Value Awards 2026

All projects are automatically eligible for these awards based on their total project value.

  • Commercial Project Under $1 million
  • Commercial Project $1 – $3 million
  • Commercial Project $3 – $10 million
  • Commercial Project $10 – $25 million
  • Commercial Project Over $25 million
H T M L Code
Value under $1 million

Project: Zhangliang Malatang Auckland

Entrant

Unique constructions Ltd

Project Partners

Archimode (Interior Designer/Architect), Diamond Quality Construction (Construction Company), Flamingo Music workshop (Construction Company), Go Sing (Construction Company), JNG (Structural Engineer), KCL (Construction Company), KNK (Construction Company), LK Tiling (Construction Company), Prestige Tiles (Construction Company), Soon Sun (Electrical Engineer), True colour Kitchen (Construction Company), UCL Commercial (Project Manager)

Zhangliang Malatang Auckland sets a new standard for international restaurant fit outs in New Zealand. Delivered as a global flagship on Dominion Road, Unique Constructions Ltd transformed a constrained site into a bold, high-tech dining experience, overcoming major structural and logistical challenges along the way. When a central block wall was deemed untouchable due to seismic risk, UCL’s review of legacy documentation proved it was non-structural, unlocking the full spatial potential of the design.   The fit-out introduced finishes never used locally. These included brushed aluminium and copper panels, flexible stone bulkheads, transparent cement joinery with fibre-optic lighting and a customised duo-screen rotating LED display. These elements required close coordination with international suppliers, extensive on-site testing, and precise execution. Every detail was purpose-built to create an immersive dining atmosphere, where innovation meets artistry.

Judges comments

Located halfway down Dominion Road, Zhangliang Malatang Auckland delivers a dining experience full of character. Unique Constructions began by carefully assessing the existing building and working closely with the council to help the project move ahead. That early groundwork gave the client the confidence to commit to a bold fit-out, creating a space that is lively, distinctive, and memorable. The judges were impressed by the use of innovative materials, including transparent cement, flexible stone, and the latest lighting technology, all brought together with skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. Just as importantly, the project creates an immersive setting that complements the adventurous Chinese cuisine. This is a confident, well-executed project deserving of the Commercial Project under $1 million Value Award.

 
H T M L Code
Value $1 - 3 million

Project: Wai Kahua Waka Footbridge

Entrant

Currie Construction

Project Partners

Currie Construction (Construction Company), DC Structures Studio Ltd. (Civil Engineer), Eastbridge (Structural Engineer), Gisborne District Council (Client Representative)

Owned By

Gisborne District Council

The Wai Kahua Waka Footbridge transforms engineering constraints into a cultural landmark. When funding was slashed by half, Currie Construction reimagined the entire bridge concept in just ten days, proposing a single-span waka form that seamlessly blends structure and storytelling. Built on a narrow, heritage-listed site beside a live asbestos water main, the project demanded precision planning and exceptional safety management. Advanced modelling reduced steel weight by 40%, cutting 20 tonnes and lowering carbon impact. Laser-cut panels by artist Nick Tupara weave Ngati Oneone narratives into the bridge itself. Despite cyclones, COVID-19 and supply chain setbacks, the bridge was delivered on time, under budget, and with cultural integrity intact. It now stands as a bold expression of connection, resilience, and collaboration.

Judges comments

Innovations in building and engineering are at the heart of the Wai Kahua Waka Footbridge, a project that turned a tough challenge into something truly memorable. After earlier designs had pushed the cost too high, Currie Construction was given just 10 days to come back with a new design and a fixed price. Working closely with local iwi, the team understood the waka could not simply be added as decoration. It had to be authentic, and it had to define the bridge itself. What followed was a smart response that honoured the cultural vision, met the budget, and delivered real impact. This is a striking project that shows what can be achieved through perseverance, teamwork, and genuine innovation.

 
H T M L Code
Value $3 - 10 million

Project: The George Forbes Building (Stage 3) - Lincoln University

Entrant

Leighs Construction Ltd

Project Partners

Leighs Construction Ltd (Construction Company), TEAM Projects Advisory (Project Manager)

Owned By

Te Whare Wanaka o Aoraki Lincoln University

Delivering a major structural upgrade beneath six live floors of a working university demanded exceptional planning, care, and communication. Leighs Construction transformed the George Forbes Building while maintaining full operational continuity, preserving emergency exits, protecting a live server room, and coordinating every phase around classes and campus activity. Early contractor involvement ensured risks were managed before construction began, while tailored sequencing and a temporary external staircase enabled uninterrupted access throughout. Despite complex constraints, the project was completed ahead of schedule and earned recognition from the university for its outstanding safety culture. The result is a beautifully modernised gateway building, delivered with precision, collaboration, and deep respect for the campus environment.

