Speakers

There are few TV news roles Sacha hasn’t ticked off in the past two decades in her career as a journalist for both TV3 and TVNZ.

A broadcaster who has reported, presented and produced across a huge number of news shows, live in the field and from the studio.

She’s fronted innumerable breaking news stories, conducted live interviews with newsmakers and politicians, and covered numerous national events, as well as travelling to other countries to report on natural disasters.

Ian's story mirrors New Zealand's growth from its days as an agriculture-based economy. He laboured in the freezing works during the school holidays. Through the swinging 60s and 70s he was a singer in a rock and roll band, before being called up in the army. By 1980, he had completed a law degree and started an entirely new career in television, where he was part of an industry that went from black-and-white film to colour video and on into the digital age.

Brad Olsen is Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics. He is a leading economic commentator across New Zealand who focuses on getting useful information to businesses, decision makers, and the public.

Since joining Infometrics in July 2015 as a part time data analyst while studying at Victoria University of Wellington, Brad has risen to be one of New Zealand’s more prominent (and youngest) economic commentators, regularly featuring across TV, radio, print, and online.

Greg Murphy is a renowned New Zealand racing driver celebrated for his career in motorsport. Born on August 23, 1972, in Hastings, New Zealand, Murphy gained prominence in the Australian motorsport scene, particularly in V8 Supercars. His illustrious career includes numerous victories, notably four wins at the prestigious Bathurst 1000 race in 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2004.

In addition to his contributions to motorsport, Greg Murphy has been an advocate for road safety, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving practices and what ‘safe driving’ actually means. Leveraging his influence and experience as a racing driver, Murphy has participated in various road safety campaigns primarily aimed at young drivers and increasing their practical skills.

Peter worked at CEO and director level in the postgraduate legal education and training sector for The College of Law in New Zealand, Australia and Asia (based in Kuala Lumpur) from 2005 - 2019.  Before that he managed employment relations, advisory services and employer advocacy for New Zealand's largest employer organisation, EMA (Northern). He has also been the CEO of three national business organisations representing New Zealand's civil contracting, magazine publishing and grocery manufacturing sectors. Peter was CEO of the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation from 1988-1996 and was made a Life Member of the federation in 1996.

Peter’s career began with Auckland law firm Russell McVeagh and included working for the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation as an Executive Officer and Industrial Officer (1979-1982) and as an investigator in the New Zealand Ombudsman’s Office.

Peter has degrees in Laws and Arts (major in History) from the University of Auckland and a post graduate Certificate in International Legal Practice from the University of Law, London. He has been admitted as a New Zealand Barrister & Solicitor but no longer holds a practising certificate.

Chris is the CEO of Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to improving the health safety and well-being of construction workers. He is also a current director of Mates in Construction. Chris brings a holistic but evidence based practical approach to improving business performance and has experience across a number of industries including aviation, dairy and professional services. He is a qualified chartered accountant, chartered member of the NZ Institute of Directors and also a registered health and safety professional with HASANZ, a combination which allows for economic and practical application of health, safety and well-being in the business environment.

Angus Bargh is the technical lead for the National Forward Works Viewer on behalf of the Digital Built Aotearoa Foundation - the owner of the viewer. Angus is a professional engineer and transport planner having been part of the civil infrastructure recovery alliances in Christchurch, Kaikoura and more recently on the East Coast of the North Island following Cyclone Gabrielle.

His journey with the National Forward Works Viewer started in 2012 where it was extensively used for the rebuild of Christchurch. The Digital Built Aotearoa Foundation was set up in 2023. It’s a place to act as a repository of digitally collated information of the built environment. Its aim is to be a neutral entity to host and publish national infrastructure data via the National Forward Works Viewer, and to enable collaboration and knowledge sharing to improve infrastructure resilience throughout Aotearoa

Caroline Boot is the original founder of Plan A, however she now works with procurement professionals in government agencies across New Zealand. She leads Clever Buying’s team of trainers and assessors for procurement qualifications, who work with hundreds of tender evaluators in both local and central government. She also advises, chairs and provides Probity Assurance for scores of public sector procurements each year.
Between them, Nick Cowan and Caroline Boot provide unique insights-  not only into what drives public agencies and tender evaluators to award contracts, but also how to organise and deploy your  available resources to give your company the very best chance of winning government work.

Rachel Bowen is WorkSafe’s Engagement Lead for the Construction Sector. She joined WorkSafe New Zealand in 2021, attracted by the opportunity to engage with people to achieve change.

Vanessa is the National Manager Te Toki Manawa Programme and Standards at Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency.  
Part of the Transport Services business group, Programme and Standard’s purpose is to enable Transport Services to deliver the right things.  The team do this via three primary functions: setting the long-term asset management direction for the State Highway, holding the ‘technical authority’ for Transport Services work and the work of our suppliers (the TS standards and guidelines suite including all of our environmental and sustainability requirements) and holding the portfolio of work that Transport Services deliver, both capital improvement projects and maintenance and renewal work on the state highway.    

