Speakers

Award-winning journalist Jehan Casinader returns as the MC for our 2026 Conference.

At last year’s conference in Tauranga, Jehan hosted engaging conversations about the future of civil construction. In 2026 – an election year – Jehan will bring clarity to each session, and ask the questions that need to be asked.

With a 15-year background in journalism, Jehan was named “Reporter of the Year” at the New Zealand Television Awards, and “Best Political Columnist” at the Voyager Media Awards.

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

 Now, he’s one of the country’s most popular speakers and event hosts, and a respected voice in the areas of mental health, leadership and communication.

In 2020, Jehan opened up about his journey through depression, in a book called “This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life”.

Jehan is an official ambassador for Men’s Health Week. He loves conversations about how we can build a better future for all New Zealanders.

With over 25 years on stages across New Zealand and beyond, Greg Ward returns as MC for the CCNZ Contractors Themed Party- an event he’s hosted and entertained at on more than twelve occasions across the years.

Known for his warmth, wit and commitment to the chosen theme of the event, Greg brings his trademark energy, polish and just the right touch of mischief to this much-loved informal industry celebration.

Principal, Technical Director and Operations Manager for New Zealand Water and Transport teams.  Andrew has over 27 years in Civil Engineering in a variety of Project Management, Design and Management positions working as a Contractor, Client and Consultant including 7 years with Works Infrastructure and 5 years with URS in the UK and 9 years with URS/AECOM in Christchurch. 

Andy is a New Zealand First List MP based in Wellington. He is currently the Chairperson of the Transport & Infrastructure Select Committee and a member of the Governance & Administration Select Committee. As one of New Zealand’s most experienced local government politicians, Andy brings an exceptional level of professional and governance experience to parliament.

A former Wellington Mayor, Andy has also served on various boards, and prior to this had a background in investment finance, taught economics and was a Parliamentary researcher. Andy is recognised for his leadership in transport, urban planning, and finance. He spearheaded the world leading restoration of Wellington’s natural environment and is well known for his long-term involvement in Zealandia eco-sanctuary.

Arne Corrie-Johnston has spent his career in civil construction, from boots on the ground to leading a civil construction business. As Technical Strategy and Engagement Manager at Civil Contractors New Zealand, he connects members with knowledge turning industry problems into practical solutions.

Brendan Attewell FEngNZ CPEng MICE CEng - Fletcher Construction

As the Engineering Services and Innovation Manager at Fletcher Construction, Brian Perry Civil and Higgins, Brendan enables new business and project delivery teams with access to in-house technical services including temporary works & construction engineering, BIM, digital engineering, GIS, construction surveying & spatial capture – as well as the innovation portfolio.

Early career included project engineering roles on wharves, outfall pipelines, seawalls, bridges, and roads across New Zealand and the South Pacific. But it was during a 10-year stint in the UK as a Temporary Works Engineer, that Brendan worked closely with Contractors and their alignment with BS5975, the UK standard for temporary works procedural control. “I believe strongly in the implementation of robust engineering controls, often through the application of experience and innovation, to drive better project outcomes on cost, quality, programme and most importantly H&S”.

Caroline Boot is one of New Zealand’s most experienced and passionate champions of procurement capability development, Caroline has worked for more than 20 years to train, support, advise and lead best practice in procurement for both suppliers and clients.

Through the long-standing and unique Clever Buying procurement training programme, Caroline and her team have boosted procurement capability for thousands of public sector procurement staff throughout New Zealand’s local authorities, NZTA offices, ministries and departments in the past 15 years.

She holds an MBA with Distinction as well as post-graduate education qualifications; is a qualified director; a Qualified Tender Evaluator and NZQA Procurement Assessor; a member of MBIE’s Business Reference Group for Procurement, and several key industry organisations.

The Clever Buying Procurement Training and NZQA Certification programme for NZTA-Approved Proposal Evaluators that she has developed, remains the most popular, up-to-date and relevant training for procurement practitioners operating in New Zealand’s government organisations.

Dr Chris Wilcox is an Environmental Manager from HEB Construction who manages an internal team of environmental professionals to support the HEB regional business. Chris has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Auckland and is on the Board of Directors for the Australasian Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association.

Cody leads Multi Civil Contractors, a Wellington firm of 50 specialising in demolition, earthworks, drainage and site works since 1992. A believer of people being the greatest asset, he's known for backing people others overlook and helping them reach their full potential.

Currently the National Environmental Manager for Fulton Hogan, Dale has spent his career working through primary industries including agriculture and forestry, as well as heavy industry before returning to civil construction.

