The 2024 construction and infrastructure workforce development summit was a huge success.
This summit addressed the big issues impacting the construction and infrastructure sectors, including the ongoing economic challenges. We’ll offer practical insights and tips for the present and future, emphasising resilience, productivity, adaptability, and the importance of strategic planning and looking after your team.
It took place at Wellington at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa on Tuesday 8 October 2024.
Thought leaders and changemakers from across the industry, including iwi/Māori and Pasifika business leaders, shared examples of best practice, development of tools, lessons, insights and tips on:
Jehan Casinader is our MC for the day.
Jehan Casinader is an award-winning journalist, speaker and mental health advocate. He returns as our Summit MC for 2024.
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, elections, sporting triumphs and everything in between, he has helped hundreds of Kiwis to share their deeply personal stories.
In 2020, Jehan opened up about his journey through depression and suicidality, in a book called This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life (HarperCollins). He is a respected thought leader in the areas of wellbeing, leadership and diversity.
Jehan has hosted a wide variety of high-profile events in the building and construction sector, and has unique insights on how we can build a stronger, healthier workforce.
Explore how the connected, fast-changing world has transformed organisations. Steve Vamos, former MD of Microsoft and Apple (Australia and New Zealand) and former CEO of Xero, will discuss how to drive creativity and innovation through effective leadership and management.
Just as a master gardener creates the right environment for their plants to thrive, leaders must create the ideal workplace environment where their people will thrive. Strong leadership and a positive, proactive approach create thriving organisations. In this session, wellbeing specialist, Lauren Parsons will share six keys to building a thriving work culture.
Discover how Director of Choice Construction Alice Carmody, loves being involved in projects that use innovation to improve the way people work and live, whether they are technological, environmental, or aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people working on the project or the end users.
Alice will also share insights as a committee member of the National Association of Women in Construction NZ (NAWIC)
Craig West New Zealand Country Manager & Executive General Manager – Transport & Infrastructure for Downer in New Zealand, will share his personal journey from a cadet to executive.
Craig’s unique background combines his experience in professional rugby, Te Ao Māori, and corporate leadership, giving him a perspective that is both diverse and valuable. Craig will discuss Downer’s initiatives, including their pre-trade programmes, cadetships, and the Māori Pasifika Leadership Academy. Learn from Craig’s personal journey and hear about the innovative initiatives that promote diversity and leadership.
Michael Sentch, Managing Director, Project Unite shares strategies for growing and retaining top staff, drawing from the journey of Project Unite, a second-generation business with a dedicated team and its own talent-nurturing academy.
Glen Ruma, Director, I-Traffic. Boasting a workforce of over 500 employees and a fleet of 100+ vehicles across New Zealand, from its humble beginnings, iTraffic has cultivated a culturally diverse team, enriched by its Civil Construction arm, a dedicated training hub, and a cadetship programme tailored to meet the industry’s demand for skilled workers. Proudly 100% Māori and Pacific owned, iTraffic stands as a testament to the power of inclusivity and effective talent retention strategies in driving sustainable growth and success.
Hugh Goddard, Managing Director, Pipeline and Civil. A 100% employee-owned business with a team of 100 dedicated staff, Pipeline and Civil believe the cornerstone of success lies in their people. Discover how they are committed to upskilling their team not only for their own growth but also for the benefit of the wider industry and the communities they serve.
Leah Gates, GM Employment, Auckland Chamber of Commerce will showcase practical strategies for attracting and developing young talent, demonstrating how small businesses can build a skilled, confident workforce with the help of CadetMax.
Matt Thompson, National Site Based Trainer, Cook Brothers Construction will discuss their vision of transforming the industry by fostering the growth of skilled professionals, aiming to create the leading Apprenticeship Academy in New Zealand.
Andrea O’Brien, Executive GM of North Power, shares North Power’s journey in building a skilled workforce to meet net zero goals, including insights on workforce pipeline and capability development.
Gordon Jackman brings a unique perspective on workforce planning, with a focus on disability awareness and its role in creating more inclusive, diverse and capable workforce, fostering environments where everyone can thrive. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Gordon will explore what it means to understand others’ challenges, particularly when faced with barriers that may not be immediately visible.
Craig Hopkins, CEO of Generation Homes, brings extensive experience in navigating economic challenges and transforming downturns into growth opportunities. As CEO, he focuses on retaining top talent, developing leadership capabilities, and refining processes to drive long-term success. Craig will share valuable insights for businesses seeking to thrive in any economic climate.
Dr. Sina Cotter-Tait, Director of Collective Success, brings a wealth of expertise in the critical role that leadership plays in engineering. Her focus on empowering women in engineering and championing Pacific Peoples’ in professional services makes her an invaluable voice in the industry.
Ronnie Rochel, Director of Te Aratika Infrastructure and Te Aratika Industry Training Centre, is known for her insights on leadership excellence and its vital role in driving organisational success and innovation through integrating cultural perspectives with practical leadership strategies. Ronnie runs internal leadership programmes for her business and delivers Te Ao Māori Leadership programmes across industries.
Brett Murray, Chief Executive, Site Safe NZ brings invaluable insights from his members on the critical areas shaping leadership and HR capability. He’ll discuss the key focus areas for building strong leadership, along with the practical strategies that are working and those that are falling short.
