Aotearoa New Zealand’s best consultants vie for 2023 ACE Awards

Major infrastructure projects, historic building restorations and a conservation initiative are among the finalists in the 2023 ACE Awards, which celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s best consultants working in the built and natural environments.

ACE Chief Executive Helen Davidson says the awards showcase the exceptional mahi being done for communities here and overseas. 

“We celebrate the consultants who go above and beyond ‘business as usual’ to deliver projects and initiatives for their clients and communities. They’re often up against some really complex challenges, like tight timeframes, small budgets or remote locations, so the results we’ve seen from some of this year’s entrants are truly remarkable.”  

Helen says the rigorous judging criteria is what makes the ACE Awards stand out.  

“Our judges are consultants at the top of their game, handpicked each year from the industry. As well as outstanding consulting services, they focus on technical expertise, sustainable value and client satisfaction. 

“Winning an ACE Award is a big deal, and we’re looking forward to celebrating all the achievements with our members and their clients next month.”   

Projects will be awarded gold, silver or merit based on the level of achievement, how much the project has exceeded expectations and whether it sets a new standard in consulting excellence. Judges may also present special awards where there is a unique contribution to the industry or community. 

The winners will be announced on Thursday 21 September at the ACE Awards Gala, sponsored by Beca, during ACE New Zealand’s Futurespace conference in Wellington. 

2023 ACE Awards finalists 

Auckland Harbour Bridge emergency repairs 
Consultant: Beca 
Client: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency 

Christ Church Cathedral stabilisation 
Consultant: Holmes and Naylor Love 
Client: Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement 

Constellation Brands press building and front end automation 
Consultant: Aurecon 
Client: Constellation Brands New Zealand 

Kauri dieback mitigation in Northland's walking tracks 
Consultant: Frame Group 
Client: Northland Regional Council 

Lime Kiln failure and emergency repair
Consultant: Index Engineering 
Client: Oji Fibre Solutions - Kinleith Mill

Northern Corridor improvements - Design services 
Consultant: Jacobs and WSP in alliance with Fulton Hogan, HEB Construction and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency   
Client: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency) 

Speeding up electrification - The ElectroNet transportable switchroom journey 
Consultant: ElectroNet 
Client: Transpower New Zealand 

St James Theatre and Ballet Building 
Consultant: Beca 
Client: Wellington City Council 

Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai — Section 2 
Consultant: Stantec 
Client: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport 

Te Mato Vai 
Consultant: GHD 
Client: Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Government of the Cook Islands 

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre — Observatory Hotel   
Consultant: Holmes 
Client: The Arts Centre Trust  

Wellington network operational readiness for Transmission Gully opening 
Consultant: Aurecon 
Client: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency 

Read more about the 2023 ACE Awards finalists 

Tickets  

The ACE Awards Gala will be held on Thursday 21 September, day two of the Futurespace conference, at the historic Dominion Museum Building at Massey University in Wellington. Individual tickets are $195 and tables of ten are $1,955 plus GST. Each ticket includes a three-course meal and live entertainment. Ticket sales close on Friday 8 September.  

Buy tickets to the 2023 ACE Awards Gala   

Sponsored by Beca   

A big thank you to Beca, the 2023 ACE Awards Gala sponsor.