PlaceMakers celebrates at 2025 Conference

The 2025 PlaceMakers Conference wrapped up with a celebration of the people and teams making a real difference on the ground. After three days of strategy sessions, supplier insights and customer feedback, the event ended on a high with the inaugural Excellence Awards for those who consistently deliver impact by doing the basics well 

Fletcher Building Chief Executive – Distribution James Peters said the conference was a celebration of those helping to lead the business forward. 

“The PlaceMakers Excellence Awards are about one thing: impact,” said Peters. “Impact that comes from nailing the basics; from showing up every day, doing the hard yards, backing your team and delivering for our customers.” 

“Every finalist and every winner have made a real difference. Not just by hitting numbers but by setting standards, raising expectations and making this a place where others can succeed too.  

“To everyone who was nominated, thank you for the work you are doing. And to our winners, congratulations! You have earned the recognition and you have our respect.” 

A spotlight on those who lead by example 

The new Excellence Awards was the highlight of the 80s themed Back to the Future Gala dinner. From safety leadership to customer relationships, every finalist was recognised for raising the bar. 

Protect Award – Team 

Winner: Nail Gun Training Hub – Dunedin Frame & Truss 

Finalists: Hutt City, Whitianga 

This purpose-built hub ensures new staff learn safe nail gun use in a controlled space. Through one-on-one coaching, visual guides and real-world scenarios, it helps ensure confident and competent use of nail guns. The hub has become a key safety and quality tool and has been so successful that a second one is now under way. 

Protect Award – Individual 

Winner: Dean Sneedon – Havelock North 

Finalists: Rachel Mansfield (Queenstown), Sharon Hartley (EHS Distribution) 

Dean has been a driving force in Havelock North’s transition from Tumu to PlaceMakers, championing safety through action by driving system uptake (Resolve, Checkmate, EROAD, STEP), initiating safer loading zones and leading contractor management with zero prompting. Dean consistently lives our Protect value and has built a strong, proactive safety culture from the ground up. 

Trade Account Manager of the Year 

Winner: Ifraaz Ahmed – Auckland South 

Finalists: David McConchie (Auckland North), Mitchell Weir (Invercargill) 

Ifraaz, otherwise known as ‘Iffy’, looks after 138 customers in the busy Auckland South region  and has been with PlaceMakers for over 20 years. He mentors his peers to be the best they can and always goes the extra mile for his customers.   

PlaceMakers Person of the Year 

Winner: Michael Redgrove – Digital & Marketing 

Finalists: Charandeep Singh (Cook Street DC), Pru Nichol (Okatea Hub), Sam Johnson (Sales & Service) 

In Michael’s 37th year with PlaceMakers, he continues to make a significant impact across the business. He played a critical role in Tumu and One Auckland transitions, handling all customers, products, invoices, orders and quotes. His bold thinking and vast people, systems and process knowledge has led to improvements in ACE, promotional effectiveness and PlaceMakers Plus. Michael is known for being collaborative and approachable and is always willing to support others and share insights. His ability to combine technical skill with strong relationships has played a big part in ensuring we nail the basics.   

Branch of the Year: Motueka 

Ayden and the Motueka team have built a reputation for setting the benchmark in training, proudly earning the title of Top Training Store in the business, with a remarkable 100% of their team fully trained. Their people-first culture is evident, with the fourth highest team engagement score across the entire network. They’ve also delivered strong financial results, finishing in the Top 10 nationally for debt management.

Hub of the Year: Southland 

The Southland Hub, led by Michael, Nathan, Kory, Shane, Kelly, Melanie and the wider team, continues to deliver outstanding results. They achieved second place nationally for Customer Service, as measured by Net Promoter Score, reflecting their unwavering focus on the customer.  

PlaceMakers also acknowledged supplier partnerships with awards across three categories: 

Large Supplier of the Year: BBI 

Medium Supplier of the Year: Sika 

Small Supplier of the Year: Soudal 

And finally, the PlaceMakers Memorial Award was presented to Doug Manu, recognising his lasting contribution to the culture and values of the business. 

A full programme of insight and action 

Although they played an important part, the conference was not just about the Excellence Awards. It featured a packed three-day schedule that kicked off with supplier sessions and a welcome function, giving teams a chance to reconnect and hear what’s new across the network. 

On the second day, the PlaceMakers leadership team outlined the strategy for FY26, which included safety priorities from Anthony Mitchell, a financial overview from CFO Celia Mearns, and a Q&A between People & Performance GM Helen Ottaway and Fletcher Building CEO Andrew Reding. 

Later that day, teams rolled up their sleeves to pack Christmas gifts for the Starship Foundation, with support from Team Up Events NZ. 

Customer voice front and centre 

Day Three featured direct feedback from customers – a rare chance to hear honest perspectives from those at the coalface. Paul Nanai (Home Construction), Nathan Te Miha (ICONIQ Group), and Clint Lockwood (Create & Construct) shared what PlaceMakers does well and where it can improve. 

 The NEU, Frame & Truss, and Supply Chain teams also gave updates on what’s coming to help branches deliver better, faster support.