Craig McMichael: A Benchmark for Project Leadership

A calm leader with deep capability and a record of shaping complex projects that matter. Some leaders don’t need the spotlight. They just get the job done and do it exceptionally well. That’s Craig McMichael.

With more than two decades in the property industry, Craig has built a quiet reputation as one of the most trusted delivery professionals in the game. He is calm under pressure, sharp on detail and relentlessly focused on getting the right outcomes for clients, communities and teams.

At Veros, Craig is a Project Director and shareholder, leading our national project management offering. His style blends technical excellence with grounded leadership. Whether it is a high-profile urban precinct or a community health facility, Craig brings clarity, confidence and consistency from day one to delivery.

His recent nomination for Property Professional of the Year at the Central Property People Awards reflects the standard he sets and the respect he earns across the industry.

Trusted across Aotearoa.

Craig’s portfolio speaks for itself, from the NZ Post head office in Wellington to Rotorua’s revitalised lakefront. His recent projects include:

Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment – a nationally significant placemaking project led with cultural care and technical precision
Wai Ariki Spa and Hot Springs – an award-winning facility that blends Māori wellness principles with world-class hospitality
QE Health Centre – delivered under challenging timelines while maintaining adaptability and access for future generations
Northern Quarter, Tauranga – a Green Star certified precinct and one of the region’s most ambitious commercial builds

These projects didn’t just need coordination. They needed real leadership, strategic focus and strong momentum. Craig delivered all of that and more.

*digital process : kahn@pixsolution.co.nz

More than a Project Manager.

Craig isn’t a “post box PM.” He doesn’t just pass messages between teams, he shapes the strategy, solves problems early and drives delivery from the front.

He aligns people with purpose, bringing councils, iwi, consultants and contractors together around a shared outcome. His approach is steady, considered and outcome-driven. He earns trust quickly and keeping projects moving when it matters most.

Recognition that reflects reality.

Craig’s impact has recently been recognised with a nomination for Property Professional of the Year at the Central Property People Awards. And we think it is well deserved.

This industry runs on trust. And when something matters, Craig is the person clients call.

It is an absolute pleasure to work with someone who is so professional, so knowledgeable of his amazing skill set, a great considered, results-producing and decent all-round person to work with. He represents Veros so well and adds so much value and support to the work I am doing. It really is appreciated. - Veros Client

This is not just recognition. It is a reflection of years of work done right. We are proud to have Craig as part of the Veros team and even prouder to see him leading some of Aotearoa’s significant projects.

We look forward to celebrating Craig and all the finalists at the 2025 Central Property People Awards on 23 October, alongside our clients, peers and industry partners. If you’re heading along, see you there.