Naenae Pool and Fitness Centre Wins Prestigious Sustainability Award

The Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre, less than a year since its reopening, has garnered significant recognition at the 2025 Wellington Property People Awards. The facility, developed by the Hutt City Council, received the Judges’ Choice Award for its substantial community impact and commitment to sustainable design. This accolade marks the second major recognition for the Naenae complex, which previously won a national architecture award earlier this year.

The redevelopment, valued at $68 million, has been established as a benchmark for community infrastructure. It is acclaimed for being New Zealand’s first aquatic centre to achieve a Green Star 5 rating. The design incorporates features such as real-time performance tracking and expanded rainwater harvesting, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in its development.

Recognition for Innovative Design

The multidisciplinary team responsible for the Naenae complex includes esteemed organizations such as AECOM, Apollo Projects, Architecture HDT, Powell Fenwick, GHD, Boffa Miskell, Baked Design, The Price of Change, and Barnes Beagley Doherr. Their collaborative effort has resulted in a facility that not only serves the local community but also sets a standard for future developments.

The Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre was one of several winners honored during the annual Property Council Wellington Region event, which celebrates excellence in design, development, and leadership within the built environment. Among the notable recipients, Emily Newmarch from Warren and Mahoney was awarded the Greenwood Roche Supreme Excellence Award for her exceptional ability to translate PhD-level climate research into practical, low-carbon design across various sectors, including health and aviation.

Retail expert Jim Wana received the Catalyst Property Professional of the Year award, recognizing his nearly three decades of leadership in Wellington’s retail leasing and investment market. Additionally, the Archives New Zealand project team, led by Dexus and the Department of Internal Affairs, secured the BBD Best Team Award for their innovative base-isolated archival facility, which meets rigorous seismic and environmental standards through a Māori-led design approach.

Celebrating Sustainable Initiatives

In the sustainability category, the Ngā Mokopuna project team for Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington was awarded the TSA Riley Sustainability Champion Award for their impressive 3,000 square metre mass-timber whare, which is on track to become one of approximately 35 fully certified Living Buildings worldwide.

Other recognitions included Grant Heighway of Catalyst, who received the Rolle Property Outstanding Leadership Award for his significant contributions to project delivery and service on the Property Council Wellington Regional Committee. Alison Pharaoh of Niche FM was honored with the Ortus International Long Service Award for her four decades of dedication to property management and industry leadership.

Leonie Freeman, Chief Executive of Property Council New Zealand, emphasized the human aspect of property development. She stated, “From regenerative education spaces to retail revival and world-class public facilities, these recipients show expertise meeting purpose. Their mahi is shaping a stronger, more sustainable Wellington.”

The awards ceremony not only highlights individual achievements but also reflects a collective commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused infrastructure that meets current and future needs.