Image: Razia Mirzayi from Ghella won the Z Energy Personal Improvement Award. L-R: Fiona Morton (Connexis), award recipient Razia Mirzayi (Ghella) and David Howard (CCNZ).
An immigrant who overcame the language barrier to become a site engineer on New Zealand’s largest wastewater project and a company helping unemployed people to build successful infrastructure careers were among the winners at the Z Energy People Awards and Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards.
The awards, which were presented at the Civil Contractors Conference in Wellington on 14 August, shone a spotlight on the individuals and organisations boosting the capability of the civil construction industry.
Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Pollard was proud to hear the finalists’ stories and congratulated the winners.
“Civil construction is built on people and continuous development and today’s award recipients embody everything that makes our industry great.”
Z Energy People Awards
Razia Mirzayi of Ghella won the Z Energy Personal Improvement Award with a story that captured the spirit of the occasion. Arriving in this country from Afghanistan and speaking English as a second language, she worked her way up from intern to site engineer on the $1.6 billion Central Interceptor – this country’s largest wastewater project.
Z Energy People award judges David Howard and Fiona Morton describe Razia’s journey as “a powerful example of commitment to personal improvement”.
“Razia’s strength lies in her determination, professionalism, and willingness to push herself. “She brings a calm and focused approach to her work and contributes positively to her team.”
The Z Energy Emerging Leader Award was won by Pieter Ruthven from Fulton Hogan, who impressed the judges with his technical capability, innovation and dedication to improving project outcomes.
“Pieter represents the future of the industry … What sets him apart is his ability to think beyond the task in front of him. He consistently looks for better ways of doing things, brings people with him, and delivers results.”
Fiona, who is Z Energy’s SME Customer Partnerships Lead as well as an award judge, congratulated the award recipients for their personal development and leadership.
“We’re proud to support people who are backing themselves and taking the next step in their careers.
“[The] winners have shown real leadership and commitment, and they’re a great example of what’s possible in this industry.”
Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards
The Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Awards recognise employers who invest in the future of their people through training programmes and nationally recognised qualifications, as well as a new Apprentice of the Year Award.
Grounded HQ took home the award for companies with turnover up to $10 million after building a thriving civil construction business by developing local talent from the ground up.
Connexis Civil Industry Training and Development Award judges Fiona Malloch and Mark Borland are impressed with the company’s approach to helping people not in employment, education or training, take their first steps into a job and establish stable careers.
“Grounded HQ’s commitment to investing in every individual ensures that as the business grows, its people grow with it,” say the judges.
Quality Roading and Services of Wairoa won the award for companies with turnover between $10 million and $100 million for seven years of championing Civil Trades certification among its workforce and providing employees with nationally recognised qualifications and competency certification.
“Quality Roading and Services exemplifies how local employers can play a vital role in strengthening regional workforce capability,” say the judges.
Fulton Hogan secured the award for companies with a turnover over $100 million and alliances, for its personalised approach to career development. The company has built structured pathways to help all levels of staff develop to their maximum potential by introducing initiatives such as its Infrastructure Skills Centre, a graduate programme, and in-house Road to Growth and Road to Success programmes.
“Through its innovative and individualised approach to development, Fulton Hogan continues to demonstrate leadership in growing both its people and the infrastructure industry’s future capability,” say the judges.
The inaugural Apprentice of the Year award was given to Simon Bunyan from Think Water Gisborne, with the Connexis award judges noting his colleagues and clients respect his positive attitude and love for delivering high-quality work.
“Simon’s outstanding achievements, reliability, and passion for excellence make him a truly deserving winner of the Apprentice of the Year Award.”
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the calibre of this year’s entries reflect an industry that places a high value on professional development.
“The organisations recognised all understand that the infrastructure New Zealand needs tomorrow depends on the people we develop today.
“These awards celebrate the commitment that makes our industry stronger, safer and more inclusive.”
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