Sir Howard Bernstein is the former Chief Executive of Manchester City Council (1998-2017) and former Head of Paid Service for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (2011-2017). One of the chief architects of Manchester’s resurgence over the last four decades, Bernstein now serves as a strategic advisor through Deloitte UK to several public, private and academic institutions in the UK and internationally specialising in health and social care, government reform and devolution, and regeneration.

Over a distinguished career in public service, Sir Howard was instrumental in a range of projects and initiatives benefitting Manchester, Greater Manchester and the United Kingdom. He is widely recognised for his pioneering use of innovative financial instruments, planning mechanisms, governance arrangements and public-private partnerships to attract investment, accelerate development and deliver marked improvements in social and economic outcomes for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and the UK. He was knighted for his services to Manchester in 2003.

Simon Bridges is the MP for Tauranga and Leader of the National Party.

In the last National-led Government, Simon held several Ministerial roles including Labour, Energy, Transport, Communications, and Economic Development so he knows the importance of a strong economy.

Prior to standing for Parliament, Simon was a senior Crown Prosecutor in the District and High Courts in Tauranga. He graduated from the University of Auckland, completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours. He later completed a Bachelor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford, where he met his wife Natalie.

Simon has been an MP since 2008 and he and Natalie live in Tauranga with their young family.

Matt Collins commenced as General Manager of Queensland Treasury’s Cities Transformation Taskforce in April 2018. In this role, he is leading the Queensland Government’s cities agenda, with a particular focus on City Deals to boost prosperity, liveability and sustainability. City Deals bring together federal, state and local governments to align planning, investment and governance to drive jobs, economic reform and urban renewal.

Matt also serves as a member of the Cities Research Institute Advisory Board at Griffith University and the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s Precincts Leadership Group.

Before commencing in his current role, Matt served as Chief of Staff to Queensland’s Deputy Premier, where he worked across the Treasury, Infrastructure, Transport, Planning and Local Government portfolios.

Matt has worked on a range of major projects in Queensland over the last five years, including: ShapingSEQ, the new regional land-use plan for South East Queensland; The development and introduction of Queensland’s new Planning Act; The new State Infrastructure Plan; The establishment of Building Queensland, the state’s independent infrastructure authority; Cross River Rail, a new $5.4 billion rail line that will double Brisbane’s heavy rail capacity; and Queensland’s International Education and Training Strategy.

He has also worked in the private sector for Urbis and LandPartners, where he consulted to a range of major firms on planning, infrastructure and city-making. He holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, as well as a degree in journalism and public policy.

Shane Jones is a List MP based in Kerikeri. He was Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, with a particular focus on fisheries, agriculture and tourism, given the significance of these resources to enhancing economic development in the region.

Mr Jones was a Member of Parliament from 2005 – 2014. During his nine years in Parliament, Mr Jones held positions that included Minister of Building and Construction, Associate Minister of Immigration, Associate Minister of Trade, Associate Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, and Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee.

Mr Jones has a long history of involvement in the fisheries sector and New Zealand’s Māori fisheries settlement. Mr Jones was Chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana (the Māori Fisheries Commission); Chairperson of Sealord Products Limited, and has held a number of senior positions more broadly in the public and private sector.

Shane Jones was born in Awanui, Northland, New Zealand. His Maori tribal links are to Te Aupouri, Ngai Takoto. He has a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University earned on a Harkness Fellowship.

Since 2009 Andrew has led the specification, operational design, technical strategy and route development of HS2, the £55bn British high speed rail programme. He was Principal Witness before Parliament for the first phase Bill. He chairs the World High Speed Rail Committee, is leading the strategy for Fastrail for the Government of NSW, as part of its regional development and regeneration agenda, and is Special Advisor to the Czech Republic Government on similar issues. Prior to this he was Chief Engineer of the British Rail Network. Andrew is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Southampton and a visiting professor at Imperial College, London, and Nottingham University.

Grant Robertson was born in Palmerston North and lived in Hastings before his family settled in Dunedin.

He studied politics at Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in 1995. At university he was the President of the Otago University Students Association and became Co-President of the New Zealand University Students Association.

Grant joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1997 where he managed the New Zealand Overseas Aid Programme to Samoa. He was then posted to the United Nations in New York, working on global environment and development issues.

On his return to New Zealand, Grant became an advisor to former Prime Minister Helen Clark. Following this, he took a business development role with the University of Otago, working with researchers, investors and businesses to develop and commercialise the university’s world-leading research.

