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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationPeople's evolution
People's evolution
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Anne-Maree Brown
General Manager of Content
Since the early 1970s, the HIA Awards program has drawn the attention to the country’s residential building industry’s best. Fast forward to the new millennium and the commencement of the People & Business categories enabled the hard work of the individuals behind the projects to be recognised.
According to Jenny Haling, HIA Awards Program Manager, the program is ever-evolving. ‘Each year, HIA receives over 3000 entries into the Awards program. So, it’s important to do a full review every two years.’
This includes changes to HIA’s People & Business Awards, starting in 2026. ‘The new program allows a more targeted category offering to our members,’ says Jenny.
Polishing the professionals
While HIA’s Housing Awards recognise excellence in the builds themselves, the Professional Builder Awards recognise excellence in the management of businesses. The criterion for this award relates to areas that are common to all leading businesses, no matter which industry they operate in.
As part of HIA’s People & Business Awards series, the Professional Builder Awards include several categories. ‘To tightenour offering, we changed the original HIA Professional Builder/Renovator Awards title to HIA Professional Builder Awards, making it simpler and more effective.’
To reflect more accurately the variety of turnover thresholds, members can select a new fourth category: Professional Large Builder. As Jenny explains: ‘By introducing Large Builder as a separation from Medium and Major, there’s more opportunity for potential applicants in the program.’
The categories for the Professional Builder Awards are now:
- Professional Small Builder: For builders with an annual turnover up to $6 million.
- Professional Medium Builder: For builders with an annual turnover between $6 million and $30 million.
- Professional Large Builder: For builders with an annual turnover between $30 million and $100 million.
- Professional Major Builder: For builders with an annual turnover over $100 million.
‘HIA Professional Builder Awards are the ideal way for HIA members to show customers and potential clients that they have sound business and financial management practices, and strong customer communication and processes. It shows they follow through on their intentions,’ says Jenny.
In addition, the Professional Builder questions have been refreshed using plain language, which will resonate with members. ‘The new criteria includes all the previous ones but asked in a different way. For categories such as Large and Major Builder, we now ask entrants to provide verification of turnover by a CFO/CPA and upload a copy of your most recent Equifax Score if you have one.’
Emerging, managing and supplying
Another change this year is the removal of HIA’s Start-up Business category. ‘We recognised there was a cross-over with this category so we’re now encouraging members to enter Professional Builder, Building Supplier/Service Provider or Emerging Builder,’ says Jenny.
In addition, the Small Business Management category has been changed to Building Supplier/Service Provider. This award recognises suppliers and service providers in the residential building industry for excellence in business management. The business must demonstrate a strong trading record, superior levels of customer service, and sound financial management.
‘This new category is a perfect way to represent the amazing work businesses do around the country to support our industry. We’re excited to see this new addition and to celebrate their contribution,’ says Jenny.
In HIA’s Emerging Builder category, the new change means the builder must be licensed for more than five years. Previously, it was set at 10 years.
As Jenny says, ‘Competition in our awards program comes with high levels of participation, so we always strive to ensure the HIA Awards programs is vibrant and relevant. We encourage everyone to hop online or reach out to someone in their region to discover the most suitable award.
Time to shine
Celebrate outstanding workmanship, innovation and leadership. Entries for the 2026 HIA Awards are now open and close in May 2026. Showcase your work, acknowledge your team and take your place among the industry’s best.
First published on 23 February 2026