The NAWIC Awards celebrate and honour the achievements of women working in construction and affiliated industries, as well as recognising those organisations active in addressing gender balance in the industry.
With seven finalists on the night, we were well represented in five categories, Excellence in Design, Tradeswomen of the Year, Rising Star – site, Professional of the Year – office and the Helen Tippet Award.
Congratulations to those who received highly commended in their category:
• Highly commended – Excellence in Design – Freya Urlich
• Highly commended – Rising Star Site – Arden Hermans
• Highly commended – Professional of the Year office – Philippa Green
“It was great to be a part of the evening and see just how much talent there is across our industry. Thanks to the fantastic NCTIR team for encouraging me to put my name in the hat, it was an extraordinary project and the award is a recognition of my amazing team and the people who went before me,” says Philippa.
Congratulations to our winners:
• Winner – Professional of the Year office – Kelly Churchill
• Winner – Helen Tippet Award – Anita Varga (BOP)
Kelly has contributed to the industry through determination, hard work, and a willingness to collaborate between parties. This has proven that big things can be achieved when someone has the vison and passion to drive improvements.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to receive the nomination from Fulton Hogan, and the award from NAWIC. In the end I’m doing a job I love, and being recognised for my contribution is both a surprise and career highlight.”
“I hope our collective success this year results in further recognition of the great wahine we have in our organisation and beyond. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my team, wider business, incredible leaders that I’ve worked with and of course the support of my wonderful family and friends. It definitely takes a village,” says Kelly
When Kelly’s five-year-old daughter asked if she would still be working at Fulton Hogan when she was due to start, she beamed with pride. She was proud, not necessarily because she wanted to work in the same company, but because she didn’t see construction as a man’s job. At a young age, the sky was the limit, she could do anything she dreamed of, and be just like mum!
“This is an awesome achievement for Kelly. It’s a well-deserved win and recognition of her work, stamping her mark across the industry,” says Bevan Sandison, General Manager Fulton Hogan Engineering Solutions.
This Helen Tippett award celebrates achievements in advancing and furthering the interests of women in the construction industry – those who actively promote the participation of women in the construction industry and encourage their progression.
Anita is the first and, to date, only female to hold a regional manager position at Fulton Hogan. With over 30 years’ experience in the civil construction industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills. Through her holistic approach, Anita has made structural improvements and development plans to positively impact her team, with a strong emphasis on enabling female staff to reach potentials they might not have known they had.
“Through my career its been about showing my children what can be achieved. I’ve had amazing male mentors that have pushed me and valued my opinion, so I’ve never felt like i could’nt do it. I’m so proud of Hinearoha and her achievement along with the rest of the females in my region and Fulton Hogan,” says Anita.
“Outstanding, congratulations to all our finalists. Personally, a big shout out to Anita, who has been inspirational in my career at Fulton Hogan. I know I am one of many, men and women, she has quietly, pushed and challenged over the years and it’s awesome to see this officially recognised. Well done,” says Johanna Tombleson, WDC Contracts Manager.
The awards are great recognition of the work these individuals are doing in the construction industry and for us. We look forward to showcasing even more females next year.
