McGuinness brothers’ capital work rewarded
The Wellington Gold Awards was a family affair for four brothers on Thursday night as they were honoured for changing the face of the capital’s landscape.
The Dominion Post Tribute to Wellington Icon Award was won by the McGuinness brothers for the work they had done for the city through their building and development businesses.
Mark McGuinness is the managing director of Willis Bond & Co, his brothers Peter and Brian are LT McGuinness directors and Jim is a retired director of LT.
The brothers have carried on the legacy of their father, who set up a family business 1957.
Some of the projects LT McGuinness and Willis Bond have completed include: Clyde Quay Wharf, Chews Lane, NZX Centre and Transpower House.
Mark McGuinness said the brothers were delighted and humbled to win the award.
‘‘There have been very capable winners in the past and it is a great honour to be up there with them,’’ he said.
‘‘Wellington is on the up. It’s got a whole new vibrancy and it’s becoming a city of talent, where young people with skills choose to live and companies will follow them here.’’
The award also recognised the other businesses who worked alongside them such as engineers, architects and lawyers, he said.
Although they worked in two separate businesses, they worked closely together on projects.
Every project had its own character and challenges but working with his brothers was enjoyable.
‘‘We are fired up for the future and have a lot of ambition for Wellington and its renaissance from a government town, to a vibrant place, where many people want to work and live. We want to continue to be part of this.’’
Dominion Post general manager Gerard Watt, who was a judge for the award, said the brothers were an obvious choice to win.
They had made an outstanding contribution to Wellington business and played a huge part in the design, restoration and preservation of many landmark buildings in the city.
Looking around the waterfront, people could see the great work they had done, he said.
‘‘What we liked is that they are a family business and they have managed to be a competitive business but keep their family values as well.’’ The brothers also gave back to the wider community outside of work, sitting on various boards and committees, he said.
Wellington is on the up. It’s got a whole new vibrancy and it’s becoming a city of talent, where young people with skills choose to live and companies will follow them here.
Mark McGuinness