Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre Wins Second Major Award for Design

The Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre has achieved significant recognition, winning the Judges’ Choice Award at the 2025 Wellington Property People Awards. This accolade highlights the centre’s substantial community impact and its innovative sustainable design. Less than a year after its reopening, the facility continues to draw attention for its commitment to environmental excellence.

The redevelopment, which cost $68 million, was spearheaded by the Hutt City Council and has already received a national architecture award earlier this year. It stands out as New Zealand’s first aquatic centre to achieve a Green Star 5 rating, a benchmark in sustainable building practices. The facility includes advanced features such as real-time performance tracking and expanded rainwater harvesting, all developed through extensive community consultation.

Recognition for Industry Leaders

The recognition of the Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre was part of a broader celebration at the annual Property Council Wellington Region event, which honours excellence in design, development, and leadership in the built environment. Other notable awards included the Greenwood Roche Supreme Excellence Award, which was presented to Emily Newmarch of Warren and Mahoney. She received praise for her remarkable ability to translate PhD-level climate research into practical, low-carbon design across various sectors, including health and aviation.

Jim Wana, a retail specialist, was named Catalyst Property Professional of the Year for his nearly thirty years of leadership in Wellington’s retail leasing and investment market. The Archives New Zealand project team, led by Dexus in collaboration with the Department of Internal Affairs, was awarded the BBD Best Team Award. Their project involved delivering a high-performance archival facility that meets stringent seismic and environmental standards through a Māori-led design approach.

Commitment to Sustainability

In the sustainability category, the Ngā Mokopuna project team from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington won the TSA Riley Sustainability Champion Award for their innovative 3000 square metre mass-timber whare, which is on track to become one of about 35 fully certified Living Buildings worldwide.

Other distinguished recipients included Grant Heighway of Catalyst, who received the Rolle Property Outstanding Leadership Award, and Alison Pharaoh of Niche FM, awarded the Ortus International Long Service Award for her four decades of contributions to property management and industry leadership.

Leonie Freeman, chief executive of Property Council New Zealand, emphasized the importance of people in the property sector. She stated, “From regenerative education spaces to retail revival and world-class public facilities, these recipients demonstrate expertise in meeting purpose. Their mahi is shaping a stronger, more sustainable Wellington.”

The achievements of the Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre and the individuals recognized at the Wellington Property People Awards reflect a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in New Zealand’s built environment.