A Bay of Plenty academic helping train the next generation of quantity surveyors has been recognised with one of the industry’s highest honours.

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology senior academic staff member Emmolina May received the 2026 President’s Citation from the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS).

The award recognises individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the quantity surveying profession through leadership, service and commitment to advancing the industry, a media release said.

May received the citation from NZIQS president Stu Watson at the organisation’s annual conference in Auckland in July.

She said she was honoured.

“It reflects my work across industry leadership, education, and advocacy for quantity surveying as a profession.”

She said it highlighted the value Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology brought to the wider construction and quantity surveying profession.

According to NZIQS, May was recognised for her leadership, industry service and efforts to strengthen links between education and the construction sector.

She was also acknowledged for promoting contractual awareness, supporting fair dispute resolution and championing a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Through her teaching, May has helped prepare students for careers in New Zealand’s construction sector while ensuring graduates have the skills employers need.

Toi Ohomai engineering and built environment programme manager Rachel Beaton said May’s recognition was well deserved.

“It is wonderful to see Emmolina May’s contributions to the industry acknowledged at a national level.

“Her dedication to promoting educational pathways, strengthening relationships with industry stakeholders, and creating meaningful and engaging opportunities for our ākonga [students] is truly making a difference.”

More than 550 quantity surveyors, industry leaders and partners from New Zealand and overseas attended the NZIQS Annual Conference in Auckland from July 1 to 3.