Damian Long is a highly respected leader in Australia’s civil construction industry, bringing more than 30 years of experience across earthworks, roadworks, structures, residential and industrial subdivisions, infrastructure, project delivery, and business management. His career has spanned major sectors including oil and gas, commercial building, infrastructure, and civil construction, providing him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

National Party, MP for Northcote, Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure select committee and a member of the Finance and Expenditure select committee.

Originally elected in 2018, and again in 2023, Dan is current Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure select committee, and a member of the Finance and Expenditure select committee.

Dan was born, adopted, and raised in Auckland to working class parents. After dropping out high school at 15 years of age, Dan completed a butchery apprenticeship with Woolworths supermarket.

He later graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) before being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to attend Harvard University, where he gained a Master of Public Policy in Economics.

Prior to Parliament, he has worked as an independent management consultant, a senior executive and in economist roles for the OECD in Paris, several economic think-tanks and Deloitte.

Dave is a professionally qualified Civil Engineer with a background in project management across a variety of infrastructure projects in New Zealand and the UK. Since joining G P Friel Ltd. as General Manager he has enjoyed the challenge of working with a team of high performing people to grow the business, deliver excellent work and maintain a successful brand. Dave believes that our role as Engineers and Construction professionals is to build a legacy of health, safety, environmental and quality improvements that will benefit future generations.

Greg is the General Manager at Trade Me Jobs, New Zealand's #1 choice for hands-on work. Leading the team that connects Kiwi employers with the talent they need, he brings a clear view of what's happening in hiring across the country.

Detective Superintendent Greg Williams - Director National Organised Crime Group, NZ Police

Greg has served with New Zealand Police for 46 years, specialising in drug investigations, serious crime, organised crime, and homicide investigations. Promoted to Detective Inspector in 2004, he led numerous complex investigations before becoming Detective Superintendent and National Manager of the Financial Crime Group in 2015. There, he established Money Laundering Teams and the Financial Crime Prevention Network in partnership with New Zealand’s major banks.

Since 2017, Greg has been Director of the National Organised Crime Group, leading efforts against high-level transnational and domestic organised crime. Under his leadership, 32 transnational organised crime cells have been dismantled in New Zealand. He has championed stronger collaboration across government and the private sector to build resilience against organised crime. Internationally, Greg co-chairs the Global Coalition’s Synthetic Drugs working group and represents New Zealand on several international crime-focused forums.

National Party, Minister for Infrastructure

Chris Bishop is Attorney General, the Minister of Housing, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Minister of Transport, Associate Minister of Finance, and he is the MP for Hutt South.

Chris was born and raised in Lower Hutt where he lives with his wife and two children. He has a first-class Honours degree in Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington, and was the 2006 Young Wellingtonian of the Year.

 Before serving as an MP, Chris worked as a researcher for the National Party in Opposition and was later an advisor to Ministers in the John Key-led Government.

 Chris was the National Party Campaign Chair for the 2023 General Election.

Having worked with Contractors for over 25 years in the environmental space Fiona started her career as a Regional Council Compliance Officer and soon realized Contractors needed proactive advice rather than reactive consequences. After joining HEB Construction as their first Environmental Manager Fiona was lucky to be part of significant environmental culture change. Now Mountfort Consulting helps companies and projects proactively manage their environmental risk and performance, Fiona works across the Contracting end to end system to enhance operational competency so companies can manage their day-to-day environmental aspects.

Hannah Gentile is a tender specialist and service designer with experience spanning health, humanitarian response, infrastructure and community services across Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as companies across the wider Asia-Pacific, UK, Europe, and United States. She has led or contributed to over 100 tender submissions, including major construction, roading, health, and social-service procurements, with awarded contract values up to NZ$300M. Hannah also brings valuable client-side insight, having managed and evaluated critical tender processes in the health and construction sectors.

Her background in service delivery, funding, stakeholder engagement and change management enables her to assess proposals with both strategy and risk in mind. Hannah is particularly experienced in working across complex, high-stakes environments, and with diverse stakeholders, including Māori and Pasifika communities. She brings a clear, balanced and outcomes-focused approach to procurement, with a strong understanding of what makes a response both compliant and compelling.

Hannah Pascoe is an Engineering Manager at HEB Construction, with over 12 years’ experience delivering major infrastructure projects across Aotearoa, working across contractor, consultant, and client‑side roles. She has a strong track record leading projects through bid, development, and delivery phases, and is experienced in collaborative delivery models including Early Contractor Involvement, alliances, and design and construct.

