Speakers

Award-winning journalist Jehan Casinader is our MC. Jehan was named “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards, and “Best Political Columnist” at the Voyager Media Awards.

His remarkable journey began at age 13, when he convinced TVNZ’s “Holmes” programme to allow him to film his first story. Before long, he became a familiar face on shows like “Breakfast”, “Seven Sharp” and “Sunday”.

In the aftermath of natural disasters, terror attacks, sporting triumphs and everything in between, Jehan has helped hundreds of Kiwis to share their inspiring, deeply personal stories.

Behind the scenes, he had a secret: his own struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. In 2020, Jehan opened up about his mental health journey in a book called “This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life”.

Jehan has hosted a wide range of high-profile events in the building, construction and engineering sectors. He has a great understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our sector, and will bring his thought-provoking and entertaining style to our conference.

Award-Winning Comedian & MC

Michele A’Court is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated comedians and MCs, known for her razor-sharp wit and engaging stage presence. A household name, she has entertained audiences across television, radio, and live events for over three decades.

Named Female Comedian of the Decade (2010 NZ Comedy Guild Awards) and awarded the VAC Reilly Award for Excellence in Comedy (2015), Michele’s career spans international stand-up tours, regular appearances on 7Days, guest hosting on The Project, and commentary on RNZ.

An accomplished writer and speaker, she is the author of two bestselling books, co-host of On The Rag, and a dedicated advocate for community causes. In 2022, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her contributions to entertainment and comedy.

With warmth, intelligence, and impeccable comedic timing, Michele is the perfect MC to make the Brian Perry Civil Themed Dinner an unforgettable event.

Dr. Rod Carr completed his five year term as the Inaugural Chair of the New Zealand Climate Change Commission in December 2024. He is a director of ASB Bank and informal mentor to a number of start ups in clean tech in the Canterbury region. He has held a number of senior leadership roles in the public and private sectors and academia including as Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, Chairman of the Board of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, inaugural Chairman of the National Infrastructure Advisory Board, a director of Lyttleton Port and trustee of various charities. 
Over forty five years he has been appointed by six different governments to advise them on health, education, science and technology, financial services, monetary policy, banking regulation, infrastructure, climate change, and earthquake recovery. Rod holds a PhD in insurance and risk management as one of five university degrees. He has four grandchildren, has had three careers, holds honorary life membership of two New Zealand University students’ associations and has one life partner - mother of their four children and constant companion and critic!

Technical Director - Pavements & Laboratories, Fulton Hogan Ltd

Bryan has worked at Fulton Hogan since 2000. He is one of the leading roading engineering specialists in Australia and New Zealand. Bryan's current responsibilities include strategic leadership for road pavement and materials engineering, training and research at Fulton Hogan. Bryan has authored or co-authored over 100 technical papers in New Zealand and internationally.

Bryan is passionate about increasing the use of recycling and re-using materials, and has been involved in designing and constructing a number of projects around NZ during the past 20 years that incorporate recycled and re-purposed materials.

During 1998-2000, Bryan was Chief Executive of the NZ Pavement & Bitumen Contractors' Association. From 1986 to 1998, he was a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, specializing in pavement engineering. He is chair of the National Technical Pavements Group, a NZ industry best practice and road engineering group comprised of leading experts from consultants, contractors, industry associations, local government and

Dan is an experienced engineer and leader with over twenty years’ experience in the construction industry. He serves on the CCNZ Auckland Branch Committee and is currently the Operations Manager for McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd. 

He has been a contractor for his whole career and holds formal training in engineering and business. He has extensive experience in the water and transport sectors, successfully working under a variety of delivery models for clients across New Zealand.

A consistent achiever, Dan enjoys tackling complex problems and relentlessly commits to achieving the best results.

Denise is the Programme Director for the NZ Underground Asset Register initiative.

She has worked across the corporate sector, central and local government in New Zealand and the UK, specialising in strategy, risk, social marketing and communications.

Denise was previously the Network Activity Planning Manager for Wellington City Council and was responsible for producing Wellington’s Development Response Plan.

Derek Toner - Training & Engagement Specialist - Engaging Solutions Ltd.
Exciting new learning design and a promise to leave no learner behind has been Derek’s mantra since arriving to the New Zealand training and facilitation industry in 2016. Prior to that, he worked a 20-year career in civil construction and maintenance in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Having worked in labouring roles through to operational management he has developed a unique ability to connect with all walks of life. His company Engaging Solutions focuses on training solutions that go way beyond conventional box ticking classroom norms.

Francois has been CEO of the Forum since 2015. Prior to joining the Forum, Francois established and ran WorkSafe NZ’s national programme team, which has delivered major safety campaigns in construction, agriculture, forestry and manufacturing. He previously held roles at MBIE, and at the Department of Labour, where he was part of the team that established the Business Leaders' Health and Safety Forum in 2010.