Grant’s belief in social justice and a desire to see every New Zealander achieve their potential led him to politics, and he has been the Member of Parliament for Wellington Central since November 2008. In Opposition, Grant held a range of portfolios, including Finance from 2014 to 2017.

After the 2017 election, Grant was appointed Minister of Finance, Minister for Sport and Recreation, and Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.

He met his partner Alf in 1998 playing rugby and their family now includes four grandchildren. In 2009 they were joined in a civil union.

Alan Sutherland is the Chief Executive of WICS.

Alan advised the Scottish Government on the creation of Scottish Water in 2002. In 2008, he opened the world’s first retail water market. Alan’s approach is guided by the principle that a well-managed company will “go much further for their customers than they will for the regulator”. He is constantly seeking to improve the regulatory framework and strengthen the relationship between the regulated company and its customers.
In his role, Alan has worked with Defra in England, the EU in Greece and Romania, the IMF in Cyprus and the International Department of the Ministry of Water Resources in China. Alan is a member of the Bureau of the Network of Economic Regulators of the OECD.
Alan has an MBA and MA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA (Hons) from the University of St Andrews.

Hon Phil Twyford was born and raised in Auckland. He is the Labour Member of Parliament for Te Atatu, where he lives. Phil’s vision is for New Zealand to deliver hope and opportunity to all people. He is committed to fixing the housing and transport problems that affect our biggest city, as well as much of the rest of the country.

Phil was elected to Parliament for the Labour Party in 2008. In Opposition, he held the portfolios of Housing, Transport, Auckland Issues, and Disarmament and Arms Control.

As Minister for Housing and Urban Development and Transport, Phil is leading the Government’s comprehensive plan to build New Zealand out of the housing crisis and is working with communities to create a safer and sustainable transport network.

Bernard Hickey is an economic and political commentator based in the Parliamentary Press Gallery. His day job is as the Managing Editor of Newsroom Pro, the subscription news part of the Newsroom operation. He has covered economics, markets, politics and business in New Zealand, Australia, Britain, Singapore and Asia for the last 30 years, and has worked for Reuters, the Financial Times Group, Fairfax and Interest.co.nz. He has a particular interest in housing affordability and infrastructure funding.

Nadine Higgins (nee Chalmers-Ross) is a freelance journalist and presenter, following 12 years featuring on New Zealand TV screens and airwaves. She currently writes a column for the Sunday Star Times, regularly fills in as a host on Newstalk ZB and as an anchor on TV3’s The Project, and does a variety of writing and PR contracts. Nadine is also a popular MC for conferences and events. This is her 5th year hosting Building Nations.

Colin Crampton is the Chief Executive of Wellington Water. Council owned, Wellington Water is responsible for delivering excellence in water services to the residents and communities of the Wellington metropolitan area and enhancing the environment we work in.

Colin is passionate about leadership and collaborating with other entities. And if there is any free time he’ll be enjoying swimming or kayaking Te Whangaui-a-tara.

Patrick Dougherty leads Housing New Zealand’s Construction Group, which is responsible for all the Crown Entity’s property development across New Zealand. This includes the delivery of fit-for-purpose state homes, the reconfiguration and renewal of Housing New Zealand’s existing property portfolio, as well as working with HLC and the KiwiBuild unit to enable the delivery of affordable and market homes.

Patrick’s Construction Group will deliver close to 2,000 sustainable new homes a year over the next two decades, as well as a large number of refurbishments. In the financial year 2018/19, the group spent $1.5 billion on property development activities.His team is actively pursuing innovations, such as the use of offsite manufacturing and standard housing designs, to achieve greater delivery efficiency and improvements in quality and health and safety.

He is a property professional with more than three decades experience in leading projects which range from multi-unit residential, multi-use retail/commercial/residential, tourism, office parks, and light industrial. Patrick leads a team of around 250 property professionals.

Paul leads ANZ’s Institutional business in New Zealand. The Institutional business manages large client relationships and provides specialised markets, transactional and financing products and solutions to the bank’s customers. In doing so, it supports some of New Zealand’s largest companies operating in a wide range of industries, both in New Zealand and offshore.

Institutional NZ is part of the ANZ Group’s Institutional Banking business. Paul is a member of both Institutional Banking’s leadership team and the leadership team for ANZ New Zealand.

Paul has more than 25 years’ experience in banking and finance and has been with ANZ New Zealand since 2004, where he was previously Head of Institutional Relationships. He has held senior corporate finance roles at Credit Suisse and The National Bank of New Zealand and worked for Ernst & Young in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

A graduate of Victoria University of Wellington, Paul is also a member of the Executive Boards of the New Zealand China Council, INFINZ and the Sustainable Finance Forum Leaders’ Group.

