Naenae Pool Complex Earns Second Major Award for Excellence

The recently reopened Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre in Lower Hutt has won the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award at the 2025 Wellington Property People Awards. This recognition highlights the centre’s significant impact on the community and its outstanding sustainable design, marking the second time the facility has received national accolades for its innovative approach.

The $68 million redevelopment project, spearheaded by the Hutt City Council, has already been acknowledged with a national architecture award earlier this year. Rated as New Zealand’s first Green Star 5 aquatic centre, the facility incorporates advanced features such as real-time performance tracking and expanded rainwater harvesting. The design process involved extensive community engagement to ensure the centre meets the needs of local residents.

Recognition at the Wellington Property People Awards

The Naenae Pool complex was celebrated among other notable projects at the annual awards ceremony, which focuses on excellence in design, development, and leadership within the built environment. Emily Newmarch from Warren and Mahoney received the Greenwood Roche Supreme Excellence Award, after also winning the Beca Young Achiever Award. Judges commended her for her remarkable ability to translate PhD-level climate research into practical, low-carbon designs spanning multiple sectors, including health and aviation.

In addition, retail specialist Jim Wana was awarded the Catalyst Property Professional of the Year for his nearly three decades of leadership in Wellington’s retail leasing and investment market. The Archives New Zealand project team, in collaboration with Dexus and the Department of Internal Affairs, earned the BBD Best Team Award for their high-performance archival facility, which adheres to rigorous seismic and environmental standards through a Māori-led design approach.

Highlighting Sustainability and Leadership

The awards also showcased projects committed to sustainability. The Ngā Mokopuna project team from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington received the TSA Riley Sustainability Champion Award for their 3000m² mass-timber whare, which is set to become one of approximately 35 fully certified Living Buildings around the world.

Other notable recognitions included Grant Heighway of Catalyst, who received the Rolle Property Outstanding Leadership Award for significant project deliveries and contributions to 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 service in property management and industry leadership.

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

The recognition of the Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre and its contributors underscores the ongoing commitment to community-focused infrastructure and sustainable design in New Zealand. As the facility continues to set benchmarks for future projects, it remains a vital resource for the local population.