Greg Allnutt is one of the founders of leading strategic advisory firm Pivot & Pace. He is a decorated strategy expert, being appointed to the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006 for his work in strategy, strategy execution and leadership for the NZ Defence Force in Afghanistan.

Transferring his strategic and leadership expertise to the business world has seen Greg advising CEOs and boards of some of New Zealand’s well-known brands.

Having worked across the military, public organisations, private companies and not-for-profits, Greg has seen a few sticky situations in his time. He’s learnt how you face challenges is what sets true leaders apart – and what creates truly high performing organisations.

Greg is known for helping businesses and leaders get the breakthroughs they are after so they can adapt, grow and thrive through change.

Senior Project Engineer, McConnell Dowell

Karun has 15 years of experience in the civil construction industry, specialising in tunnelling and underground infrastructure. Some examples include major stormwater and metro tunnels in Hong Kong, and the internationally recognised Waterview Connection and City Rail Link contracts in New Zealand.

Professor John Tookey has a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Bradford, UK. 

He started his professional career at Glasgow Caledonian University in 1998 before moving to the University of Auckland in 2006.  In 2009 he moved to AUT University where he is currently Associate head (International) of the School of Future Environments.  Professor Tookey has an extensive track record of research and publication around construction procurement, before specialising in supply chain management and logistics.  He has been responsible for the establishment and delivery of 10 new academic programmes in construction, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, in three different institutions.  In addition, he is a well-recognised commentator on construction issues across various media in New Zealand.

Kirsten Bell leads Fulton Hogan’s Annuity Win Work team, supporting regional businesses in securing and retaining road maintenance contracts.

With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Kirsten understands the critical need for public awareness, improved industry image, enhanced respect for road workers, and workforce diversity and inclusion. Her efforts in procurement earned her the Excellence in Construction Organisation award at the 2024 National Association of Women in Construction Awards. Kirsten is dedicated to transforming public perception through "Grit and Gravel," a reality TV series showcasing the vital work of road maintenance teams. This series aims to foster appreciation, counter negative perceptions, highlight sophisticated skills, and inspire future industry professionals.

Matt Ensor, a civil engineer based in Auckland, has worked in the transport and infrastructure sectors since 1990. Spending nearly 30 years with Beca, he contributed to a range of projects across transport planning and urban development. In 2018, he began exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could support the industry, particularly in improving decision-making and operational efficiency.
In 2021, Matt founded FranklyAI to develop AI-driven engagement tools. In 2024, he established Kia Ora AI, focusing on helping New Zealand organisations integrate Generative AI into their workflows. His work spans multiple sectors, supporting businesses in adopting AI responsibly and effectively to enhance efficiency and create competitive advantage.

Shamubeel Eaqub is a leading economist known for making complex economic ideas both accessible and engaging. As Chief Economist at Simplicity, he brings over 20 years of experience from top institutions, including ANZ Bank, Goldman Sachs JBWere, NZIER, and Sense Partners.

A graduate of Lincoln University with Honours in Economics and a CFA Charterholder, Shamubeel is also a respected author and media commentator. His books, including Growing Apart: Regional Prosperity in New Zealand and co-authored works like Generation Rent and The New Zealand Economy: An Introduction, explore critical economic and social issues shaping New Zealand’s future.

Beyond his role at Simplicity, Shamubeel is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and governance expert. Based in Auckland with his wife and two sons, he remains a thought leader dedicated to bringing clarity and insight to the economic landscape.

Managing Director, Seven Rivers

Stuart Bailey is a construction industry leader with over 30 years of experience in quantity surveying, contracts, and procurement. As the Managing Director of Seven Rivers, he specialises in project management, cost estimation, and risk mitigation for major infrastructure projects across New Zealand.

Stuart has worked extensively with government agencies, contractors, and industry professionals, providing expertise in contract administration, variations management, and commercial risk. He is also the driving force behind InfraPoint, an innovative cost database and estimating tool designed to improve pricing accuracy and transparency in 3 Waters and roading projects.

From scaling Māori and local SMEs through to training and Iwi economic development, Warner is passionate about generating social outcomes within the construction and infrastructure sectors.

He has over 25 years of experience in construction project management, procurement and the practical application of social outcomes.

Warner has diverse local and international experience across the construction and water industries, including as the Downer New Zealand National Water Operations and Maintenance Manager. He’s also been involved in the 10-year Water Alliance for the Far North District Council, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and three waters infrastructure projects as part of the Christchurch City Council rebuild.

Warner is a recognised industry leader in supplier diversity, social procurement and improving supplier diversity for Māori and Pasifika businesses. He is the founder and CEO of Height, a Technical Tendering and Social Procurement Consultancy of 40 staff that works across New Zealand and Australia.