As Deputy Secretary, Financial & Commercial, Jon is responsible for Financial Operations, Commercial Operations, and the Infrastructure and Housing Group.

Originally from Australia, Jon has held senior executive roles within the public and private sectors spanning over 25 years. Most recently, Jon had responsibility for driving a major public sector reform programme as Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet with the Queensland Government.

Jon has a strong background in capital markets and investment in major infrastructure assets. As Chief Executive of Prime Infrastructure, Jon led the acquisition of one of the world’s largest coal export terminals and the subsequent successful ASX listing of the investment fund. During his time as a senior executive of the Queensland Treasury Corporation, Jon was responsible for delivering the Suncorp-Metway merger and a major report to government on rail industry reform.

Throughout his career Jon has held a number of directorships including with the Australia and New Zealand School of Government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and was a member of the Brisbane G20 Steering Committee, and member of the Council of Australian Governments Senior Officials Group.

Jon holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Queensland, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

During their spare time, Jon and his partner, Linda, enjoy running, including a recent Queenstown half marathon, swimming, hiking and travel.

Dr Oliver Hartwich is the Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative (www.nzinitiative.org.nz). Before joining the Initiative, he was a Research Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, the Chief Economist at Policy Exchange in London, and an advisor in the UK House of Lords. Dr Hartwich holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Administration and a Ph.D. in Law from Bochum University in Germany. Dr Hartwich’s articles have been published by major newspapers in Germany, Britain, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.

Raveen Jaduram has been Chief Executive of Watercare Services Limited since November 2014. His past roles include heading Maintenance Services, the business unit that provides operations and maintenance support to Watercare. He has been the managing director and chief executive of Australian private water company Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited.

In other service, he is on the Board for Committee for Auckland. He has been an independent director of Wellington Water, President and Chairman of the Water and Wastes Association (now Water New Zealand) and Chairman of the water sector Senior Executives Forum. Currently, Raveen is on the Steering Group of the Business Leaders’ Health & Safety Forum and chairs the Centre for Infrastructure Research, University of Auckland. He did post graduate studies in business at Stanford, Macquarie and Auckland Universities and has also attended INSEAD.

Kate has responsibility for leading the Infrastructure Funding and Financing project at The Treasury. The objective of this project is to deliver a viable alternative financing model to enable new infrastructure projects and upgrades to existing infrastructure to be delivered without being limited by local authority financing constraints. This project is one of the pillars that falls under the NZ government’s Urban Growth Agenda programme of work.

Kate has been with The Treasury for the past 4 years. She is currently on a secondment from her Treasury sovereign debt management role where she oversees the management of fixed income asset portfolios, interest rate derivative and FX derivative portfolios within New Zealand Debt Management.

Kate has 10 years of financial markets experience across Australia, New Zealand and the UK and has a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance from the Australian National University.

Peter Mersi was appointed as Secretary for Transport and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Transport in July 2016.

Peter was the Chief Executive of Land Information New Zealand for four years prior to this role and has spent the majority of his career in the Public Service.

Peter has held senior leadership roles in Inland Revenue, the Treasury and the Department of Internal Affairs.

Chris is a Partner in the EY Infrastructure Advisory team in New Zealand, and also leads EY’s Economics practice. He brings over 20 years’ experience in the public and private sector in New Zealand and abroad.

Chris’ main areas of focus are business cases for infrastructure and the economics of cities. He has worked on a range of major projects, including City Rail Link, Transmission Gully and a number of the Christchurch Anchor Projects. A significant focus is changing the way we think about assessing major projects and networks. Most recently, Chris and the EY team have developed new ways of economically valuing the networks and have written the guidance for NZTA for Dynamic Land Use – the primary economic tool for assessing value capture potential.

Amanda has worked at the Ministry since 2006, before that holding planning roles in London and Dunedin. She brings expertise and commitment to the issues the Ministry is addressing and the outcomes we are seeking for New Zealand.

Amanda has held acting roles at this level on diverse issues including urban, marine, air, hazardous substances and the resource management system and has built trusted working relationships across Government and beyond.

She has also played a significant role in the leadership of the Ministry’s transformation programme.

Robert is Head of the Provincial Development Unit (PDU) which manages the administration and monitoring of the Provincial Growth Fund. Previously, Robert was Head of Investment Management at PDU, the team responsible for detailed assessments, analysis, and critiquing of all funding applications, and making recommendations to decision-makers.

