The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) presented their Hays NAWIC Excellence Awards on 17 August to honour inspiring females in one of the most male-dominated fields in the country. Winners were named as “stellar achievers who are adding their unique voices to New Zealand’s construction industry” during the ceremony, held at Auckland Town Hall.

The NAWIC notes, “With 50,000 more construction workers required within the next five years, it makes sense to encourage more women to work in construction and to highlight career paths available in this dynamic and fast-growing sector.”

Heidi Johnson of Windowmakers took home the Professional Woman of the Year Award for her passion for sharing knowledge combined with her encouragement of her employees.

New Zealand’s only female registered driller, Pip Buunk, was awarded the Tradeswoman of the Year Award for her – literally – groundbreaking achievement. The NAWIC said, “Pip’s dedication to her work, along with her can-do attitude and thirst for progress stood out to the judges. One of her life goals is to lead an all-female drilling crew.”

Jasmax graduate, Elisapeta Heta, won the Rising Star Award (office-based category) for her continued work in connecting Te Ao Māori values with the wider architecture and design industry. Elisapeta is an NZIA board member, a co-chair of Architecture and Women and a founding member of Waka Māia at Jasmax.

Judges said, “Elisapeta Heta genuinely cares about kaupapa, the things we design, life, communities and people. Referees described Elisapeta as a courageous, intelligent wāhine who has a willingness and ability to both teach and engage.”

These and many more women have been involved in projects that are shaping the built environment and the construction industry. Women were celebrated at the awards for their innovative design solutions and their exceptional leadership of other women into the field. Read about all the winners and those who received highly commended and special merit awards here.