PlaceMakers celebrates 2025 NAWIC Awards finalists
11 Jul 2025, PlaceMakers News
Four PlaceMakers employees have been named finalists in the 2025 National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Excellence Awards, recognising their outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s construction industry
The PlaceMakers quartet of Nadia Ducrot, Apple Wang, Tania Rekena and Isabelle Chong have been named as finalists for the 2025 NAWIC Awards, following years of tireless work proving that women belong and can thrive in the construction industry.
Recognising talent
Nadia, who has worked at PlaceMakers for 17 years, has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Leader of the Year – Office Award, acknowledging her exemplary leadership within the organisation.
She was formally Branch Manager at New Lynn in 2020/2021, managing up to 30 people in one of New Zealand’s best performing Hubs.
“I’m always having conversations about how women like me can develop, where they see themselves going and how they want to get there,” she says. “I prefer to focus on how woman can personally take control of their own development.”
Apple Wang and Tania Rakena are finalists in the Excellence in Construction Organisation – Office Award, highlighting their significant roles in enhancing operational excellence.
Apple says that her desire to show her mum and daughter that she could lead a team of 20 people, 90% of whom are men, was the driving force behind her success at PlaceMakers.
“After nine years a PlaceMakers, I was given the opportunity to manage a branch. I was extremely nervous about this opportunity, because I am a small-in-stature woman. Luckily, my hunger to show my family, and more importantly my mum and daughter, that I can do this role at a high level overcame my nerves, because my performance in this role gave me the confidence to take the next step of taking on the challenge of managing a sales team of ten Account Managers.”
Leadership roles
After joining PlaceMakers three years ago as a Branch Manager, Tania has worked her way up to Hub Manager for PlaceMakers Northland. She says she strives to offer women in her team encouragement and a safe space.
“I support the development of other women in my teams by providing opportunities for growth in a safe environment and encouraging ongoing learning,” she says. “I love to share my career stories and journey with my team to show them that it’s not about being perfect but continuing to learn and grow and, most importantly, backing yourself!”
Isabelle Chong has been nominated for the Rising Star – Office Award, celebrating her as an emerging talent in the construction sector.
“Winning would be a moment of validation – not just for the work I do, but for what I believe in,” says Isabelle. “It would affirm that bringing your full self – your culture, your voice, your values – into the workplace matters.
“What motivates me is helping others grow and feel seen; especially women and those from under-represented backgrounds. A big part of my journey has been learning to challenge the voice that says, ‘I can’t’ and instead ask, ‘I don’t know how – yet’. That mindset shift has helped me take on challenges I once would’ve walked away from, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.”
Building on a legacy of excellence
The nominations continue PlaceMakers strong presence at the NAWIC Excellence Awards. In 2023, Rowena Massey, an Account Manager at PlaceMakers Pukekohe, won the Excellence in Construction Administration – Office Award. Rowena emphasised the importance of community connections and supporting other women in the industry.
“Being female in the industry can be hard, and I always try to make sure to bring other females through and give them the confidence to know they can add value to any business in the industry,” she said at the time.
In the same year, Jasmin Lawrence from Fletcher Living received a Highly Commended in the Rising Star – Site Award category, highlighting the broader Fletcher Building Group’s commitment to recognising emerging talent.
NAWIC is a voluntary, non-profit association dedicated to supporting women in the construction industry. NAWIC’s mission is grounded in connection, education, recognition and advocacy, championing diversity and inclusion across the industry. Guided by core values – include, respect, inspire – NAWIC aims to foster confidence and belonging for all women in construction, and celebrate their achievements.
Through regular events, workshops and the annual Excellence Awards, NAWIC provides a platform for professional development, networking and mentorship, aiming to empower women to thrive in all areas of the construction sector.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
NAWIC Excellence Awards Gala Dinner
Friday 25 July 2025 | 5:30–10:30pm | Cordis Auckland
Join us and Naylor Love for an unforgettable night celebrating the outstanding women shaping NZ’s construction sector — from apprentices to project leaders.
Read more
Register to earn LBP Points Sign in
