Board elections – meet the candidates

We’ve received 18 nominations for this year’s Board elections. We’re grateful to all candidates for expressing an interest in serving the profession by being on the Board.

Senior office holders now serve a two-year term, so the President and Deputy President chosen in this election will serve until the election after this one, in 2028. This year, only one nomination for President was received. As a result, that nominee, Kennie Tsui, is running unopposed and will be elected President.

This election is for:

• President (two-year term)
• Deputy President (two-year term)
• Two elected Board Director seats (three-year term).

You can learn more about all the candidates on this page.

Profiles

A photo and profile for each candidate can be found below.

Senior Office Holder, President

Only one nomination for the office was President was received this election. As a result, Kennie Tsui is running unopposed and will be elected President.

Kennie TSUI, CNZM

Tēnā koutou,

It’s my privilege to serve our members over the last six years on the governance board:  Board Member (2020-2023), Vice President (2023) and Deputy President (2024-2026) as well as the Wellington Branch Chair (2017-2019).

As the first Asian female professional engineer to serve our profession on the Board over the past 110 years, this is a huge privilege and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.

My passion to become an engineer started in my formative years and a desire to make a positive impact transformed me into a purposeful leader in leading industries, communities and society to strive for climate action.  I bring over 25 years’ experience in private, public and not-for-profit sectors pioneering climate initiatives in Aotearoa through diverse, skilled and innovative teams.

Volunteering is an invitation for servant leadership.  I have committed to build a strong and diverse group of “action leaders”, unified around a spirit of service and capable of working across multiple tasks.  As a Board member of Engineering New Zealand, I contributed sound governance practices to refresh our organisation’s strategy and worked with technical groups and branches to stay current and connected in our profession. I was extremely humbled to be recognised with the Companion of the Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2025 New year Honours List for services to the environment and governance.

As the Engineering New Zealand Wellington branch Chair, I was very fortunate to receive the 2020 Fulton-Downer President’s Gold Award for Outstanding Achievement by Engineering New Zealand; the first Asian female to receive this award.

In 2023, I was selected as the first Asian female to become the Vice President of Engineering New Zealand, increasing the diversity of our Board.

I have committed to remaining responsible for the strategic and overall direction of the organisation and I will always be learning – embracing new competencies and diversity at the board table.  I will continue to champion engineers as climate leaders, placing our Tiriti o Waitangi and equity at the heart our response.

Good governance drives the impact and performance of an organisation, which is essential for a strong Engineering NZ and the communities we serve.  I hope to increase leadership from the Board and focus on generating stronger impacts for our profession.

What Leadership qualities would you bring to his role? 

In an increasingly complex world shaped by rapid technological advancement, effective leadership requires a commitment to continuous learning, curiosity, and openness to change. I believe strong leaders actively learn from those around them, reflect on diverse perspectives, and remain inquisitive about emerging issues and disciplines. This openness enables more thoughtful decision-making and better outcomes.

Professional engineers play a critical role in delivering solutions that benefit society, and the importance of our profession continues to grow. I have actively practised these leadership qualities in my roles as a Board Director and as Chief Executive, where adaptability, reflective learning, and collaborative leadership have been essential.

Describe any specific governance experience and training you’ve had? 

As a senior executive leader with extensive experience in private, public and non-for-profit organisations, deep knowledge of renewable energy and industrial sectors and how these sectors contribute to achieve a more sustainable future, it is with great enthusiasm and privilege that I apply for this position.

• C-suite:  Chief Executive (CE) of New Zealand Geothermal Association – I am responsible for leading the execution of long-term corporate strategies, Board administration and support, programme and service delivery to our members, financial, tax, risk and human resource management, community and public relations and fundraising.
• Strong governance experience:  a current board member at Engineering New Zealand, Board member of Wellington Cable Car, KiwiNet, and the New Zealand Institute of Forestry Registration Board, trustee of Venture Taranaki, these positions enable me to gain extensive experience in business innovation, managing emerging issues, such as regulatory compliance, governance and strategy development.
• Governance membership:  Chartered Member of Institute of Directors and Global Women that provides guidance to support me carrying out my governance duties.

How would you drive Engineering New Zealand’s strategy?