Judges comments

This project stands out for the way a very challenging task in terms of planning and communication was delivered with care and control. Built in the middle of a live university campus and directly below six occupied floors, Leighs Construction had to keep people safe and the university running throughout the refurbishment of the George Forbes Building. The judges particularly noted the scheduling behind the build, with noisy work and major lifts mindfully timed around classes and campus life. Strong collaboration with the university and project team kept costs on track, approvals moving, and risks well managed, helping the team finish early without compromising quality. Original brick columns were retained and worked into the new entry, creating a stronger link between the old building and the new. The result is a warm and welcoming upgrade that improves the campus experience.

 
H T M L Code
Value $10 - 25 million

Project: AFFCO Horotiu

Entrant

Foster Construction Group Ltd

Project Partners

DHC (Structural Engineer), DHC Structural I Civil (Civil Engineer), Foster Construction Group Ltd (Construction Company/Project Manager/Quantity Surveyor), Initia (Engineer), RDT Pacific (Project Manager), Sheppard & Rout Architects (Architect/Designer)

Owned By

AFFCO New Zealand

Designed for AFFCO, this fit-out is as much about identity as it is about space. The material palette, native timber, leather, wool, and concrete, reflects the company’s rural heritage, creating a workplace that feels authentic, grounded, and proudly New Zealand. Timber finishes were sourced from a single batch to ensure consistency across joinery, doors, and linings, reinforcing the project’s attention to detail. Precision sequencing was critical, particularly around the installation and protection of glulam and structural steel elements. Close coordination between trades and consultants, including detailed integration of structure and services during shop drawing phases, ensured minimal rework and seamless delivery. Completed on budget with no major safety incidents across more than 800 inductions, the result is a cohesive, legacy workplace that translates AFFCO’s long-held vision into a modern, enduring home for its people.

Judges comments

AFFCO’s new Hamilton Head Office shows how thoughtful design and disciplined delivery can create a workplace that is both highly functional and deeply connected to its setting. Designed as a single-level building within a park-like landscape, it unfolds around courtyards that link shared spaces, open-plan work areas, and the outdoors with ease. Through strong coordination, smart value engineering, and minimal rework, the team maintained quality and programme certainty while managing complex detailing and multiple trades. Care was also taken with sequencing and material protection to preserve the integrity of the finish. Raw concrete, reclaimed native timber, and repurposed furniture give the building a strong sense of character, reflecting AFFCO’s heritage while creating a workplace that feels practical, welcoming, and forward-looking.

 
H T M L Code
Value over $25 million

Project: Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui (Wellington Central Library)

Entrant

LT McGuinness Ltd

Project Partners

Athfield Architects Limited (Architect/Designer), Aurecon Group (Structural Engineer)

Owned By

Wellington City Council

Te Matapihi’s upgrade was one of those rare civic projects where everything matters, and everyone is watching. The team strengthened the existing library, then carried out the extraordinary task of installing base isolators underneath it, all on a tight site with challenging ground conditions. For a time, the building was held safely in place by temporary supports while new foundations and structural systems were built below. Work ran across every level at once, with multiple crews operating in parallel and daily coordination keeping safety and quality at the forefront of mind. It was complex, high-risk work, delivered with calm control and constant teamwork. The best part is the outcome. The project finished without extra time or budget, and achieved a 5 Green Star rating, proving that upgrading and keeping a valued building can be the smarter, more sustainable choice. For many involved, it was personal. Te Matapihi is now a safer, stronger library, ready for generations to come.

Judges comments

At $175 million, Te Matapihi Ki Te Ao Nui (Wellington Central Library) was one of the most demanding commercial projects in the country. Working on a tight CBD site, the team carried out full seismic strengthening inside the existing library, including new foundations, base isolators, steel bracing, and complex temporary support, while several parts of the build moved ahead at once. Strong planning, digital modelling, and close coordination helped fit the new structure into the old building, cut down rework, and keep the programme on track. This is a benchmark project that shows how large, high-risk commercial builds can be delivered with confidence, efficiency, and control.