Robert has extensive experience in the corporate finance and banking sectors both in New Zealand and Asia. He has held senior leadership roles at EY, AsiaPower Developments Limited and Lloyds Bank, The National Bank of New Zealand and Southpac. He has more recently served in senior roles in the public sector, including as Deputy Secretary, Higher Courts at the Ministry of Justice and as General Manager, NZ Petroleum and Minerals at Ministry of Economic Development.

Robert has been a member of the Institute of Directors since 2016.

Peter Reidy joined Fletcher Building as Chief Executive – Construction in October 2018. Prior to joining Fletcher, he was Chief Executive of KiwiRail.

Peter has brought to Fletcher Construction a successful track record of leading and growing customer intensive infrastructure-based businesses in the transport, tourism, energy and construction sectors in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United Kingdom.

Prior to KiwiRail, he held a number of senior leadership roles with Downer Group in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore, and before that senior roles with Todd Energy and Freightways New Zealand.

Peter is an inspirational leader who is passionate about health and safety and focused on customer engagement, people and culture. Having co-chaired the Construction Sector Accord, he has demonstrated his commitment to effect positive change in the industry.

Andrew is the current Chair of Infrastructure New Zealand having been elected at the 2018 AGM. He has been an active member on the Board of Infrastructure New Zealand since late 2012 and represents the private construction contracting and services sector. Andrew is an experienced Senior Executive in the Infrastructure, Construction, Services and related Building and Engineering sectors. He has led two of New Zealand’s top three civil construction businesses; Fletcher Construction Infrastructure and Leighton Contractors.

Following a construction career in major civil and utility infrastructure, Andrew most recently led the diversified New Zealand Businesses of RCR Tomlinson; being RCR Energy, RCR Building Products and RCR Infrastructure. Combined activities covered major M&E projects in energy and rail, maintenance services, HVAC and Electrical contracting and onshore manufacturing facilities. Most business units were market leaders in New Zealand.

A civil engineering and MBA graduate, Andrew has over 30 years experience in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In that professional career, he has handled many diverse roles spanning governance, consulting, design and project management, major project delivery, major term-services contracts, infrastructure network construction and maintenance, energy, manufacturing and building services.

Brad Ward is Deputy Chief Executive, Place-based Policy and Programmes at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. He is responsible for place-based policy and programmes, Crown-led developments and the establishment of Kāinga Ora including the legislation. He is also responsible for KiwiBuild until Kāinga Ora is up and running.

Prior to this, Brad was Head of the Chief Executive’s Office at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, where he supported the Chief Executive to lead MBIE and execute its broader system leadership responsibilities.

Previous roles within MBIE have included General Manager of the Commerce, Consumers and Communications Branch, and Acting Deputy Chief Executive of the Building, Resources and Markets Group.

Brad has also worked for Unisys, AMP Financial Services in New Zealand, Australia and India and the Ministry of Economic Development.

Sarah is the Chair of the Emerging Talent Committee and sits on the Auckland Committee for the National Association of Women in Construction. She is a passionate spokesperson for engaging with young talent within the industry. As a construction lawyer at Anthony Harper, Sarah works with a range of clients and projects across the industry.

Sue Bidrose is Chief Executive Officer of Dunedin City Council. She has a long career spanning the not-for-profit sector, central government, local government and IT in the private sector.

She completed her undergrad study at the University of Otago in 1992 and also attained her psychology doctorate here. Since being appointed Chief Executive Officer, she has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Organisational Leadership (with distinction) at the Saïd Business School, Oxford University.

Sue has a passion for local government, and for promoting the ethics of public service.

Richard Briggs is the Chief Executive of Hamilton City Council, the local authority for New Zealand’s largest inland city and one of the fastest growing cities in New Zealand.

Richard is responsible for leading the organisation of more than 1100 staff in the delivery of its strategic direction and operations of Council.

Hamilton’s economy is growing faster than the national economy, and with this growth, the city is confronted with several challenges – including how to develop a city that balances infrastructure and amenity needs and its financial constraints.

Richard is an experienced Chief Executive with a passion for delivering transformational strategic outcomes by building and delivering a high-performance organisation.

He is a disruptive leader who sets clear and ambitious goals that challenge the status quo and leverage innovative, and sometimes challenging, approaches. He is skilled in all aspects of leadership with a track record in influencing leaders, and their organisations, to significantly improve performance and deliver on their ultimate purpose – in this case improving the wellbeing of Hamiltonians.

Richard also serves as an Independent Appointed Board Member of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand.

Chris leads MBIE’s Building, Resources and Markets Group.

The Group supports a fair, competitive business environment and well-functioning telecommunications, building and construction, and energy and resources markets. It also serves as the New Zealand Government’s Procurement and Property Functional Leader.

