Five deserving winners took home the spoils at the 2026 Auckland Awards. Learn about the passion, innovation and leadership behind the best of Auckland's engineering community.
From innovative infrastructure and sustainability projects to emerging leaders and technical excellence, the winners of the 2026 Auckland Awards showcase the creativity, expertise and impact engineers are delivering across the region and beyond – and we’re incredibly proud to recognise their achievements.
Arthur Mead Award
The Arthur Mead Award recognises engineering excellence and is awarded to the overall best project judged on innovation, environmental improvement or enhancement, sustainability, safety in design and consultation and engagement.
The Arthur Mead Award has two categories for projects over, and under, $10 million. There are also sub-categories for infrastructure, and buildings and property.
Best in Class winners – projects above $10m
Infrastructure
Central Interceptor
Ghella and Abergeldie
Buildings and property
137 Great North Road
Ascent Structures
Overall winner – projects above $10m
Central Interceptor
Ghella and Abergeldie
This is a once-in-a-generation project, elevated by the rigour with which broader outcomes were pursued and proven. The judges were struck by a project that asked not just 'did we build it well' but 'what did it deliver for the city, the environment, and the community' and then answered that question with hard data.
From electric haulage to extensive water reuse to a community laundry that iwi will take over this year, innovation was embedded at every level. Auckland's harbours, rivers, and beaches will be cleaner for generations because of this work.
Bet in Class winners – projects below $10m
Infrastructure
UNDP Samoa – E-Alia electric ferries
McKay
Buildings and property
Ayrburn Hospitality Precinct
CKL
Overall winner – projects below $10m
UNDP Samoa – E-Alia electric ferries
McKay
In a field of outstanding entries, this project stood apart for what it means beyond the waterline. It is a project conceived from the ground up for situational realities: solar-powered, community-owned, and designed to be replicated. The Panel recognised not just technical merit, but the genuine transformation this work delivers: safer journeys, stronger communities, and a replicable model for sustainable transport across the Pacific. This is engineering better lives.
Luminary Award
The Luminary Award recognises a member of the Engineering New Zealand Auckland Branch who has actively and positively promoted Engineering New Zealand and the engineering profession. The winner is chosen for their distinguished contribution to the development and growth of Engineering New Zealand within the Auckland region, and their embodiment of the Engineering New Zealand Code of Ethical Conduct, as recognised by their peers.
Winner
Matt Mules
Oxcon
Matt receives the Luminary Award in recognition of a distinguished 20-year engineering career spanning New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He is a committed advocate for the profession and its people. As President of the New Zealand Tunnelling Society, he has significantly grown membership and delivered major international events, including the Australasian Tunnelling Conference in Auckland.
In addition to his technical leadership, in his people leadership role at Oxcon he has fostered a strong learning culture and also helped develop and fund an external literacy and numeracy programme for Pasifika workers. His career reflects a sustained contribution, integrity, and service to the wider engineering community.
Emerging Leader Award
Awarded to a young engineer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, excellence in their career and a contribution to their community. They must be able to communicate how their work makes New Zealanders’ lives better.
Winner
Michelle Delves
Air New Zealand
Judges were highly impressed by Michelle as a standout emerging leader, demonstrating rapid technical growth alongside meaningful leadership and community impact.
Her progression into AI engineering following the Air New Zealand Graduate Programme reflects strong capability and drive. Beyond her role, she makes a notable contribution through mentoring, outreach to universities and community groups, and active advocacy in the digital space.
The panel valued her ability to connect, inspire, and give back across multiple settings. Michelle is seen as a values-driven leader whose influence is already extending well beyond her immediate professional context.
Student Leadership Award
This award recognises an undergraduate engineering student or group of students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, collaboration and impact within the engineering community. It celebrates students who go beyond academic achievement to inspire peers, contribute to the profession, and make a positive difference socially, environmentally, or economically.
Winner
South Pacific Indigenous Engineering Students (SPIES)
University of Auckland
The panel was highly impressed by SPIES and the impact it has had for many years.
They are a compelling example of student-led excellence, supporting more than 200 Māori and Pasifika engineering students through a strong focus on community, wellbeing, and leadership. Their integration of academic achievement with cultural identity and professional development is inspiring.
The range of their initiatives provides meaningful mentoring and pathways into the profession. The panel particularly valued the emphasis on collective leadership and the creation of a vibrant, enduring support network. SPIES stands out as an influential, values-driven programme shaping confident engineers with a strong sense of purpose and community responsibility.
