23 Jun 2025
With almost 30 years of experience in the sector, Melanie Muirson FEngNZ CPEng IntPE(NZ) is passionate about road safety and the impact the engineering profession can have on reducing trauma on transport networks. She leads a team of technical engineering experts across the country, having previously led road safety professionals here and in Australia.
Through lifeline projects, Melanie has developed an interest in resilient infrastructure that can be safely and rapidly reinstated after a disaster. She's involved with specialist industry safety and temporary traffic management groups, including the Australasian College of Road Safety’s New Zealand Chapter committee, and has served on local and national committees for Engineering New Zealand’s Transportation Group.
What attributes make you a good leader?
I prefer to lead by example. Whether it is being part of the technical team to get projects delivered, providing support to the team through mentoring and training, or simply being available to listen. Being present and approachable for all team members is important and was one of the characteristics I valued most as a graduate engineer.
At the end of each day, what tells you whether you’ve been successful?
Knowing I have made a difference, no matter how small it may seem. This can be helping a client solve a problem or supporting my colleagues at work.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
I come from a family of builders and architects dating back several generations. I grew up surrounded by plans and going to sites with my father at the weekends. Interestingly, Dad encouraged me to do engineering over architecture as he thought it would provide more opportunities (which it certainly has).
Who opened a key door for you?
I’m very grateful for the support of many people over the course of my career. Marten Oppenhuis has been a mentor of mine for many years, providing constructive feedback, sharing his technical knowledge and passion for transportation engineering, and encouraging me to be an active contributor to the industry.
How do you connect your work with a sense of greater good?
Throughout my career I've been driven to reduce the trauma for all road users by providing safe and legible infrastructure. We need to understand the end user and how they will interpret our designs. If we can prevent fatal and serious injuries so people can return home at the end of the day, that sense of purpose is more than enough.
What mistake have you learned from most?
There are many! Realising as a young engineer that one may not always agree with the people that we encounter through our work and projects. However, understanding and respecting that others have differing drivers and points of view has helped me manage conflict situations.
How do you approach a difficult conversation with someone you lead?
With compassion, the ability to listen and an open mind. It’s important to understand the person’s perspective and articulate clearly the issues as we work together to find a resolution or compromise.
Who is a leader in Aotearoa you admire?
Sir Peter Blake, for his dogged determination to become one of the world’s greatest sailors. He inspired his teams to achieve success on an international scale we hadn't seen before in New Zealand, showcasing our world-leading technology and skilled people. Beyond sailing, his passion and enthusiasm for the environment lives on.
What key question have you been asking yourself lately?
How can we continue to maintain and improve safety for all road users on our transport networks within a new infrastructure investment framework?
This article was first published in the June 2025 issue of EG magazine.
