Date: |
08 Oct 2026, 5.30PM – 7.30PM |
duration: |
2 hrs |
Venue: |
Engineering New Zealand |
Address: |
Level 6/40 Taranaki Street Wellington |
Cost: |
Free event |
Build cheap, build twice? Or build better?
How do we balance cost, resilience and efficiency as construction costs rise, the talent pipeline tightens and hazard demands continue to evolve? And beyond day-to-day pressures of engineering practice, what would it take for New Zealand to build something truly world-class?
Join SESOC Emerging Structural Engineers for a cross-industry panel of consultants, contractors and council representatives as we dig into the realities of structural engineering in New Zealand today! From resilience to landmark structures, this is a conversation about the future of New Zealand engineering and whether we have the ambition to shape it.
This event is perfect for emerging structural engineers with 1-8 years of experience who want to hear directly from experienced practitioners about the challenges and opportunities defining our industry right now.
Session Timings
5.30-6pm – Networking
6-6.30pm – Panel session 1
6.30-6.45pm – Break
6.45-7.15pm – Panel session 2
7.15-7.30pm – Questions
Panellists
Phil Gaby, Principal at Holmes Consulting Group
With more than 40 years of experience delivering high-profile, award-winning infrastructure projects across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Singapore, Phil brings a wide range of perspective to the questions of cost, resilience and engineering ambition at the heart of this event. He enjoys sharing his expertise through academic papers, presentations, guest lecturing and an active involvement in industry bodies and societies, making him a valuable voice for emerging engineers navigating the realities of practice.
Jenni Tipler, Manager of Resilient Buildings at Wellington City Council
Jenni leads work on earthquake-prone building regulation and broader resilience policy for the city. She works at the intersection of engineering, policy, and public safety, shaping how Wellington manages seismic risk in its built environment. Jenni’s career spans both technical practice and government. She previously worked as a structural engineer at Beca and Novare Design, and later at the MBIE, where she managed the NZBC team. This combination of hands-on engineering and regulatory leadership informs her approach to practical, evidence-based resilience policy.
Daniel Jackson, Design Manager Lead at L.T. McGuinness
Dan originates from the United Kingdom and emigrated to New Zealand in 2019 bringing with him a strong background in structural steel fabrication and installation from working on an array of multifarious commercial projects. A broad knowledge in the design and construction of large-scale structures over more than 20 years in the industry both on and off the tools has positively impacted the projects he has been involved in as the Main Contractor during his time in the country. Such buildings as Tākina, Heke Rua Archives, 55 Molesworth Street, Mātauranga House seismic strengthening, and the Te Papa Biodiversity Research Centre which he is currently working on. His experience and leadership in this field are enhanced by his excellent knowledge of BIM technology which compliments his current role within the L.T. McGuinness Digital Team.
What does it mean to build for the future when the present is already demanding? Join the Wellington SESOC Emerging Structural Engineers for a cross-industry panel in tackling the big questions shaping New Zealand's built environment!
Build cheap, build twice? Or build better?
How do we balance cost, resilience and efficiency as construction costs rise, the talent pipeline tightens and hazard demands continue to evolve? And beyond day-to-day pressures of engineering practice, what would it take for New Zealand to build something truly world-class?
Join SESOC Emerging Structural Engineers for a cross-industry panel of consultants, contractors and council representatives as we dig into the realities of structural engineering in New Zealand today! From resilience to landmark structures, this is a conversation about the future of New Zealand engineering and whether we have the ambition to shape it.
This event is perfect for emerging structural engineers with 1-8 years of experience who want to hear directly from experienced practitioners about the challenges and opportunities defining our industry right now.
Session Timings
5.30-6pm – Networking
6-6.30pm – Panel session 1
6.30-6.45pm – Break
6.45-7.15pm – Panel session 2
7.15-7.30pm – Questions
Panellists
Phil Gaby, Principal at Holmes Consulting Group
With more than 40 years of experience delivering high-profile, award-winning infrastructure projects across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Singapore, Phil brings a wide range of perspective to the questions of cost, resilience and engineering ambition at the heart of this event. He enjoys sharing his expertise through academic papers, presentations, guest lecturing and an active involvement in industry bodies and societies, making him a valuable voice for emerging engineers navigating the realities of practice.
Jenni Tipler, Manager of Resilient Buildings at Wellington City Council
Jenni leads work on earthquake-prone building regulation and broader resilience policy for the city. She works at the intersection of engineering, policy, and public safety, shaping how Wellington manages seismic risk in its built environment. Jenni’s career spans both technical practice and government. She previously worked as a structural engineer at Beca and Novare Design, and later at the MBIE, where she managed the NZBC team. This combination of hands-on engineering and regulatory leadership informs her approach to practical, evidence-based resilience policy.
Daniel Jackson, Design Manager Lead at L.T. McGuinness
Dan originates from the United Kingdom and emigrated to New Zealand in 2019 bringing with him a strong background in structural steel fabrication and installation from working on an array of multifarious commercial projects. A broad knowledge in the design and construction of large-scale structures over more than 20 years in the industry both on and off the tools has positively impacted the projects he has been involved in as the Main Contractor during his time in the country. Such buildings as Tākina, Heke Rua Archives, 55 Molesworth Street, Mātauranga House seismic strengthening, and the Te Papa Biodiversity Research Centre which he is currently working on. His experience and leadership in this field are enhanced by his excellent knowledge of BIM technology which compliments his current role within the L.T. McGuinness Digital Team.