Hannah brings a practical, whole‑of‑life perspective to infrastructure delivery, with a focus on integrating design and construction, managing risk, and driving value through early engagement. She is passionate about improving outcomes through smarter procurement, continuous improvement, and building high-performing, collaborative project environments.

Holly is a keen advocate of accessible, transparent government and spends much of her time looking for ways to improve the lobbying industry.

Te Arawa (loud and) proud, Holly holds a law degree from the University of Auckland and was admitted to the bar in 2013. She spent four years working in political roles for two National Ministers before founding Awhi at the end of 2017.

In 2023 Holly was named in the University of Auckland’s 40 Under 40, and won Young Business Person of the Year at the Newmarket Business Awards and the People and Capability category at the MWDI Māori Business Women Awards in 2022.

She is a regular contributor for New Zealand media including RNZ, Newsroom and The Spinoff, and is a Crown-appointed Board Member of Whakaata Māori. To support her vision for an industry that everyone can access, Holly also founded New Zealand’s leading government relations training organisation Engage.

Jason Duncan, Domain Lead, Intelligence, Data Analytics and Insight – Inland Revenue

Jason leads Inland Revenue’s intelligence function and is a highly experienced intelligence leader. Jason has worked at IR for over 25 years with roles spanning across investigations, forensics and customer research. Jason represents IR at multiple cross-agency and international forums including Transnational Organised Crime and the Financial Crime Prevention Network.

Johannes has extensive experience across New Zealand’s infrastructure sector, having worked as both a supplier and a client. His time as Surfacing Contracts Manager for Downer NZ provided a deep understanding of what is required to successfully deliver construction projects within the New Zealand context. This practical foundation has underpinned his work at Porirua City Council and Carterton District Council, where his construction insight strengthened his leadership and delivery capability.

After serving as General Manager Infrastructure at Carterton District Council, Johannes joined Clever Buying, training and mentoring hundreds of procurement professionals nationwide. He also works with NZ Procurement and Probity, supporting councils across the country to strengthen procurement practices.

Johannes is passionate about building strong, constructive relationships between clients and suppliers, championing fair, impartial and reasonable procurement approaches that deliver the best value for money for our communities.

Jo Carvey is the Manager of Market Intelligence and Supplier Relationship Management at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. Jo is known for building strategic partnerships and driving collaboration across the infrastructure, construction, ICT, and health sectors. She brings extensive experience in strategic procurement, programme delivery, change leadership, supplier negotiations, and relationship management.
 

At NZTA, Jo leads work that strengthens supplier performance, market intelligence, and industry engagement. She has led initiatives including the Infrastructure Supplier Directory, the Supplier Listening Programme, and the use of supplier performance insights to support better procurement and investment decisions.

Jo is passionate about getting the best from people and systems, ensuring meaningful and positive change by listening, connecting, and turning strategy into action. Her multidisciplinary background enables an agile and innovative approach to problem-solving, supported by strong communication and influencing skills.

Green Party, Spokesperson for Infrastructure

 Julie Anne Genter is the MP for Rongotai and the Chatham Islands. She has been a Member of Parliament for the Green Party since 2011.

She is currently the spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure, Urban Development, Building and Construction, Economic Development, and State-Owned Enterprises. From 2017-2020, she served as Minister for Women, Associate Minister of Transport and Health.

Julie Anne has spent her career before and in politics working to deliver transportation policy and funding changes that will move more people and goods at lower cost. New Zealand has a huge opportunity to get better economic outcomes while also reducing pollution, reducing serious injuries and deaths on our roads, and improving quality of life for our people by investing in a multi-modal transportation network.

As Unit Director – Design & Deliver at Hamilton City Council, Kelly Stokes leads the delivery of a capital programme of over $250 million annually, helping shape the infrastructure and future of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities.

Drawing on more than two decades of experience across the minerals sector, flood protection and local government in Australia and New Zealand, Kelly brings a blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and practical delivery. Known for a transparent communication style and a decisive approach to complex challenges, Kelly has built a reputation for bringing people together and driving results when it matters most.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Queensland, along with postgraduate qualifications in Engineering Science. In recognition of outstanding leadership, Kelly was awarded the Te Toka Tuu Leadership Award in 2023.

Larissa (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) is a Senior Procurement Specialist – Economic Benefit and Human Rights at Auckland Transport. Her work spans social procurement and human rights due diligence across Auckland Transport’s supply chain, ensuring procurement delivers positive social, economic and community outcomes while helping identify, prevent and address risks to workers and vulnerable groups. She works with suppliers and industry partners to embed responsible business practices, strengthen supply chain integrity, and improve worker wellbeing through initiatives such as supplier engagement, risk assessment and worker voice programmes.

