work – they are opening doors for others, challenging traditional thinking and helping create a sector where more women can thrive,” she said.
The evening recognised excellence across 10 award categories, celebrating achievements in leadership, operational management, health and safety, education, trades, organisational excellence and advocacy.
The prestigious Helen Tippett Changemaker Award, named after one of New Zealand’s pioneering engineers, was presented to Rebecca Mehrtens, recognising her exceptional leadership in advancing opportunities for women across the energy and construction sectors through advocacy, mentoring and national leadership initiatives.
Emerging talent also featured strongly throughout the evening. Apprentice Excellence Award recipient Laura Torres-Rowe was recognised for her exceptional technical ability, leadership and commitment to continuous learning, while Student Excellence Award winner Emily Hall was honoured for combining academic excellence with a passion for sustainability, research and mentoring the next generation of construction professionals.
The Awards also recognised women who are already making a significant impact through leadership, innovation and professional excellence. Rising Star recipients Stella Ellia (pictured, above) and Daenah Costales were honoured for their leadership potential, innovation and commitment to lifting others, while Kristy Jones, recipient of the Outstanding Leader – Office Award, was recognised for her industry-leading work in driving sustainability and creating lasting change across New Zealand’s construction sector. Alex Hazledine, winner of the Excellence in Construction Organisation – Office Award, was recognised for strengthening legal practice across the construction sector through trusted leadership, collaboration and a commitment to developing the capability of others. Together, these recipients demonstrate that leadership takes many forms, from developing people and improving professional practice to driving innovation and creating lasting change.
Women leading from construction sites and operational environments were also recognised, including Ella Wilson (pictured, above), recipient of the Wahine Toa Tradeswoman Award, Charlotte Valentine-Ah Tune, winner of Excellence in Site Operational Management, and Natalie Griffiths, recognised for Excellence in Health, Safety & Wellbeing. Together, their achievements demonstrate the breadth of leadership now being seen across New Zealand’s construction projects.
Ms Hopewell said the stories shared throughout the Awards reinforced why recognising excellence matters.
“Behind every award is a story of determination, resilience and leadership. These women are delivering projects, leading teams, improving safety, mentoring others and driving meaningful change across our sector. Their success inspires the next generation and demonstrates the incredible contribution women are making to construction every day.”
More info: https://www.nawic.org.nz/nawic-excellence-awards.