Vanessa is very proud of the Programme and Standards team, with more than 100 incredible people who bring their expertise and know how to make things better for Transport Services, for our Council partners, for our transport asset and ultimately for the outcomes we create for New Zealanders

Paul is a partner in the major projects and construction team at Dentons. He has over 25 years specialist experience as a construction lawyer, having advised on some of the major projects that have built New Zealand. He is the legal advisor to the Executive Council. Prior to this role Paul was a National Executive Councillor for 6 years and an Auckland Executive Councillor for 11 years.

Paul is one of the CCNZ representatives on the review of NZS 3910, a contract he advises on daily. Paul is ranked as a leading contractor in international directories and is recognised as a leading construction lawyer in NZ.

Andrew Clark National Manager of Maintenance & Operations at Waka Kotahi
Since joining Waka Kotahi in October 2023 as the National Manager, I've been deeply committed to driving Operations and Process Improvement initiatives. With a background rooted in operational excellence, I quickly immersed myself in optimizing processes and enhancing efficiency within the organization.

With a passion for driving impactful change, I'm dedicated to delivering tangible results that positively impact the communities we serve. I am committed to leading Waka Kotahi towards operational excellence, laying the groundwork for a brighter and more efficient future in transportation infrastructure.

 Nick Cowan heads up Plan A’s team of bid writers and managers, who specialise in supporting tenderers to develop and deliver winning bids. Since 1998, Plan A has been the wind under the wings of many CCNZ members as they accelerate business growth and prepare tenders that punch above their weight to win government contracts

CCNZ Technical Manager

Michelle Farrell is a chartered civil engineer who brings a wide range of experience and knowledge from across the civil construction industry into her role as Technical Manager at Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ). 

With a solid understanding in key areas such as infrastructure design and construction (including three waters and roading), environmental management (including river works) and contract procurement and construction law, including various roles as Engineer to the Contract and with a focus on risk management, Michelle enjoys strengthening connections between clients, government, contractors and suppliers. With experience working for various councils, contractors, clients and consultants around the country, Michelle appreciates the benefits of collaboration and working together towards a common goal of delivering quality, efficient and sustainable construction projects across NZ.

Cathy is Civil Infrastructure Leader at AECOM New Zealand Ltd. She is a Chartered Professional Civil Engineer with over 25 years’ experience covering large public infrastructure projects, smaller upgrade works, and private developments. She has worked in the South Island as project director, team leader, design manager, EtC and ER on local council and Waka Kotahi projects for over 15 years and is Level 2 EtC and Level 4 ER accredited for Waka Kotahi. Cathy was a member of the EtC Panel during its pilot phase. 

CCNZ, Workforce Development Manager

CCNZ Workforce Rebecca has spent decades supporting businesses and trainees to find success and be recognised for their skills in infrastructure, working across diverse industries including water, public health, local government and transport infrastructure. In her role at Civil Contractors New Zealand, she provides essential input to the education sector on the needs of the industry, and sets the strategy to ensure people working in the industry are recognised for their hard work and skills.

Fraser Geologics Ltd (FGL) is a small, specialist Geotechnical Engineering Consultancy operating across a range of projects for private and public sector clients spread throughout NZ, Australia and the Pacific Islands.  

 
Services include civil engineering and infrastructure design with experience in railways,  land development, retaining walls, bridges & bridge abutments, geosynthetic reinforced structure designs and project management/delivery with a strong focus on construction buildability and value engineering/ cost control. 

The Principal, Maurice Fraser is a chartered Professional Engineer and Engineering Geologist with 30 plus years in the engineering industry. FGL works closely with several larger engineering consultancies and civil contractors throughout NZ and Australia including design / construct and design /build project opportunities.

President, Civil Contractors New Zealand 

Bailey Gair has worked for several family-owned and small to medium civil construction companies, including as a Managing Director. She is now General Manager at SCL Civil Works in Hawke's Bay.

Working and growing up in a family-owned civil construction business has given Bailey a good grounding and understanding of the civil construction industry, and the challenges and opportunities it faces.

Hugh is the Managing Director of Pipeline & Civil, a medium sized contractor specialising in construction & renewals of critical assets for 3 waters and in the energy sector. He is chair of the Auckland Branch for CCNZ and a board member of CHASNZ (Construction Health & Safety NZ). Hugh is also an independent director of Inframax Construction, a road maintenance, construction and quarrying business based on Te Kuiti.

Andy Hagan, General Manager Infrastructure Delivery. Andy has worked in the public sector for nearly 20 years in a range or infrastructure policy and funding and financing roles, including as a member of the Executive Leadership Team at New Zealand Treasury. Prior to joining Te Waihanga, Andy was Director at project advisory consultancy HKA.

