Amazing people are doing amazing mahi right here in Aotearoa. And it’s time to celebrate them in our new, revamped annual awards.
FMANZ is delighted to reveal the finalists for the 2025 Ngā Tohu a FMANZ Awards – prestigious honours that recognise the individuals, teams, and service providers shaping the future of facilities management in Aotearoa.
From innovation and action to accountability and care, our finalists reflect the values that drive us, and the profession forward.
With five major award categories, this is more than just a celebration – it’s a moment to acknowledge the vital role FM professionals play in creating thriving, effective places – enhancing wellbeing, safety, and productivity for all New Zealanders. These finalists are leading by example. They’re lifting standards, championing smarter ways of working, and inspiring excellence across the motu.
Awards committee chair Vanessa Powell is excited by the calibre of this year’s entries, noting a record-breaking number of outstanding submissions. “The professionalism of the submissions for 2025 is a testament to how seriously the industry takes these awards. I’ve been blown away reading about the impact these individuals have made across the wider community through their work,” says Vanessa.
Since launching in 2016, the awards have evolved with new categories, specialist judges, and an interview stage to ensure a fair, rigorous process. Vanessa reflects on this evolution.
“Being part of the awards process for over 5 years, it’s been wonderful to see them grow with our ever-changing industry. Each year, we’ve evolved to reflect the sector’s increasing professionalism and maturity, adding new categories, refined criteria, and specialist judges, with the panel pushing for robust scoring. The interview section has helped us refine the process to ensure only the very best reach the awards evening.”
The judges observed a rise in data-driven submissions this year. Vanessa shares her enthusiasm.
“I’m a data person, and I loved how many nominations included facts, efficiency, cost savings, and growth metrics. Visualising the tangible impact of these teams and individuals was fantastic. This evidence-based storytelling boosts our profession’s credibility and aligns with what FMANZ advocates across government and industry,” Vanessa adds.
This year, FMANZ is breaking with tradition and making history with a brand-new format – a dedicated, stand-alone awards event wrapped up in a curated full-day experience called ‘Our Day of Celebration’. This celebration experience includes a host of exclusive complimentary events designed to truly honour the people and achievements shaping New Zealand’s built environment.
Vanessa attributes the surge in nominations to this exciting new approach.
“We’ve had a record number of submissions this year, which I can’t help but think is attributable to the move to a standalone event. People are really taking our new ‘Day of Celebration’ to heart and recognising their colleagues’ efforts. It speaks to the strength of our community, the momentum in the sector, and the power of coming together to lift each other up.”
Ngā Tohu a FMANZ Awards 2025 Finalists
Brian Happy Award for Facilities Manager of the Year | Te Tohu o Brian Happy Kaiwhakahaere Whakaurunga o te Tau
The Brian Happy Award for Facilities Manager of the Year honours a facilities management professional whose expertise, results, and inspiring personal qualities make a significant impact within their organisation.
Vying for the 2025 Brian Happy Award for Facilities Manager of the Year:
Angela Yannakis – Delivery Manager, Citycare Property
Samantha Page – Property Manager, Stuart Property LTD
Sean Mahon – Head of Facilities, Haumaru Housing
Emerging Facilities Management Professional of the Year Award | Te Ringa Ngaio Maea ki FM o te Tau
The Emerging Facilities Management Professional of the Year Award recognises a newcomer to FM whose passion, dedication, and drive to learn and grow inspire others in the industry.
This year’s finalists are:
Bronia Coulson – Junior Facilities Manager, Citycare Property
Vicki Carter – Facilities Manager, Cushman & Wakefield NZ
Facilities Management Team of the Year Award | Te Ranga FM o te Tau
The Facilities Management Team of the Year Award celebrates a team whose expertise, collaboration, and commitment to excellence deliver outstanding results, inspiring those around them.
Congratulations to this year’s finalists:
Auckland University of Technology Estates Group
BNZ-Colliers Facilities Management Team
Spark Facilities Management Team
Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award | Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Whakauke me te Taiao
The Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award honours individuals and teams driving positive social, environmental, and economic change within the FM industry and their communities.
Our 2025 finalists are:
Cushman & Wakefield NZ Technical Solutions Team
HydroVac
Richard Boyter – Facilities Manager, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Service Provider of the Year Award | Te Kaiwhakawhiwhi Ratonga o te Tau
The Service Provider of the Year Award recognises exceptional contracted FM services, celebrating those who deliver outstanding support and positively impact the organisations and communities they serve.
Vying for the 2025 title are:
APS Complete Property Services
Dutton Stormwater Maintenance
Optimum Air
TESTntel
FMANZ warmly congratulates all finalists and looks forward to celebrating their achievements – alongside the winners – at the dedicated awards evening on Thursday, 24 July, at Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. For more details and tickets, visit the ‘Our Day of Celebration’ website here.
A special thank you also to everyone who submitted nominations but didn’t progress this time. Your dedication, effort, and commitment to excellence in the FM industry are valued and appreciated.