I actively drive Engineering New Zealand’s strategy through strong governance, collaboration with management, and disciplined performance oversight. As a Board Director, I was directly involved in co-designing our long-term direction, including the organisation’s 2050 vision, and in establishing a clear and well-defined strategy for the 2024–2027 period.

This strategy is translated into annual plans, with specific work programmes, milestones, and activities that are agreed with management and monitored throughout the year. This approach ensures clarity of roles and responsibilities between the Board and management and reinforces accountability for delivery.

As President, I will continue to represent members’ interests by strengthening the Board’s focus on monitoring strategic delivery and organisational performance over time. I will also foster constructive relationships with members and key stakeholders, encouraging deeper engagement and collaboration to support the successful achievement of Engineering New Zealand’s purpose.

How would you contribute to improving the Boards’s cultural capability?

Improving the Board’s cultural diversity begins with individual leadership and self-awareness. We must be willing to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, recognising that our judgements and decisions are shaped by our own cultures, backgrounds, upbringing, languages, and values.

I contribute by leading with authenticity, actively listening to different perspectives, and creating space for others to bring their full selves to the table. When diverse viewpoints are genuinely heard and respected, creativity is strengthened and the quality of Board decision-making is significantly improved.

Ngā mihi nui.

Deputy President candidates

Keryn KLISKEY

Tēnā koutou katoa

I bring 40 years of engineering experience having practiced in Civil, Structural and Transportation areas founded on a Masters Degree from the University of Auckland. I am a Chartered Member and Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and maintain CPEng Registration. I currently practice as a Major Project Director at WSP NZ Ltd.

My technical skills have been combined with leading and managing multi-disciplinary inputs on large transportation projects such as the Jubliee Line Extension in London, MTRC Hong Kong, Waikato Expressway and City Rail Link in Auckland.

I bring extensive governance knowledge including chairing the CPEng Board for the last four years, as a previous President of the ACE NZ and on various Project Alliance Boards. I have established relationships within client, construction, consulting, academic and regulatory areas of our Engineering Sector. This extends to Planning, Architectural and other infrastructure professionals.

As the inaugural Chair of the CPEng Board I bring the unique contribution of having provided effective leadership, resulting in the Registration Authorities performance significantly improving, including elimination of assessment backlogs, rule changes to improve Assessment and Disciplinary processes and the introduction of CPEng Classes to lift standards in higher risk practice areas. The Registration Authority is no longer loss making and has a Net Promoter Score of +50.  This reflects highly effective Registration and Legal teams with clear direction and KPI’s.

I have contributed throughout my career in many Engineering New Zealand roles including the Northland Branch Committee, as a Practice Assessor since 1998, and the CPEng Board. I have also been a Member of a University Accreditation Panel on behalf of the ENZ Standards Accreditation Board. I am a current Member of the Transportation Group and the NZ Earthquake Engineering Society.

I uphold Engineering New Zealand’s commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi Principles.  I have experienced firsthand the value of including iwi in all levels of project delivery and governance on the recently delivered Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatū-Tararua Highway project. This was built on developing strong trusted relationships and recognising the value that Te Aō maori brings. This approach applies to our Institution including growing the membership from Māori and Pacifica.

Engineering is a great profession that creatively benefits society and the environment. As Deputy President I want to continue to give back to the profession by encouraging upcoming generations to join the profession, engage with our members and promote lifting of standards.

What leadership qualities would you bring to this role? 

I like to work with people and encouraging the best from them and teams. My leadership qualities are based on creating a strong team culture with clear direction and accountability. This requires aligned teams with effective personal connections. People respond to leaders because they want to rather than because of a title. I find attentive listening and reflection are also important for effective leadership together with focusing on common ground and objectives.

Describe any specific governance experience and training you’ve had

I bring extensive industry governance experience from chairing the CPEng Board (Engineering NZ / Registration Authority) since 2022 and previously on the ACE NZ Board from 2012 to 2017 with two years as President.

I have also been a Board Member on a range of Project Alliance Boards including City Rail Link (2019-2025), Te Ahu a Turanga Manawatū Tararua Highway (2019-2025) and the Northern Corridor Improvements, Auckland (2014-2024).

This experience has developed primarily from “on job” governance training built on an earlier NZ Institute of Management Course on Improving Managerial Skills. I have learnt that understanding and respecting the difference between Governance and Management roles is essential for boards and organisations to be effective and to service their members.