Sue was appointed as Relationship Manager – Civil for Waihanga Ara Rau in October 2021, after spending six years with Connexis as a training advisor in their national field team.  You'll see Sue on Teams calls and, on the road, engaging with industry, so she can understand and advocate for the Civil sector. Her role is to gather intelligence and insights to support the work of the qualification, assessment moderation and research teams at Waihanga Ara Rau as the organisation continues to progress some of the biggest changes to vocational education in a generation.  Sue trained initially as a primary school teacher and then went on to spend 17 years as Head of Adult and Continuing Education at Otumoetai College in Tauranga.  During this time, she completed a Bachelor of Education with a focus on adult education issues and needs.  She has also worked as a programme manager for a large workplace literacy PTE and as a contract behavioural safety resource writer and trainer.

Edward is the Alliance Programme Manager for Kā Huanui a Tāhuna, the Alliance set up to deliver a programme of work in the Whakatipu Basin for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and NZTA Waka Kotahi (NZTA.) Participants in the Alliance are Owners, QLDC and NZTA and Non-Owners Beca, WSP, Downer NZ and Fulton Hogan.

Edward works for Fulton Hogan and has spent most of his career in the project delivery space. Recent projects prior to Kā Huanui a Tāhuna include CNC Alliance, Western Belfast Bypass and Christchurch Southern Motorway Stage 1. Prior to these he spent time in the North Island delivering projects. This Alliance differs from his previous projects as it is a programme of projects, with the Alliance being set up in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lorraine Kendrick, Business Director - Water

CPEng (NZ), IntPE (NZ), BEng (Hons)
Strategic and Transformation Advisor, Business Director with over 23 years of experience.  Chartered and International Professional Engineer, specialising in providing strategic advice for the public and private sector, responding to legislative and regulatory requirements, planning and delivering infrastructure programmes to meet the needs of the community.  Experienced in programme, project and contract management in NZ, UK and Ireland, leading the delivery of efficient and effective infrastructure services managing the provision of 3 water services, transportation, community services and land development.   Directorship appointment on the Water NZ Board, President of Water New Zealand and committee member on the Water Services Managers Group.  Lorraine comes from Belfast, Ireland but has made New Zealand her home for the last 21 years.  Outside of work Lorraine enjoys an active family life, who loves to travel to the more remote spots of the world.

CCNZ Communications and Advocacy Manager

Fraser May grew up in a used bookstore on Wellington’s Lambton Quay, giving him a lifelong love of people’s stories.

He started with CCNZ in 2018 with significant association experience, having worked to support clients (including five national associations) as a communications contractor. Fraser is responsible for CCNZ’s communications channels and supports the association’s significant national advocacy work.

Kelley Marra is all about helping people find paths that truly resonate with them, making their lives meaningful and inspiring. With a degree in sport and health science and extra training in career development, Kelley has worked in various fields like industry training, disability support, and youth development for over nine years. She’s dedicated to empowering young people (rangatahi) to unlock their full potential through mentoring, hands-on learning, and exploring career options.

Through her roles in management, operations, and advisory positions, Kelley has witnessed firsthand the incredible transformations people can undergo when they take charge and find hope for their own futures.

Erin is the Group Manager Infrastructure for Invercargill City Council where she leads the Infrastructure, Property and Project Management portfolios.  She has 20 years experience in public infrastructure gained in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. Holding degrees in law and public policy she has worked as a client and a contractor, starting her career with a private law firm before moving into infrastructure contract and project management with the Queensland Government. When she left the Queensland Government she went to work for the American company Cubic who are best known for developing London’s “Oyster Card” where she was responsible for their $200 million contract to build and operate the South East Queensland smart card system. Prior to taking up her current position Erin oversaw Infrastructure Operations for Queenstown Lakes District Council. 
 
Erin has held member and chair positions of industry boards and working groups and is the current president of IPWEA New Zealand

Dave has been working in the water industry for 30 years, starting in the ‘trenches’ in
Queenstown. He is recognised today as a foremost expert in operational excellence,
network and infrastructure optimisation, water quality management and emergency
resilience, preparedness and response - receiving the industry service award in 2009 and
the Water NZ Operator of the Year in 2006. He has also been honoured by the New Zealand
Government with the award of the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Asian Tsunami) in
2006.
Dave is the founding Executive Officer of the Water Industry Operations Group of NZ and is
an active member of the Civil Contractors Association, Water New Zealand, Water Industry
Operators Association of Australia and Australasian Society of Trenchless Technology. Dave
also sits on a number of industry sector and technical committees and advisory groups that
focus on industry training, technical standards, workforce wellness and well-being and te
mana o te wai.
As the United Nations Cluster lead for Water, Dave has taken the lead in a number of
international responses to major disasters including the 2005 Boxing Day Tsunami (Aceh)
and Canterbury earthquakes. Dave also was the technical lead for the World Health
Organisation Pacific Water Quality Management and Safety Programme.
Dave is an advocate of the operational workforce who are at the forefront of achieving
community health and prosperity outcomes and assurance of environmental protection for
the betterment of future generations.

