Commercial property awards finalists to be announced

Competition is fierce in New Zealand’s most prestigious commercial property awards. Finalists from Kawakawa to Dunedin will soon discover if their developments are the ‘best of the best’ in New Zealand.

The long running and highly respected Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards will be held on 6 June. It will reveal New Zealand’s finest developments for 2014 - ending a judging process spanning more than three months. Judges have selected a total of 64 finalists in categories ranging from office, retail and industrial properties, through to education and arts, tourism and leisure, urban land and heritage projects.

Property Council’s chief executive Connal Townsend says as the event draws near, excitement is building.

"Property Council is really thrilled by the calibre of entrants in this year’s awards which demonstrate the scope of talent, innovation and building technology in this country. Tickets have already sold out, and we are set to host more than a thousand industry delegates as we celebrate their ground-breaking feats."

The judging process is rigorous and thorough with a panel of judges making site visits, and reviewing properties against stringent submission criteria. This process is overseen by Convenor of the judging panel, John Dunn, who believes this year’s entrants are in a league of their own.

"The judges have again been impressed with the variety of entries received and the consistent quality throughout all entry categories and geographical regions,"

"A noticeable feature of this year’s entries is the increasing awareness of seismic issues and the initiatives being undertaken to achieve the required levels of compliance while recognising the aesthetic and financial requirements of a successful development."

Evaluation criteria include economic and financial factors, project vision and innovation (including degree of difficulty), design and construction, owner and user satisfaction, and sustainability and efficiency of operation.

Only the highest scoring property in each category, and recognised with a Best in Category award, is eligible for the coveted Supreme award. The Supreme Award offers the greatest recognition to the best commercial property development in New Zealand.

Excellence awards go to properties that best meet the judging criteria, and Merit awards go to properties with a special distinction that deserve recognition.

A black tie awards gala dinner and ceremony on Friday 6 June at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland will announce and honour all award winners.