Hutt project manager wins top honours
A project manager at one of New Zealand’s largest construction firms has been given top honours for his work in Lower Hutt.
Rodney Verhoeven, of Hawkins, won the 2016 Gib Supreme Award at the New Zealand Institute of Building and Gib Awards for project managing work on the Walter Nash Centre.
The new centre provides the Lower Hutt community with a sports facility and community hub, combining the Walter Nash Stadium with the Taita Community Hall, Community Library, and Hutt Valley netball courts in a single integrated facility.
Judges said Verhoeven, who holds a national certificate in carpentry, demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion for the project.
‘‘He overcame initial hostility towards the project by engaging the community and allowing them the opportunity to design and integrate artwork on precast panels,’’ they said.
Rodney also provided view slots so locals could watch the project progress, and installed a platform so that a photographer could take progress photos for the client’s website.
Also recognised were two young achievers: Annalise Johns, of Fulton Hogan Christchurch and & Glenn Jowett, of Aecom Christchurch.
Johns’ most recent construction achievement was her contribution to the Christchurch Art Gallery base isolation external works.
Meanwhile, Jowett has been working with clients to implement improved project and asset information management processes.
Simon Barnes, the convenor of the judging panel said: ‘‘The standard of entries was again impressive, and the eventual winners were justly outstanding and worthy of award recognition.’’
New Zealand Institute of Building chief executive Malcolm Fleming said the awards contributed to the institutes goal of improving the standing of the building profession.
‘‘Past award winners have included many of the construction industry’s high achievers, consistent with the award’s stature, as does the fact that a number of past young achiever winners now hold very senior roles within the sector.’’
‘‘The 2016 winners will likewise follow this trajectory.’’
The awards, which are in their 23rd year, celebrate and recognise the professional excellence of individuals in the building and construction process, rather than the project or completed structure.