Date: |
03 Nov 2026, 5.45PM – 7.15PM |
duration: |
1 hr 30 mins |
Venue: |
The Birdcage Tavern |
Address: |
133 Franklin Rd Auckland |
Cost: |
Free event |
Join the New Zealand Tunning Society for a presentation by Ammar Mirzayee and Jeremy Nethercott, this technical presentation will take you behind the scenes of the engineering innovation that made it possible. Explore the development of a purpose-built Lining Erector Machine, designed to deliver TBM-level precision while enhancing safety, watertightness and productivity in the challenging environment of mined tunnels.
The presentation will unpack the key engineering and design decisions, operational lessons and practical challenges encountered along the way, showcasing how automation and precast technology can reshape conventional tunnelling practices and unlock new possibilities for future underground infrastructure.
Recognised as an Innovation Excellence Finalist at Infrastructure Partnerships Australia’s 2026 National Infrastructure Awards, the project has also been named a finalist in the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026 for Product/Equipment Innovation of the Year.
Join to discover the technology, engineering insights and lessons learned behind an innovative approach that is pushing the boundaries of mined tunnel construction.
Read more in Tunnelling Journal
Presenter Bios:
Ammar Mirzayee is a Chartered Professional Engineer and Technical Director Tunnels at GHD, specialising in complex tunnel and underground infrastructure. With more than 16 years of experience across major metro, road and hydro projects, he combines deep expertise in geotechnical engineering, structural design and rock mechanics with a practical understanding of construction. On Sydney Metro West’s Western Tunnelling Package, Ammar has led critical tunnel design and construction-phase services across mined and TBM works.
He offers an insightful, first-hand perspective on the engineering challenges, collaborative decision-making and practical solutions behind one of Australia’s most significant transport projects.
Jeremy Nethercott is an experienced Project Manager with close to 20 years’ experience in the tendering and delivery of major tunnelling, civil, rail and infrastructure projects across Australia and Europe. Most recently, Jeremy successfully delivered the mined tunnels and associated works for Gamuda on the Sydney Metro Western Tunnelling Package, with overall responsibility for safety, program, cost, quality and environmental performance. His expertise encompasses complex underground construction, major civil structures, innovative tunnelling methodologies, multidisciplinary coordination, stakeholder management and the delivery of projects within highly constrained environments.
Having been with Gamuda for over five years, Jeremy has also held key roles across other major projects including Sydney Metro, WestConnex, M6 Motorway and Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link to name a few. He brings strong technical, commercial and leadership capability, with extensive experience spanning tendering, construction methodology, design development and the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects through to completion.
How can you achieve TBM-level precision in a mined tunnel—without a tunnel boring machine? Discover an innovative solution from the Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling Package, where the Gamuda Australia and Laing O’Rourke Consortium, with design partners GHD and SMEC, have pioneered the use of fully gasketed precast segmental linings in roadheader-excavated tunnels at the Clyde Stabling and Maintenance Facility.
Join the New Zealand Tunning Society for a presentation by Ammar Mirzayee and Jeremy Nethercott, this technical presentation will take you behind the scenes of the engineering innovation that made it possible. Explore the development of a purpose-built Lining Erector Machine, designed to deliver TBM-level precision while enhancing safety, watertightness and productivity in the challenging environment of mined tunnels.
The presentation will unpack the key engineering and design decisions, operational lessons and practical challenges encountered along the way, showcasing how automation and precast technology can reshape conventional tunnelling practices and unlock new possibilities for future underground infrastructure.
Recognised as an Innovation Excellence Finalist at Infrastructure Partnerships Australia’s 2026 National Infrastructure Awards, the project has also been named a finalist in the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026 for Product/Equipment Innovation of the Year.
Join to discover the technology, engineering insights and lessons learned behind an innovative approach that is pushing the boundaries of mined tunnel construction.
Read more in Tunnelling Journal
Presenter Bios:
Ammar Mirzayee is a Chartered Professional Engineer and Technical Director Tunnels at GHD, specialising in complex tunnel and underground infrastructure. With more than 16 years of experience across major metro, road and hydro projects, he combines deep expertise in geotechnical engineering, structural design and rock mechanics with a practical understanding of construction. On Sydney Metro West’s Western Tunnelling Package, Ammar has led critical tunnel design and construction-phase services across mined and TBM works.
He offers an insightful, first-hand perspective on the engineering challenges, collaborative decision-making and practical solutions behind one of Australia’s most significant transport projects.
Jeremy Nethercott is an experienced Project Manager with close to 20 years’ experience in the tendering and delivery of major tunnelling, civil, rail and infrastructure projects across Australia and Europe. Most recently, Jeremy successfully delivered the mined tunnels and associated works for Gamuda on the Sydney Metro Western Tunnelling Package, with overall responsibility for safety, program, cost, quality and environmental performance. His expertise encompasses complex underground construction, major civil structures, innovative tunnelling methodologies, multidisciplinary coordination, stakeholder management and the delivery of projects within highly constrained environments.
Having been with Gamuda for over five years, Jeremy has also held key roles across other major projects including Sydney Metro, WestConnex, M6 Motorway and Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link to name a few. He brings strong technical, commercial and leadership capability, with extensive experience spanning tendering, construction methodology, design development and the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects through to completion.