How would you drive Engineering New Zealand’s strategy?

As Deputy President I would work with the Governing Board and the President to implement the current 2024- 2027 Strategy. This includes achieving a balance between actioning strategic initiatives and maintaining operational efficiencies. Clear communication of strategy and measurability of outcomes has been a key feature in the improvement of the performance of the Registration Authority under the Governance by the CPEng Board. I would promote a similar approach on the Governing Board.

I support the current strategy having contributed to it on the CPEng Board, and I will actively contribute to developing the 2028 – 2030 Strategy which needs to anticipate and deal with ongoing change - in technology and skills, diversity of membership and community expectations, and regulatory and economic impacts. This will involve input, listening and feedback from Members, Technical Groups and Stakeholders.

How would you contribute to improving the Boards’s cultural capability? 

Ko Kurnow te whakapapa ranga mai engari

Kei Tāmaki Makaurau au e noho ana

He Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa au i WSP

Ko Keryn Kliskey ahau

My family background includes Aotearoa New Zealand, Cornwall, UK and Europe.  Having been born in Hawkes Bay and then lived in the Bay of Plenty, Northland, London and now Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) I have experienced and respect a range of cultures and communities including tangata whenua and tangata tirti.   I would contribute to improving cultural capability through my life experience and by actively valuing and encouraging voices from diverse cultures Sarah through engagement, relationship building and recognition.

Sarah SINCLAIR

After 3 years serving on the Board I’m standing for election for the Deputy President role.

I love our profession. I’m proud of how much we, as engineers, provide the infrastructure and protection our society needs. I want us to be a resilient profession, helping our country be resilient, and my focus is ensuring engineers are recognised and valued for what we contribute to society.

I joined the board in 2023 to help Engineering New Zealand navigate through changes that affect our membership. We have strengthened our advocacy and become a more visible voice for engineers, and navigated through some significant changes over the past 3 years.

I am standing for election as Deputy President to support Engineering New Zealand to continue to be a supportive membership body and an excellent registration body that strengthens the competence and builds the reputation and role of engineers in society. I I believe my enthusiasm and experience, and my broad networks, will be useful to help guide and support Engineering New Zealand and hence our profession and role in society through ongoing change.

I bring experience from engineering consultancy, local and central government in NZ and the UK. I’ve worked in natural hazards, 3 waters, and across complex asset management and emergency management. I’ve been a Chief Engineer, and a Chief Infrastructure Officer/ Deputy Chief Executive with technical leadership and delivery roles, and I understand the commercial, technical and resilience challenges our industry faces. I’m a Chartered Civil Engineer, a Chartered Director, and a Fellow of both Engineering New Zealand and the ICE (UK).

As well as Engineeeing NZ’s board, I’ve served on several boards and committees including the Chartered Professional Engineers Council and IPWEA NZ, and advisory boards including the Women’s Infrastructure Network and Auckland University’s Graduate School of Engineering. I’ve also been a branch chair for IPWEA and the Sustainable Business Network, and an assessor for the Institution of Civil Engineers in NZ. I believe it’s really important to keep engineering a vital and exciting profession with ongoing ability to learn and adapt, which starts with our universities, branches and societies, and how we engage with our members.

I’m committed to supporting the Treaty of Waitangi, and I believe that recognising and seeking mātauranga Māori improves engineering and societal outcomes. I fully support Engineering NZ’s commitment to promoting participation, protection and partnership.

I am passionate about engineering leadership, and the ability of engineers to improve society. I am standing for Deputy President because I want to support my profession and my community.

What leadership qualities would you bring to this role? 

The leadership qualities I would bring to this role are:

• I am curious, with a focus on how things work and how they could be improved.
• I am collaborative; most problems can be solved better with collective and diverse experience.
• I am positive and tend to look forward whilst learning from the past
• I am calm and I have a sense of humour
• I hold myself accountable.
• I coach and mentor others in whole-of-life careers, because I want engineering to be the best job in the world!

Describe any specific governance experience and training you’ve had.

I’ve served on Boards since 2010 including the Sustainable Business Network, Southern Response Earthquake Services, the Institution of Public Works Engineers and now Engineering New Zealand where I am also the Board Rep on the Standards and Accreditation Board. I have also served on various sub committees.