Damian Pedreschi is the Executive General Manager, New Zealand at Ventia, a company that specialises in large-scale, complex infrastructure services, spanning transport, telco, defence, utilities and renewable energy,  and health and social infrastructure.

Damian is a strong leader with extensive knowledge of what it takes to deliver high quality transport infrastructure with a focus on aligning with client needs and driving better outcomes for network users and local communities. His passion for building great team culture and expertise in the transport sector coupled with his deep marketing and business acumen make him a unique voice in the NZ Transport conversation.

Known for challenging assumptions and offering insightful commentary, Damian is an engaging and sought after key note speaker and panel member.

Stephanie Pretorius is a Managing Principal with Argon and Co, and Director of Lean Construction ANZ (LCANZ). 
She has experience creating sustainable change and leading large multi-site transformation programmes.  Stephanie focusses on strategic performance improvement and how to use lean as an improvement system to delivers a step change in results and the attainment of strategic objectives. Productivity improvement and efficiency improvement are core areas of her support for project delivery.

Having spent over 20 years in the electricity industry specialising in investment analysis, asset management and project engineering and delivery, Siobhan switched from moving electrons around the transmission grid to moving people around the capital city taking on the role of Transport and Infrastructure Manager at Wellington City Council in 2018.  A secondment to Lets Get Wellington Moving as the Three Year Programme Director was followed by her current appointment as Chief Infrastructure Officer at Wellington City Council which sees her accountable for around $10 billion worth of roading, property, waste and water assets.  Her team is also tasked with the delivery of $3 billion of capex over the coming decade with a strong focus on transport, water, waste, housing and tackling the climate emergency.

Gavin is the Chief Executive Officer and owner of Tūpore, comprising Tūpore Infrastructure Limited, Tūpore Aggregates Limited and Tūpore Asphalt Limited. Tūpore is a full service civil construction company servicing the Hawkes Bay, East Coast and central North Island. 

He has a focus and an ambition for Tūpore Infrastructure to be the vehicle which creates positive outcomes in the lives of people who work for the group and the wider community the business serves.

For over twenty seven years, Jim has led Infrastructure Groups in the UK and New Zealand in both private and public sector. 

He was a Technical Director for Jacobs Engineering in the UK running the Transport Planning division in the North of England before moving to their Global Sales team.  He moved to NZ with GHD where I held similar positions in Auckland including the relationship manager for Auckland Transport and Business Development Manager for Transport. 

In 2014 he made the shift to Waka Kotahi to experience life on the client side where he led the development and delivery of the Northland Programme.  In this role he recognized the need to provide better frameworks to allow contractors to build capacity and be supported by the client.  He developed the Northland Delivery Framework which provided lower tier contractors with opportunities to access work as well as higher tier contractors with greater visibility and certainty of work.

He joined Kaipara District Council as the General Manager for Infrastructure in 2019 and is now in the same role at Whangarei District Council.

Throughout his career in Northland, Jim has valued his relationship with the CCNZ branch.  Openness and honest conversations have been the foundation of a relationship that has improved how WDC develop and procure work packages.  He appreciates that just like the Warriors, you have to keep turning up through good times and bad 

Gavin is the director of Navig8 Construction Advisory, a practice focused on helping clients and projects set a course for success. Gavin is an experienced major project leader and Engineer to Contract, was a member of the EtC Pilot Panel Steering Group and represented ACE New Zealand and Engineering New Zealand on the review committee for NZS3910. He spent over 20 years at Beca as Business Director (Construction Sector Advisory) and General Manager (Project Strategy and Delivery).  

Dave Tilton has dedicated 15 years to the field of Temporary Traffic Management (TTM), contributing significantly across TTM design, delivery, management, and strategy. In 2023, Dave was honored with the role of Chairperson for the newly established NZ TTM Industry Steering Group (ISG), leading New Zealand's transition towards a risk-based TTM approach. As the founder of Parallaxx, a professional services firm specializing in TTM since 2012, Dave has consistently driven innovation and thought leadership within the sector.
 
Building on this extensive industry experience, Dave is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Canterbury, focusing on risk assessment within TTM. His research seeks to address the absence of mature risk assessment approaches and application within the TTM sector, a necessity for the impending transition of NZ’s TTM industry towards a more ‘risk based’ approach to TTM. This research is particularly designed to synchronize with the TTM Industry Steering Group's Assurance Workstream, ensuring that the outcomes not only contribute to academic knowledge but also deliver practical, industry-wide benefits.