Celebrating the People Shaping Our Region’s Future

Connection. Recognition. Pride.

That was the essence of the Central Property People Awards last night, honouring the individuals and teams shaping the future of our region, one project at a time.

For Veros, it was more than an evening of accolades. It was a celebration of the way we work, the people we work alongside, and the impact we strive to create together.

A night for the region, and the people driving it forward.

From long-standing partners to new faces, the room was filled with people who turn complex ideas into real-world outcomes, the kind that improve places, unlock opportunities, and build stronger communities.

As our Managing Director and Chair of the Central Region Committee, Morgan Jones captured it best:

“The Mighty Waikato and the Bay have many prosperous generations to come…our economy and market will only change with more “yes’s”, with decisions to go ahead, more acceptance of risk, and more smiles….We are the property industry, but we’re an industry of people, delivering projects and places for people. We have terrific and world class people in our industry here, waking up every day and making a difference.”

That’s why this night mattered. It recognised the doers, the decision-makers, and the difference-makers, those who don’t just advise, but act.

Veros finalists.

We were proud to see the talent within our team recognised across five categories, a reflection of their leadership, dedication, and impact:

Alexandrine Montgomery – Rider Levett Bucknall Young Achiever of the Year Award
Julie Price – Beca Women in Property Award
Paul Spurdle – Fosters City Shaper Award
Craig McMichael – CKL Property Professional of the Year Award
Robotics HQ Delivery Team – Veros Best Team Award

These nominations alone speak volumes but we’re thrilled that some of those names were called again… as winners.

Craig McMichael: 2025 Property Professional of the Year

Craig doesn’t chase the spotlight but his results speak for themselves. With a track record of delivering some of Aotearoa’s most complex and high-impact developments, Craig blends commercial insight with quiet leadership.

Projects like Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, Northern Quarter, and QE Health bear the hallmarks of his steady guidance: strategic clarity, practical delivery, and a deep sense of accountability.

This recognition is well-earned. Congratulations, Craig.

Julie Price: Judges’ Choice Award

Julie’s leadership is built on more than delivery, it’s grounded in values. From unlocking access to Ōmanawa Falls to driving Tauranga’s Northern Quarter, she shows what it means to lead with purpose and care.

Julie brings grit, mana, and momentum to every project and lifts everyone around her. This award reflects what we see every day at Veros: a standard-setter and a people-first leader.

Kia kaha, Julie – we’re proud of you.

Backing collaboration: The Veros Best Team Award

At Veros, we’ve always believed that great outcomes aren’t just the result of great ideas, they’re the product of collaboration. That’s why we are proud long-time sponsors of the Veros Best Team Award, which recognises the power of collaboration in shaping successful, resilient, and community-focused projects.

This year, that recognition went to the 90 Devonport Road Team in Tauranga, the force behind New Zealand’s largest modern mass timber office building.

From early vision to final delivery, the team’s partnership-first approach achieved what every complex project aims for: delivery on time, under budget, and with outcomes that surpassed expectations. Judges praised it as “an outstanding example of integrated delivery,” acknowledging the seamless coordination across consultants, contractors, clients, and stakeholders.

Scott Bicknell, our Senior Development Manager, had the honour of presenting the award last night. In his words:

“Our team often talk about the analogy of a rowing eight. In a rowing eight, you’ve got eight people moving in perfect unison, same rhythm, same goal, pulling in the same direction. That’s when you get speed and precision. But if even one person is out of sync? The whole boat suffers. That’s how we see projects. They move best when everyone’s aligned, committed, and in it together.

The 90 Devonport Road Team exemplified that spirit and their recognition is richly deserved.

Why it matters.

The Central Property People Awards aren’t just about trophies, they’re about people. People who show up, think sharp, and deliver with purpose. People who know that great projects don’t just happen, they’re made possible by collaboration, vision, and relentless follow-through.

The Veros team is proud to play our part.

A huge thanks to the organisers, sponsors, judges, and every person who makes our industry stronger. Here’s to momentum and the people who drive it.

See the full list of winners here