I was chair of Auckland University Graduate School of Engineering Advisory Board for 6 years and a member of the Advisory Board that established the Women’s Infrastructure Network in Infrastructure NZ.

I was a member of the Engineering Council from 2020 to 2023.

I am a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors and have completed their Company Directors Course and had governance training at work for reporting to Councils and boards.

I also have governance experience preparing papers and reporting to Councils, Boards and committees as an officer of organisations I work in.

How would you drive Engineering New Zealand’s strategy? 

Our next challenge, I believe, is to help reinforce engineering as a career for life, including pathways into engineering, standards and qualifications, registration and a more predictable pipeline of work. This needs continued advocacy and public awareness of the role and importance of engineers in society, promoting STEM and engineering careers in schools and supporting engineers in gaining professional experience and qualifications, including promoting our technical societies and bodies of knowledge.

I am also keen to promote the capability of engineers in helping our country be resilient, both day to day and in and after emergencies.

I have experience in leading the development and implementation of strategies, so I can support Engineering New Zealand in developing robust and pragmatic strategy, and in developing meaningful measures of progress.

How would you contribute to improving the Board’s cultural capability? 

I am a migrant to Aotearoa New Zealand, of mixed-race descent. The lived experience I can bring to the Board is both similar and different to many New Zealanders. I strongly support diversity across our profession and believe diversity makes us better engineers, who understand the needs of society. It has been important for me to develop cultural competence in Te Ao Maori, I have studied with Te Wananga ō Aotearoa to Te Ara Reo Māori level 4, and I strive to continue to learn.

Board candidates

Amal PUNCHIHEWA

I am a broadcast engineer with specialisation in signal processing. I worked in academia, research and industry. I have proven strategic level experience as CTO/CIO national TV, CEO/Director of national media training institute, and Advisor to Tertiary and Vocational Commission in Sri Lanka, Director of Technology and Innovation of Broadcasting Union (Professional body of Broadcasters in Asia-Pacific), Vice Chair of Technical Committee of World Broadcasting Unions, and other governance roles I held and am holding with IET (UK) and IEEE (USA).

The unique contribution and perspective I would bring to the Board are the knowledge and experience working in various engineering membership organisations, diverse groups, with multi-cultural backgrounds, different expectations and values to achieve shared purposes.

I have been an active member of the Engineering New Zealand Manawatu Branch since 2002 and have contributed to the committee since 2018. I became a committee member and helped the committee during the pandemic to keep the branch alive and active. I was elected the Vice-Chair, and I stepped up to the Chair position. I led my team to organise at least 15 quality events per annum. During two Chair Forums I attended, I shared my experience with the rest of the Chairs.

I also contribute to the AI Forum appropriately, sharing my knowledge and expertise with various global organisations.

I studied Treaty of Waitangi principles and honour Engineering New Zealand’s commitment to promoting partnering and protecting them while upholding them. I practice them at our events appropriately. I start every branch event and meeting by greeting first in Te Reo Māori. In special events, I share my mihi.

I have the passion to contribute to shaping the next generation of engineers and using engineering to make our lives better, using my forty-year career at various levels, including both paid and volunteer work. This board position will help me to make an impact through the highest level of governance at Engineering New Zealand. My extensive work in not-for-profit professional membership organisations, national, regional and global, will provide a more strategic impact in our Engineering New Zealand services and activities for members and beyond.

Cameron MCKAY

Kia ora, I’m Cameron McKay, Head of Design and Asset Information at Powerco and a passionate advocate for the future of engineering here in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

I believe that engineering sits at the heart of every major challenge and opportunity facing our country – from climate resilience and decarbonisation to digital transformation and infrastructure renewal. Yet despite this, our profession is often misunderstood or overlooked. I believe it’s time to raise the visibility of engineering, attract the next generation of diverse thinkers, and ensure we reflect the values and aspirations of our country in our professional practice.

Over my career, I’ve worked across a wide range of engineering disciplines and collaborated with people at every level, from graduates to CEOs. In my current role, I provide technical leadership and strategic direction across complex design and data workstreams in electricity distribution, helping to solve problems that shape long term infrastructure investment decisions.

Currently, I am on the steering committee for Re-energise 2026, contributing to recommendations that aim to galvanise our sector and provide future pathways for our workforce. This work demonstrates my commitment to helping engineering evolve – to stay relevant, resilient, and ready for the challenges ahead.

