Career Journeys Panel

This collaborative event between the Canterbury Young Engineers and NZIA (Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects – Emerge) involves speakers from different backgrounds and a range of experiences.

Presentations cover career background, challenges and lessons, followed by a Q&A session and networking.

Perfect for early-career professionals seeking guidance on navigating their professional journey and hearing from senior industry experts about their journeys.

Featured Engineering Speakers:

Chris began his career in Australia where he worked across the eastern seaboard in both contractor and consultancy roles, developing to lead several large organisations in the vertical construction sector. In 2014 he relocated with his family to Christchurch to lead AECOM's team on the Metro Sport Facility project (Parakiore). The project provided a quick introduction to the New Zealand construction sector leading a large international multidisciplinary team through the planning stages of the project. Broadening his horizons, Chris has held several leadership roles with AECOM including leading the Project and Programme Management Team nationally, leading AECOM's South Island office, and now Group Director Buildings and Places where he leads a team of 150 engineers, cost managers and project managers to deliver a diverse range of projects across New Zealand.

Sara is a Senior Structural Engineer with experience in earthquake engineering, resilient structural systems, and analytical modelling. Sara has a strong educational background, holding a Master’s in architecture and Building Engineering, and a Doctorate in Seismic Engineering and Engineering Seismology. Sara is currently leading the Aurecon Building Structures team in Christchurch and has worked with many leading architects, main contractors, key fabricators, and suppliers. She has worked in both Italy and Christchurch following the earthquakes and plays a significant role in the Structural Practice Area across New Zealand. Currently, she is a councillor of the Concrete New Zealand Learned Society and part of the technical committee reviewing and updating the New Zealand Steel Structure Standards (NZS3404).

Pete is a geotechnical engineer based in the Tonkin & Taylor Limited Christchurch office with over fifteen years’ experience in the geotechnical engineering/civil sector, spread across investigation, detailed design and construction supervision. Pete has strong experience in retaining wall and landfill construction from early phases of investigation, seismic assessment, detailed geometry design and construction observations. Most recently, Pete has been heavily involved in providing project management and technical input for major landfill developments across the South Island of New Zealand. This work includes development of concept documentation through to detailed design to achieved consent requirements. This work often involves collaborative interaction with clients, councils, site operators and contractors to development cost effective engineering solutions. Pete has a BE (Hons), a chartered member of the Engineering New Zealand. He is the Manager for Christchurch geotechnical group managing a team of geologist and geotechnical engineers.