Policy work to support the Construction Sector Accord – launched in April 2019 – was carried out by staff in Chris’ Group. Chris and Peter Reidy are Co-Chairs of the Steering Group for the Accord.

The Accord is a shared commitment between government and industry to transform the construction sector and signals a new way for them to work together for a better New Zealand.

Chris has held various public sector policy roles in New Zealand and abroad including The Treasury (New Zealand and United Kingdom) and the Ministry of Social Development. He also spent time in the UK supporting government procurement of infrastructure (mainly schools and urban regeneration projects).

Glen is the Managing Director of Harrison Grierson, a prominent engineering and design firm specialising in urban development and infrastructure. He leads the company’s strategic direction and operations; championing leadership and diversity.

With 25 years’ experience in development and infrastructure engineering, Glen has in-depth involvement in the engineering industry as a director of the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand (ACENZ) and as a member of Engineering New Zealand’s Standards and Accreditation board. He is also a Chartered Professional Engineer and a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

Outside Harrison Grierson, Glen is the Chair of Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, a not-for-profit organisation. Habitat uses a progressive home ownership model working in partnership with families in housing need.

Patricia was appointed as Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand in March 2019.

Patricia was previously the Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, a position she held since September 2006. Patricia represented the Chamber on a number of committees across NSW Government Agencies.

In addition to her role at the Sydney Chamber, Patricia served on boards in the Government and NFP sector: Business Events Sydney; Destination NSW; Council of Macquarie University; Port Authority NSW and Cricket NSW and was the Chair of the International Education Advisory Board for Study NSW. Patricia is a member of the Advisory Board of Newcastle University Law and Business Faculty and was previously an Honorary Associate of the Graduate School of Government at Sydney University.

Prior board appointments have included the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW, Hunter Development Corporation and Hunter Medical Research Institute.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Patricia served as a Member of the NSW Legislative Council from 1991 to 2006. From 1995 to 2005 Patricia served on the Opposition frontbench, in a number of shadow portfolios.

Patricia holds a Bachelor of Arts/Diploma of Education from the University of Newcastle and is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sam leads the Capital Works group for the Ministry of Education and is responsible for the delivery of all Ministry-led property investment (approximately $500m of capital investment annually).

Prior to taking up his current role Sam was Project Director for the Ministry’s PPP programme and led the development of their Construction Category Procurement Strategy.

First elected off the National Party list in 2011, Paul served as the Chair of the Parliamentary Finance and Expenditure Select Committee. Following the 2014 General Election he was appointed Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Associate Minister for ACC.

In 2016 Paul was appointed Minister of Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Minister for Science and Innovation, and Minister for Regulatory Reform, and served in the Cabinet until the 2017 General Election. He is now Opposition Spokesperson for Finance and Infrastructure.

Before entering Parliament, Paul created his own business as a historian and biographer focusing on New Zealand’s history and economic development. He has published 10 books, his last were biographies of Alan Gibbs (Serious Fun) and Sir William Gallagher (Legend). Between 2007 and 2010 he served as an Auckland City Councillor.

Mei Fern is a partner at law firm Russell McVeagh. She specialises in infrastructure and projects, advising on investment in and funding of projects, project and asset finance, joint ventures, contracting, facilities management, etc. She also has deep experience in the transport and energy sectors and understands how industry and operational considerations can facilitate or detract even the most significant investment in those industries. She is highly skilled in stakeholder management and worked on various high profile and sensitive projects for private sector and public sector clients.

Mei Fern is a Russell McVeagh Board member and a member of Global Women.

Graeme is Chief Executive of Fulton Hogan New Zealand, with over 15 years’ experience in prior roles including design engineering, project management and general management of associated multi-disciplinary civil contracting and materials supply chain businesses. He is particularly interested in policies that promote a healthy industry through certainty of the project pipeline, effective procurement and resource management.

Graeme has extensive experience in the procurement, establishment, management and governance of large civil construction projects and asset management undertakings, carried out under a wide range of traditional and collaborative contracting models across New Zealand and the South Pacific. He is passionate about collaborative approaches that drive ‘best for project’ outcomes, and value creation through the application of diverse, skilled and innovative teams who can provide great solutions for clients and stakeholders.

He is a Chartered Professional Engineer, a director of Southern Aggregates Ltd, Stevenson Aggregates Ltd, Stevenson Concrete Ltd and is a member of the Industry Advisory Board for the Department of Civil & Natural Resources Engineering at the University of Canterbury.

