Industry stars celebrated at We Are Waikato 2016 Awards

Media Release 20 October 2016

EMBARGO 8PM Thursday 20 October

Industry stars celebrated at We Are Waikato 2016 Awards

Property Council’s prestigious We Are Waikato 2016 Awards have been announced at a vibrant sold-out event in Hamilton, featuring fire-eating performers and an attendance by Theresa Gattung, co-founder of My Food Bag.

The Awards recognised eight category winners in front of record 350 strong audience at Wintec’s The Atrium on Thursday evening.

Waikato Branch President Thomas Gibbons says Property Council is thrilled to celebrate the people who are shaping the Waikato through innovative building, design, and services across the property industry.

“The Waikato branch was impressed with the calibre of nominations this year, with a strong emphasis on legacy development. We can see a commitment to long term property development that is iconic and innovative. There is a strong push towards revitalisation and renewal of existing buildings.”

The coveted Waikato Branch Executive Long Service Honour, sponsored by Hawkins, went to John Gallagher, honouring his commitment, service and tireless efforts in Hamilton and the Waikato Region.

Dr Gallagher has a long involvement with the city, having played a key role in the property management of iconic Waikato business Gallagher, of which he remains a Director.

He is a past Hamilton City Councillor and Deputy Mayor and was a driving force behind Hamilton Properties Limited, which created the BNZ central city site development, and which advanced the Novotel Hotel development,the Tristram street link, and the Down Town Plaza.

His citation for the Hamilton Medal in 2014 recognised the role he played in the CBD, which is both a business and community hub.

In his subsequent role as councillor for Waikato Regional Council, he worked tirelessly to amalgamate 49 small local authorities into one efficient organisation. He currently serves as chair of Habitat for Humanity’s Central North Island operations.

“John’s work both past and present aligns well with our new Waikato manifesto, which shows how strong commercial drivers can stand alongside community development.

“There is no question in our minds that John is a worthy recipient of this award due to his significant and sustained contribution to the city, his philanthropy, and his not-for-profit work for Habitat for Humanity, providing much needed housing for those less fortunate,” says Mr Gibbons.

The Outstanding Leadership Award went to Matt Stark of Stark Properties for his vision and dedication to the Waikato property industry.

Mr Stark, who has invested heavily in the central city is recognised for his passion and work in uplifing the CBD with innovative projects such as Riverbank Lane, 286 Knox Street, 554 Victoria Street, 103 London Street and 408 Anglesea Street.

Nick Wiley, from Fletcher Construction received the Steven Alsemgeest Memorial Award for Young Achiever of the Year, while the Judges' Choice Award went to Doug Saunders from Telfer Young.

Property Industry Consultant of the Year was awarded to Tony McLauchlan of ProperT.

Mr McLachlan’s reputation, expertise and understanding of the property market has seen him working on development projects such as Genesis, Corrections service hub, Lakewood Cambridge, Tamahere Village, WDHB OneLink, and Greenhill Park with Chedworth Properties.

The Urban Design & Architectural Merit Award went to dual winners, CBD Developments for Vialou Street Apartments and Yeoman Property Group for Ridgedale, stage one.

The Best Team for a Waikato Project went to the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre project team for their delivery of a world-class, high-quality development.

Melanie Rouse from Harcourts Rentals was awarded the Woman in Property Award for her work in the Hamilton rental business.

Ms Rouse, who started nine years ago as a personal assistant to a property developer has firmly established herself as a recognised leader in the Waikato property management arena, managing a team of 15 who look after 1,500 properties.

“The awards demonstrate the important role that property development plays in building and shaping the region and recognises people within the property sector who are actively engaged with the community.”

2016 Winners & Sponsors:

Outstanding Leadership

Sponsor: Foster Construction Matt Stark of Stark Properties

Young Achiever of the Year – Steven Alsemgeest Memorial Award

Sponsor: Arrow International

Nick Wiley of Fletcher Construction

Property Industry Consultant of the Year

Sponsor: Rider Levett Bucknall Tony McLauchlan of ProperT

Urban Design & Architectural Merit

Sponsor: BNZ

(Two recipients) CBD Developments for Vialou Street Apartments Yeoman Property Group for Ridgedale (Stage One)

Best Team for Waikato Project

Sponsor: Staples Rodway Project Team for Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre

The Waikato Branch Executive Long Service Honour

Sponsor: Hawkins

John Gallagher

Judges’ Choice Award

Sponsor: Fletcher Construction

Doug Saunders

Women in Property

Sponsor: Beca

Melanie Rouse

ENDS/.

About Property Council New Zealand

Property Council is a member-led, not-for-profit organisation offering a collective voice for the commercial property industry. Our members include owners, investors, managers, and developers of office, retail, industrial and residential properties, central and local government agencies and other property professionals. Our branches throughout the country represent some of the largest commercial property portfolios in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Hawkes Bay and the South Island and Otago region, the value of which exceeds billions. We have an interest in all aspects of the built environment, and promote sound policies and requirements that benefit New Zealand as a whole.

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