Each year, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) honours outstanding women in an industry often dominated by men. The 2019 awards were held on Friday, 27 September where winners and finalists were celebrated for their contribution to the construction sector.

Jenny Parker, NAWIC president, noted, “Every one of these women is remarkable. They’re succeeding in what has been a man’s world for so long and doing a wonderful job. We also acknowledge and respect the men who are helping us to change this.”

For the first time this year, the Awards were presented in partnership with construction industry staffing company BCITO. Chief executive Warwick Quinn said, “Well done to all award recipients, you all shine brightly and you should be enormously proud of your achievements.”

The night’s top honour was the Helen Tippett Award, given to general manager of Hutt Gas and Plumbing Colleen Upton. The NAWIC reports: “When she employed her first female apprentice, the girl had been rejected by 25 other companies in the area, and Colleen decided things had to change. Since then, both male and female staff are treated equally, and she makes a point of mentoring the girls who see her as a strong female role model thanks to her wide-ranging experience.”

See a full list of award winners below and read more at nawic.org.nz:

The Helen Tippett Award: Colleen Upton, Hutt Gas and Plumbing

Tradeswoman of the Year: Elizabeth Watson,Stone Roofing Ltd

Professional Woman of the Year joint winners: Erin Black, Beca and Kathryn Kitchen, Fisher Aluminium

Rising Star Site: Morgan Raby, HEB Construction

Rising Star Office joint winners: Lisa Mace, Beca and Neha Sharma, Jacobs Ltd

Excellence in Construction Administration joint winners: Tracy Shaw, Higgins and Kylie Wech, Downer Group

Outstanding Achievement in Design: Hedda Oosterhoff, T&R Interior Systems

Student of the Year joint winners: Danielle Platt, Rider Levett Bucknall and Anna Winskill-Moore Osborn Bros Construction

Apprentice of the Year: Corinna Bohny, Contract Construction