Amanda (Xin) has been with ICBC group for 16 years and has led ICBC NZ front business including Institutional & Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, Trade Finance, and Treasury since the very inception of NZ team and subsidiary in 2012. She has solid experience in credit management and also in the development of a wide range of Project/Corporate Finance in the most competitive market in China. Amanda manages growth and sustainable development for a wide range of business units, banking products and institutions.

With ICBC’s unrivalled heritage in China, vast global network and expertise in mega infrastructure projects, ICBC NZ wishes to bridge NZ-China infrastructure knowledge, opportunities, expertise.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited is the largest bank in the world in terms of market capitalization, customers’ deposits and profitability. The Bank is active in six continents and its overseas network has expanded to 45 countries. The Bank provides comprehensive financial products and services to 6.27 million corporate customers and 567 million personal customers by virtue of the distribution network consisting of 17,225 domestic institutions, 389 overseas institutions and over 1,661 correspondent banks worldwide.

Andy is Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance and Business at Wellington City Council. Originally from an agri-business background, prior to his current role of six years he spent 12 years consulting and contracting in the local government and education sectors.

His role with Council includes leadership of long-term financial and infrastructure investment planning and a complex and challenging property portfolio. Accordingly he has a particular interest in the financing and associated funding of local government infrastructure and how New Zealand responds more generally to infrastructure challenges.

Nick is the Deputy Chair of the Emerging Talent Committee and a former international hockey player. In his current role as a Project Manager at RCP he works closely with public and private sector clients to help deliver their most challenging projects.

Prior to this, Nick spent 3 years working in Europe and hopes to bring his global perspective to the conversation while representing the younger generation of the infrastructure industry.

As General Manager New Zealand and South Pacific, Al is focussed on working collaboratively with clients to deliver the best outcomes for projects and communities. Responsible for growing GHD’s business and reputation across this market, he is also a part of GHD’s Asia Pacific Leadership team and is passionate about connecting their global network of 10,000 professionals into this region to deliver ongoing innovation for clients.

Having played key roles in delivering major multidisciplinary projects in New Zealand, such as Alliance Manager for the Puhoi to Warkworth Motorway PPP Procurement, Al is passionate about bringing diverse teams together, to work collaboratively and empowering them to provide best for client solutions. With more than 30 years’ experience, and a deep knowledge of the industry, he understands the challenges clients are facing, especially in this time of digital disruption.

GHD are finalists for two awards at the 2019 Diversity Works Awards, for Positive Inclusion (LGBTQI+) and Tomorrow’s Workforce (Smart Seeds). GHD have also recently been awarded the Rainbow Tick, which recognises the policies and practises that allow all our people to be their whole selves at work.

Andrea is the General Manager: Transport & Infrastructure at Beca. Over a career of more than 20 years as a planner/social scientist, she has been involved in industry and infrastructure, policy and community projects throughout New Zealand. She has been involved in planning and delivering many of the largest infrastructure projects delivered in the country over the past decade. Andrea was recently appointed to lead Beca’s Transport & Infrastructure Group in New Zealand, a growing team of over 500 future focused professionals. Andrea views being involved in infrastructure as a mechanism to meaningfully influence the future, through shaping our cities and our regions, our environments and our communities, looking after our wellbeing, and making a difference to all of our lives.

Beca is an Auckland headquartered and staff owned global consultancy firm of 3200, that provides environmental, engineering, management, community advisory, sustainability and technology consulting services across diverse sectors.

As Chief Executive of Palmerston North City Council, Heather Shotter is driving a transformative infrastructure-led growth and investment strategy in a city that is the productive heart of a resilient and high-performing regional economy. She has previously held leadership roles in a range of high profile New Zealand organisations, including as Executive Director of the Committee for Auckland during the critical period following the ‘Super City’ amalgamation in 2010 through to 2017. In the course of a career that has also included the corporate and not-for-profit sector, Heather has developed unique perspectives on the interaction between business and government, and the strategic importance of successful collaboration between the public and private sector for unlocking the potential of regional New Zealand.

Stephen is the Chief Executive of Auckland Council and commenced the role in January 2014. His appointment was extended until 31 December 2020 in mid‐2018. Before returning to Auckland in 2010, Stephen was Chief Executive of Tauranga City Council for eight years.

Stephen has held a variety of executive and chief executive roles in local government, tertiary education and transport spanning over 20 years. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Massey).

As Managing Director of the New Zealand operation of WSP, one of the world’s leading design, engineering and environment consulting firms, Ian is focused on ensuring WSP Opus delivers infrastructure and environments where communities will thrive now and in the future.