Matt Ensor is a leading New Zealand adviser, speaker and educator on the practical adoption and governance of Generative AI. With a background in civil engineering, Matt specialises in sectors where accuracy matters. Matt works with boards, executive teams and professional organisations and is known for practical, engaging sessions combining live demonstrations, industry examples and clear guidance on using AI safely and effectively.

Matt chairs the AI Forum New Zealand’s Generative AI Working Group, is an AI governance facilitator and subject matter expert for the Institute of Directors, serves on Engineering New Zealand’s AI Advisory Committee, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the University of Auckland’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Michael Alp is the General Manager of New Zealand Government Procurement at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), where he leads the government’s central procurement function. In this role, he works across the public and private sectors to improve procurement outcomes, strengthen commercial capability, and drive better value for New Zealanders. Michael is leading a significant transformation of New Zealand Government Procurement, with a focus on innovation, commercial excellence, supplier engagement, and leveraging technology and AI to improve outcomes. He is passionate about building productive partnerships between government and industry to deliver sustainable economic and social value.

Detective Sergeant Mike Clubb, Taskforce Supervisor, National Organised Crime Group, NZ Police

Mike has served with New Zealand Police for 24 years, specialising in the investigation of serious crime.

Since 2021 Mike has been a Taskforce Supervisor at the National Organised Crime Group where he has led investigations focussing on drugs, organised crime and money laundering.

Monika Wakeman is a senior Health, Safety and Wellbeing leader at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, where she supports the development of national standards and capability across New Zealand’s transport and infrastructure sector. She brings extensive experience in safety, risk, and sustainability, and plays an active role in industry collaboration, including involvement with the Temporary Traffic Management Industry Steering Group (TTM ISG).

Prior to joining NZTA, Monika was a Director at Deloitte, specialising in climate, sustainability, and risk advisory, with over 15 years of international experience helping organisations strengthen governance, safety culture, and ESG performance.

Nathan Beaumont is one of New Zealand's leading crisis communications advisers, working with Boards, CEOs and Senior Leaders when the stakes are at their highest. As founder of The Reputation Hub, Nathan advises organisations across a range of sectors including construction, infrastructure, energy and regulated industries on how to protect and manage their reputation, both before a crisis hits and when it does. He specialises in media and crisis preparedness, stakeholder strategy, and advising senior leaders on how to communicate under pressure. Nathan is known for direct, practical advice that works in real situations, not just in theory. He is based in Christchurch and works with clients across New Zealand.

Natasha Jojoa Burling has more than 16 years’ experience as a reporter and editor.

Editorial Manager for Contrafed Publishing

Nick is Manager – Stakeholder Consenting & Acquisition as Chorus, with extensive experience across infrastructure delivery, stakeholder engagement, and approvals processes. He specialises in navigating complex consenting environments and securing access for major transport and infrastructure projects, working closely with councils, landowners, and delivery partners.

Nick is an active contributor to industry collaboration, with involvement in both the New Zealand Utilities Advisory Group (NZUAG) and the Temporary Traffic Management Industry Steering Group (TTM ISG), supporting improved coordination, standards, and outcomes across the sector. He brings a practical, delivery-focused perspective, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, risk management, and achieving timely outcomes in complex regulatory and community environments.

Nicholas Proud is the CEO of Civil Contractors Federation the national Peak Industry Body and Registered Organisation for the Civil Construction Industry in Australia.

With Branches in every State and Territory, the Civil Contractors Federation and its 1,800 Contractor and Associate Members play a critical role in delivering the nation’s infrastructure in every community, town and city in Australia.

Leading the civil infrastructure Peak Body enables new opportunity to tackle national macro housing, community and energy transition goals that can’t be achieved without this critical infrastructure playing a central role.

Peter Nunns is General Manager - Strategy at Te Waihanga, where he oversees the Commission's strategy, research and policy advice functions. He led development of the National Infrastructure Plan and contributed to New Zealand's first Infrastructure Strategy in 2022. An economist with experience in consultancy, local government, and central government, Peter focuses on taking a long-term view on long-lived infrastructure – ensuring decisions today serve New Zealand's future. He holds postgraduate qualifications in economics and political science from the University of Auckland.

Rebecca Fox is the Workforce Development Manager at Civil Contractors New Zealand, she 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.

In her role at Civil Contractors New Zealand, she provides essential input to the education sector on the needs of the industry. Rebecca also sets the industry’s strategy to ensure people working in the industry are recognised for their hard work and skills, and most recently has developed an infrastructure careers roadmap to show learners the amazing career pathways available to them.

