Ngā Mokopuna wins Supreme Award - Over $10 Million at Commercial Project Awards 2025
We’re thrilled to celebrate our project teams’ achievements at the 2025 Commercial Project Awards.
It was a stellar night for TBIG, with our teams earning recognition across multiple categories, including the prestigious Supreme Award – Over $10 million for Ngā Mokopuna.
Byron Roff, Director of Operations, said the team were proud to be a part of something this meaningful.
"We’re incredibly humbled to have played a part in this landmark project. There was no script. Just a shared mission to push boundaries, set new sustainability benchmarks, and deliver something truly exceptional for the university,” says Byron.
The Fonterra project team celebrates a double victory at the 2025 Commercial Project Awards, with TBIG’s Rebecca Featherstone holding the Value Award on the right.
Owned by Registered Master Builders, the annual Commercial Project Awards acknowledge the teams who have created the best quality commercial buildings across the motu. The awards recognise the contribution of the whole project team across varying areas of commercial construction, celebrating innovation and collaboration across the building industry.
Read the full list of winners and the judges’ comments below.
Ngā Mokopuna
Supreme Award - Over $10 Million
Value Award - Commercial Project Over $25 Million
National Category Winner: Education
Educaiton: Gold Award
National Category Winner: Environmental and Sustainable Award
Ngā Mokopuna, one of New Zealand’s most ambitious sustainable buildings, is designed to meet full Living Building Challenge certification. As the centrepiece of Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s marae redevelopment, it integrates mātauranga Māori with cutting-edge sustainability, setting a new standard for low-carbon construction. The 3,000-square-metre mass timber facility supports the wharenui, with dedicated spaces for events, teaching, and faculty offices. Generating 105% of its energy needs, it treats all wastewater on site and saves over 300,000 litres of potable water annually through a vacuum toilet system. A commitment to waste minimisation saw 94% of construction waste diverted from landfill.
Judges’ comments:
“This project confronted some of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary buildings as the sector transitions towards a more sustainable future. Built to meet the demanding criteria of the Living Building Challenge, the project pushed boundaries across mass timber construction, on-site energy generation, and water management systems. The judges noted that this project wasn’t for the faint hearted, with its success hinging on collaboration between the client, designers, contractors, and suppliers. Congratulations to LT McGuinness Wellington and all project partners, this truly is an outstanding commercial project.”
Commercial Fitout: Gold Award
Value Award - Commerical Project $1 - $3 Million
The project team deliverd an 1,800-square-metre fit out across two floors at Fonterra’s South Bloc site in Hamilton, creating a dynamic workplace for over 200 team members. Through extensive consulation with Fonterra staff, local iwi and design teams, the fitout is inspired by the Waikato region’s land and culture while fostering a cohesive and engaging work environment. Sustainability was a key focus, with the project achieving an 88.5% waste diversion rate by recycling over 18 tonnes of material. The project was successfully delivered through strategic planning and collaboration, marking the first phase of Fonterra’s plan to unify its Hamilton offices.
Judges’ comments:
”This vibrant fitout for Fonterra showcases what’s possible when a tight-knit team works collaboratively under pressure. Completed in a live environment, with a hospital below and offices above, the project demanded clever planning and precision- particularly with structural works restricted to just 30 minutes a day due to noise constraints. The Livingstone Building team refurbished offices across two floors to create a dynamic workspace for 200 staff. Sustainability was central to the brief, and the team delivered an 88.5% waste diversion from landfills. Acoustic panels and benchtops were made using recycled materials, and other items were either repurposed or donated - a standout example of innovation, teamwork, and values-led delivery.”
Education: Gold Award
MANUKURA’s new campus at Massey University’s Manawatū site transformed an underutilised space into a vibrant hub for learning, sport, and culture. Designed to foster academic and athletic excellence within a Māori context, the 4,391-square-metre facility serves students and the wider community. It features classrooms, a performance stage, a commercial kitchen, and a gymnasium with international-standard courts. Outdoor amenities include three courts and two rugby fields, constructed using sustainable cut-and-fill techniques. Environmental performance is enhanced through stormwater retention tanks, rain gardens, and a warm-roof system. Cultural identity is embedded throughout, with timber portal frames inspired by marae maihi, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Education - Silver Award
The Laidlaw College refurbishment transformed a six-storey commercial building into a modern tertiary education facility. Seismic upgrades achieved a 100% New Building Standard rating, reinforced with fibre polymer and steel bracing, alongside extensive passive fire treatments. The team navigated unforeseen challenges through proactive problem-solving and collaboration. The 5,000-square-metre fit-out featured custom joinery battens and modern ceilings, reflecting Laidlaw’s identity. The project embodies resilience and quality, creating a lasting educational space.
NEw Zealand Parliament Executive Wing Facade
Hereitage and Restoration - Gold Award
The restoration of the Beehive façade is a testament to the project team's ability to handle complex work in live, sensitive environments. This included the replacement of curtain walls, steel wind beams, and a concrete soffit while preserving heritage marble, ensuring Parliament operations continued uninterrupted. Strict security protocols were navigated with innovative solutions like full-height curtains and printed scrims, minimising disruptions. With precise sequencing and attention to detail, the project maintained the Beehive’s iconic character and Category 1 Heritage status.
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