Ian is an experienced leader with a record of delivering strong results across different international markets and segments, with a proven ability to bring about transformational change.
Prior to joining WSP Opus in 2017, Ian has earned his reputation predominantly in the banking industry. Holding senior positions at Westpac New Zealand and Australia, such as General Manager – Retail Banking, General Manager of Business Banking and General Manager of Commercial Banking. Ian was also Principal Consultant at Sapience Limited where he assessed strategy, analysed revenue and made recommendations to investors on key infrastructure projects.

Not only is Ian driven to deliver strong commercial results he also passionate about making sure there is a diverse and inclusive culture, where people can turn up and be their best selves.

Rebecca Chenery is the Chief Digital Officer for Watercare and is responsible for leading all technology aspects of the business along with Watercare’s transformation programme. Prior to Watercare Rebecca worked in various programme management and business transformation roles across the information services, telecommunications and water industries in New Zealand and overseas.

Hannah joined ANZ in 2013 and has gained a broad experience across all divisions of the bank. Originally from a legal background, Hannah joined the ANZ Loans and Specialised Finance business in 2017. She has experience with project finance and structured asset finance transactions and particularly enjoys playing a part in building New Zealand’s physical infrastructure. Prior to ANZ, Hannah worked in the financing teams of two leading New Zealand law firms and at Slaughter and May in London. She also founded a tax pooling and financing business, which was sold in 2015.

Aneetha is an infrastructure professional with over 22 years’ leadership experience in the private and public sectors, and is experienced in developing, procuring, delivering and managing large-scale infrastructure assets and services. She has led commercial, legal, project finance, planning, environmental and sustainability, governance, risk, community and stakeholder relations functions.

A respected authority with specialist expertise in public sector procurement and privately financed public infrastructure, Aneetha has advised national governments and shaped the public agenda in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Aneetha is a board member of Roads Australia, holds a Bachelor and Masters of Law from the University of Melbourne, attended the Infrastructure Executive Education program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sarah Sinclair has a vison of changing the world through the medium of infrastructure. She is implementing this vision starting at Auckland, where she is Chief Engineer of Auckland Council, managing Engineering and Technical Services, and influencing across her sector. In addition, for the past year, Sarah has been Acting Director then General Manager of Auckland Emergency Management.

Sarah contributes to several governance bodies, across infrastructure, diversity and resilience, to make the infrastructure industry more innovative, sustainable and welcoming. Sarah is one of 35 woman fellows of Engineering NZ, and recent recipient of their MacLean Citation for exceptional and distinguished service.

Barry is Auckland Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Environmental Services. This role includes Auckland’s stormwater management; the programme management and funding agreements for major housing infrastructure and for the city centre public works; Auckland’s biosecurity, biodiversity and low carbon programmes; Auckland’s kerbside recycling, waste and organics programmes; coastal and foreshore erosion/protection programmes and other specialist services. Barry is a member of the council’s executive lead team.

Barry’s background includes leading teams on significant infrastructure projects in New Zealand, Asia, South America and through the Pacific. He has lived in Tonga, Singapore and China and has spent considerable time in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Prior to joining council, Barry was the regional general manager of a significant professional services firm in Asia and New Zealand.

Sarah Sinclair has a vison of changing the world through the medium of infrastructure. She is implementing this vision starting at Auckland, where she is Chief Engineer of Auckland Council, managing Engineering and Technical Services, and influencing across her sector. In addition, for the past year, Sarah has been Acting Director then General Manager of Auckland Emergency Management.

Sarah contributes to several governance bodies, across infrastructure, diversity and resilience, to make the infrastructure industry more innovative, sustainable and welcoming. Sarah is one of 35 woman fellows of Engineering NZ, and recent recipient of their MacLean Citation for exceptional and distinguished service.

Ariana is a member of Kensington Swan’s Construction and Major Projects team. Ariana advises clients across the industry, both at local and international level including government, statutory bodies and territorial authorities, principals, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and insurers.

Ariana helps resolve a wide range of disputes on infrastructure projects and has specialist expertise in litigating performance bonds. Ariana also advises clients on issues arising during the life of projects. She drafts and negotiates contracts for road, transport, social housing and other infrastructure projects, including public-private partnerships.

Ariana is also an advocate for increasing diversity not only within the legal profession, but also within the infrastructure sector. She is a foundation member of the Women’s Infrastructure Network Advisory Board.

As Westpac’s Head of Institutional Relationships, Corporate Business and Property Finance, Andrew has overall responsibility for Westpac’s large corporate, financial institution, public sector, and property clients.
With particular interests in business strategy, corporate finance, leadership and economic development, Andrew has taken a lead role in developing Westpac’s capability to support its customers and sectors, including Maori/Iwi, regions and developing businesses, to sustainably grow and transform.

