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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Corbin is a New Zealand Paralympian who competed in the Tokyo Games and ranked as high as 5th in the world in para canoe. After a serious workplace accident in 2019 ended his decade-long career in roading and construction, he transitioned into elite sport. Corbin also ran his own machinery business from 2022 to 2024. Now, he’s working in recruitment within the construction space, staying active in the gym, and building a new chapter alongside his partner Olivia as they settle into their new home on the Hibiscus Coast.

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.