Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre Earns Second Major Award in 2025

The Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre has garnered another prestigious accolade, winning the Judges’ Choice Award at the 2025 Wellington Property People Awards. Less than a year after its reopening, the complex has been recognized for its significant community impact and commitment to sustainable design. This achievement marks the second time the Naenae facility has received national recognition for its innovative approach to community infrastructure.

The $68 million redevelopment, which has already claimed a national architecture award earlier this year, has set a new standard in New Zealand as the first aquatic centre to receive a Green Star 5 rating. The facility incorporates real-time performance tracking and expanded rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting a design process that heavily involved community engagement.

A Collaborative Effort in Design and Development

The project was spearheaded by the Hutt City Council with contributions from a multidisciplinary team that includes reputable organizations such as AECOM, Architecture HDT, and GHD. Their combined expertise has been essential in creating a facility that not only meets community needs but also adheres to high environmental standards.

The awards ceremony celebrated excellence across various sectors within the built environment. Among the notable winners was Emily Newmarch of Warren and Mahoney, who received the Greenwood Roche Supreme Excellence Award. Her contributions to translating PhD-level climate research into functional, low-carbon designs across multiple sectors were highlighted as having an “extraordinary impact.”

Retail expert Jim Wana was recognized as the 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 and the Department of Internal Affairs, earned the BBD Best Team Award for developing a high-performance archival facility utilizing a Māori-led design approach.

In sustainability achievements, the Ngā Mokopuna project team from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington was awarded the TSA Riley Sustainability Champion Award. They are on track to complete a 3,000 m² mass-timber building that aims to become one of approximately 35 fully certified Living Buildings worldwide.

Recognizing Leadership and Commitment

Other commendations included Grant Heighway of Catalyst, who received the Rolle Property Outstanding Leadership Award, recognizing his significant contributions to major project delivery and service on the Property Council Wellington Regional Committee. Additionally, 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 recognition of the Naenae Pool + Fitness Centre highlights the growing importance of sustainable, community-focused infrastructure in urban development, setting a benchmark for future projects across New Zealand and beyond.