Andrew started his career as a commercial and banking solicitor, before moving into corporate finance and investment banking roles in New Zealand and the UK.

He has Commerce and Law degrees from the University of Canterbury, and in 1992 qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. He is also a Certified Finance & Investment Professional, and Board Member of INFINZ.

A family man from the South Island, Andrew has a love of the outdoors, is an associate rugby referee and enjoys supporting, and trying to keep up with, the various sporting endeavours of his children.

Hamish has worked on major construction projects in New Zealand and overseas in the infrastructure, mining, energy, oil and gas, health, commercial and residential sectors. A significant amount of this experience has involved project finance transactions, including some of the largest and most complex projects in the Middle East. Hamish has advised on a wide range of project procurement models including build-only, design-build, full EPC/turnkey, DBO, BOOT, design, build, operate and maintain and PPPs. He is also a keen cyclist.

Sharron joined the UK Department of International Trade (UK DIT) as Director for New Zealand, Trade and Investment in June 2019.

She leads the UK DIT New Zealand team, which provides support to UK companies to do business in New Zealand, and assists New Zealand companies to establish themselves in the UK market.

Sharron has significant leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, having held executive level roles within the trade and financial services sectors both in New Zealand and abroad. These roles have included Trade Commissioner, Germany, for NZTE and Head of Private banking, Europe for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

More recently, Sharron has worked for ATEED in business attraction and international investment. She is passionate about driving business growth and international trade.

Sharron has a Bachelor of Arts in German and International Marketing, and a Masters of Management Studies postgraduate degree from the University of Waikato.

Anthony Harper partner, Ed Dunphy is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s foremost property and construction lawyers.

Ed’s construction and infrastructure experience includes acting for both principals and contractors on a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects. This gives him a thorough understanding of the commercial drivers of each of the parties involved. He is experienced in a wide range of contracting methods from traditional procurement through to Alliancing and PPP forms of contract. He has also worked with both New Zealand standard form contracts and international form contracts, including NEC and FIDIC contracts.

Ed has advised on a wide range of construction projects including shopping centre developments, office and industrial building developments, roading projects, rail projects, power station developments and brewery developments.

He is recognised as a Leading Lawyer in independent Global directories and Guides.

Richard is a business leader with over 25 years’ experience in the private and public sectors. He leads teams delivering complex projects involving multi-modal transport, changing land use, and a diverse range of stakeholders. Richard is a Chartered Professional Engineer and holds BE, ME and MBA qualifications.

Richard has an extensive background in strategic planning, business leadership, major project delivery, commercial management, governance, procurement, stakeholder engagement, transport planning, demand forecasting, and travel demand management. Richard has gained experience across multiple geographies including New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East and the United States.

As a Director in the T+T Advisory team, Richard works alongside clients to understand their challenges and support direction setting.

Rupert has 20 years’ experience as an Urban planner (15 of which have been in Auckland) and a broader perspective gathered from his current role Regional Manager for Beca’s Northern Region which is primary focused on overseeing the delivery of Beca’s diverse services into the Auckland and Northland regions.

Beca has over 1100 staff in its Auckland office providing engineering, environmental, project management, design and a broad range of advisory services across diverse market sectors – notably in large scale infrastructure planning design and delivery. Rupert aims to coordinate and focus Beca’s diverse service offerings, to help deliver long term regional transformational outcomes for the region. Rupert sees his role in building and strengthening relationships with partners and stakeholders across the industry as critical to achieving this.

Steve is a civil engineer with more than 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles, predominantly in the infrastructure sectors in New Zealand and Australia, delivering projects and maintenance services to government, local authority and private asset owners. Steve is responsible for Watercare’s delivery of infrastructure projects from servicing strategies, through planning to construction and for supporting external developer services to enable growth in Auckland.

Erik leads both Advisian’s Energy & Water sector and the Strategy practice for New Zealand. He is a regulatory economist with 30 years’ experience, specialising in market and sector reform. He has been closely involved in the establishment and ongoing development of electricity markets in several countries, as well as the reform of the electricity sector in several countries. He is a former member of New Zealand’s Security and Reliability Council whose role is to provide independent advice on the performance of the electricity system and security and reliability of supply issues in New Zealand.

Erik has extensive international experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and has directed the planning, funding, implementation, and operation of initiatives that have arisen from those strategies. He has advised executive management, boards of directors, as well as governments and government agencies across many countries.