Major infrastructure projects, vital water assets, an avalanche shelter and a treetop walkway are among the finalists in the 2025 ACE Awards, which celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s best consultants working in the built and natural environment.
ACE Chief Executive Helen Davidson says the awards showcase the country’s best consultants who deliver projects that make an impact in the world around them.
“We celebrate the consultants who go above and beyond ‘business as usual’ to deliver projects and initiatives for their clients and communities. It’s been a tough year for many businesses as they’ve navigated economic turbulence, an uncertain pipeline of work, an exodus of talent, rapid growth of AI, the impact of global politics and other complex challenges. 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, and the calibre of entries this year was especially high. “Our judges said this year’s entries were truly outstanding, and a lot of that was down to clients working collaboratively and giving consultants the space to innovate and deliver solutions that save time, save money and deliver long-term benefits.”
As well as outstanding consulting services, judges 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 23 October at the ACE Awards Gala, sponsored by Beca, during ACE New Zealand’s Futurespace conference in Auckland.
2025 ACE Awards finalists
B201
Consultant: Beca
Client: The University of Auckland
Breaking Consultant Dependency
Consultant: GHD
Client: Tauranga City Council
Central Plains Water Limited Labyrinth Weir
Consultant: Riley Consultants
Client: Central Plains Water Limited
Hiwa, Recreation Centre
Consultant: Beca
Client: The University of Auckland
Kauri Glen Reserve Walkway Treetop Bridge
Consultant: Frame Group
Client: Auckland Council
Mātiu / Somes Island Wharf Replacement
Consultant: Holmes NZ LP
Client: Department of Conservation
Network Performance Modelling and Monitoring (NP2M)
Consultant: Mott MacDonald
Client: Watercare Services Limited
Ōrākei Main Sewer Response and Recovery
Consultant: WSP New Zealand
Client: Watercare Services Limited
PM6 Primary Arms Redesign
Consultant: Index Engineering
Client: Oji Fibre Solutions – Kinleith Mill
SH1 Mangatoetoenui Stream Bridge Superstructure Replacement
Consultant: Beca
Client: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
SH94 Homer Tunnel Avalanche Shelter
Consultant: WSP New Zealand
Client: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
The Court Theatre Christchurch
Consultant: Ruamoko Solutions
Client: Christchurch City Council
Tinwald SH1 Corridor Improvements
Consultant: GHD
Client: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Waimea Community Dam
Consultant: Damwatch Engineering Ltd and MTLNZ Ltd
Client: Waimea Water Ltd
| Read more about the finalists |
Tickets
A ticket to the ACE Awards Gala is included in any full registration for the Futurespace conference.
Individual tickets are $240 plus GST and tables of ten are $2,400 plus GST.
To get tickets, visit the Futurespace registration page and select ‘Guest ticket to ACE Awards Gala’.
| Get tickets |