More than 600 guests gathered in Auckland recently for the 2026 Building People Awards, with a record number of entries recognising the people making a difference across New Zealand’s construction industry.
Hosted by Building Institute Aotearoa, the awards celebrate 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.
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 calm assurance, discipline and an 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.
“Reading through the nominations, what stood out to me was the range of contributions being recognised,” Building Institute Aotearoa chief executive Kirsten Magnusson says.
“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 There is no single path to making a difference, and that is one of the strengths of our profession.”
Building Institute Aotearoa thanks all its sponsors and partners for their support of the 2026 Building People Awards.
2026 Building People Awards Results
The awards recognise the people across the construction industry making a real impact. From the 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.
