Profile

From the rugby field to Downer’s management Profile

From the rugby field to Downer’s management

After a promising career as a professional rugby player, Craig West hung up his boots and re-joined his former employer, Downer NZ in 2009 and is now executive general manager for transport infrastructure services. Richard Silcock interviews him over his career and the civil contracting industry in general. Let’s start with a brief...
Speaking frankly Profile

Speaking frankly

Many men in the construction industry wonder (some out loud, some silently) whether the push for things like stricter health and safety regulations and the drive to get more women into the industry are a bit over the top. Mary Searle Bell talks to ex Connexis chair Frances Hague about ‘PC gone mad’. Many in this industry ask if...
An industry advocate Profile

An industry advocate

Tossing aside a career behind a desk for one behind the controls of a big digger, Shannan Bell is thriving in the male-dominated civil construction industry. By Mary Searle Bell. Shannan Bell has become a bit of a poster girl for women in the construction industry. The attractive brunette has more than proved her worth as an operator of...
Continuing a family legacy Profile

Continuing a family legacy

There’re a few conversations going around about university relevance and the benefits of learning on the job that has school-leavers thinking twice about their options. As an apprentice or trainee, you can land a job in your chosen industry and earn while you learn. There is also no student debt mountain to pay off once your studies...
A ‘people’ person Profile

A ‘people’ person

 Richard Silcock talks with Graeme Johnson, Fulton Hogan’s chief for New Zealand, who has been with the company since 2003. At 37 years of age, Graeme Johnson heads the New Zealand operation of privately-owned contracting company Fulton Hogan, a position he has held since the beginning of last year following a period as chief...
The right attitude Profile

The right attitude

Engineer Amy O’Donnell was named 2018 Young Engineer of the Year by the Auckland branch of Civil Contractors New Zealand. MARY SEARLE BELL catches up with her Winning Young Engineer of the Year is an accolade of which Amy is justifiably proud, yet humbled to receive. “My project manager wanted to nominate me for the award, so I...
Country girl turned heavy haulage pilot Profile

Country girl turned heavy haulage pilot

For farm girl turned heavy haulage pilot and assessor, and now a member of the NZ Heavy Haulage Association, it has been an exciting journey. Richard Silcock explains. Comment from CE, NZ Heavy Haulage Association Tina Ware has just commenced her fourth year as a member of the Association’s Board. During this time she has cemented...
Building a reputation on asphalting Profile

Building a reputation on asphalting

With a close-knit team, Luke Lee of PCL Contracting has created a successful niche business. Richard Silcock talks to its managing director, Luke. Based at Pauatahanui, north of Wellington, this comparatively small contracting firm has been in business since July 2006, employs a staff of 40 and has garnered a niche market with many...
A passion for health and safety Profile

A passion for health and safety

Working at the site of the largest landslide in history ignited Tania Harris’ lifelong passion for, and business in health and safety. Abi Kibble explains. IN THE EARLY 1980S, Tania Harris and her husband lived in Washington state, USA, and owned a helicopter business operating in forestry, mining, construction, infrastructure and...
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