Roydon Shaw is a dedicated Recruitment Manager at Rāranga, bringing over 10 years of experience in on-hire and corporate recruitment. With a background in social work, he focuses on creating comprehensive training pathways in the construction industry and related sectors.

Simon Humphries, Head of Compliance and Enforcement, Labour Inspectorate, MBIE

Simon is Head of the Labour Inspectorate at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and an accomplished regulatory leader with more than 26 years' experience in compliance, investigations, law enforcement, and regulatory practice. He has held senior leadership roles across MBIE, WorkSafe New Zealand, New Zealand Police, and the Department of Internal Affairs, leading nationally dispersed operational and regulatory functions.

Simon has extensive expertise in modern regulatory practice and is recognised for advancing integrated approaches that strengthen collaboration, intelligence sharing, compliance outcomes, and regulatory effectiveness across agencies. He is a strong advocate for risk-based, evidence-led regulation and building regulatory capability across the public sector.

Passionate about delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders, Simon champions safe and fair workplaces while supporting employers to meet their obligations. He is known for his pragmatic leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

ACT Party, Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Infrastructure and RMA Reform

 Simon Court MP is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform. Simon also serves as the ACT Party spokesperson for Climate Change and Energy & Resources and was first elected to Parliament as an ACT Party MP in 2020. 

Before politics, Simon worked as a Civil and Environmental Engineer with 23 years’ experience in roles for the private sector and local government. This includes 10 years leading engineering, planning, tendering, and construction teams primarily in Auckland, Wellington, and Fiji.

Steph Kirk works as an Environmental Manager for the Major Projects division in Heb Construction. With over a decade of experience working boots on the ground in civil infrastructure projects for the client, council and contractor she’s seen all sides of what works well and what doesn’t. Steph sits on the Australasian Board of Directors for the International Erosion Control Association (IECA) and is passionate about educating and advocating for contractors to raise the bar with a simple and no frills approach.

Shamubeel Eaqub is an influential economist who makes the complexities of economics both easy and engaging. Currently, he serves as the Chief Economist at Simplicity, bringing over two decades of experience.

His career has seen him contribute his expertise at leading institutions, including ANZ Bank, Goldman Sachs JBWere, NZIER, Sense Partners, and now Simplicity.

An alumnus of Lincoln University, he graduated with Honours in Economics and is also a CFA Charterholder. Beyond his professional role, Shamubeel is an accomplished author and a frequent voice in media, known for his insightful commentary on economic and social issues in New Zealand. His published works include influential books such as Growing Apart: Regional Prosperity in New Zealand and co-authored titles like Generation Rent and The New Zealand Economy: An Introduction, which highlight critical issues affecting the nation.

He balances a dynamic portfolio that spans consulting, public speaking, governance, and family life. Residing in Auckland with his wife and two sons, Shamubeel remains a thought leader who brings clarity and accessibility to the world of economics.

Labour Party, Spokesperson for Infrastructure

Tangi’s professional background combines Local Government and Education. Tangi’s connection to the community is wide and his understanding of the issues that affect the lives and livelihoods of New Zealanders is vast.

Prior to his election as the Member of Parliament for the Palmerston North Electorate in 2020, Tangi served 10 years on the City Council, and was the city’s first elected member of Pasifika heritage. Tangi was appointed Deputy Mayor in 2016, a position he held until his election to Parliament. Whilst a member of the City Council, Tangi made it his priority to work with people from right across the political spectrum.

Combined with his focus on policy and practice, Tangi made a significant contribution to the areas of multiculturalism, education, resource management and racing. Tangi is currently the opposition spokesperson for Local Government, Transport, State Owned Enterprises, and Racing, alongside being Deputy Shadow Leader of the House and a member of Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure and Standing Orders committees.

He has also recently served as a member of the Privileges Committee and Parliamentary Services Commission.

With an extensive background in commercial enterprises, NGOs, and government organisations, Philip joined after leading Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council. His prior experience includes tenure as Executive Director of the Health Association of NZ, and leadership roles with Infratrain, Telecom NZ and Superu (Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit).

Having led initiatives to improve the Canterbury Rebuild’s labour supply, in conjunction with the infrastructure and construction industry, education providers and Government agencies, Philip understands the challenges and opportunities involved with transformational programmes of work involving many stakeholders. Philip has a strong passion and vision for the Energy and Infrastructure ISB and has rapidly recruited a motivated team to help move the organisation from the establishment start-up phase to full operation in a short space of time.