If elected to the board, I will focus on:

• Raising the visibility and value of engineering in the eyes of the public, government, and future talent.
• Championing diversity, ensuring our profession embraces all who choose to be part of it.
• Strengthening the STEM pipeline, making engineering an inspiring, accessible choice for young people.
• Bringing grounded perspectives representing both large organisations and smaller enterprises.
• Promoting open, honest debate and supporting practical, evidence-based solutions that benefit our communities.

I believe the board needs voices grounded in real world practice—people who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and who care deeply about the long-term sustainability of our profession, our sector, and the futures of our kids.

Together, we can make engineering visible, valued, and vibrant. Let’s lead with purpose and shape a future we can all be proud of.

Chris BAULD

I’ve had a rewarding career in engineering, and I’m standing for the Engineering New Zealand Board to serve our profession and the public. Engineers are on the front line of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest challenges: closing the infrastructure gap, adapting to and mitigating climate change, and building resilient communities. On the Board I will advocate for clear, evidence based guidance and high professional standards so decisions are science led, practical, and aligned with the public interest.

My key practice areas are Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Management.  I have a diversity of experience over 35 years spanning consulting and construction based in both small and major centres.  I have delivered projects from domestic building extensions to major vertical and horizontal infrastructure, providing everything from complex finite element modelling to governance of design delivery on Aotearoa’s largest projects.

A varied career has given me broad governance and senior management experience. I’ve held a range of management roles including leadership of national teams. My major project experience has included senior governance roles on joint venture boards and project director roles on complex projects such as Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery. I have strong strategic, communication and business governance experience and skills. Disaster recovery has given me direct experience and insight into the challenges of political environments. I have reinforced these commercial management and governance skills with Institute of Directors training and membership.

I have been recognised for service to the industry with my appointment as a Fellow. My involvement in Engineering New Zealand has included long term membership of both NZGS and SESOC and co-opted roles and standards initiatives in my early career.

I am Tangata Tiriti. I will uphold Engineering New Zealand’s commitment to promoting the Treaty of Waitangi principles by understanding that I will always be on a journey of listening and learning. A key step in improving my understanding of the historical context of the Treaty has been completing the NCEA Level 3 Te Whāinga o te Ao Tikanga programme.

David LYES

I am seeking a position on the Engineering New Zealand Board because I believe engineers in Aotearoa, New Zealand deserve recognition.  We have an industry full of highly capable, passionate people solving complex problems every day, and I believe Engineering New Zealand can be a strong, engineering-driven organisation that both represents and celebrates this capability. At its best, our profession is united by problem-solving, technical excellence, and making the world better.

I am passionate about advocating for a professional culture that brings together consultants, contractors, academics, and leaders under a common identity as engineers. Engineering, at its core, is about using physics, mathematics, and sound judgement to solve problems. I believe Engineering New Zealand can reinforce this identity, promoting pride in the profession, and ensuring that standards, ethics, and safety are upheld in a way that supports the industry.

I have leadership experience through my involvement in the Temporary Works Forum, where I have led working groups, contributed to technical guidance, supported industry education, acted as treasurer and undertaken advocacy, including writing to Ministers. These experiences have strengthened my ability to engage constructively, challenge decisions, and contribute at a governance level.

I am a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with over 11 years of experience in structural engineering, supported by four years of engineering education and two years working in construction. My career spans consultancy, contracting, and management roles, including structural engineer, project engineer, and engineering manager. I have worked on complex projects such as the Homer Tunnel, as well as across structural assessment, strengthening, and temporary works projects, applying first-principles thinking with a strong focus on safety and constructability. I bring to a governance role strong strategic thinking, risk management capability, and commercial awareness.

I have had exposure to projects involving iwi and Māori stakeholders and recognise the importance of the principles under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I am committed to ongoing learning and respectful engagement in this space.

This is the right time in my career to seek a Board role. I have the capacity and motivation to contribute meaningfully, and I hope to bring new enthusiasm and a strong engineering voice to Engineering New Zealand.

Deborah CURD

I am a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 25 years’ experience in structural engineering across New Zealand and internationally. My background includes seismic design and assessment, complex commercial and industrial projects, and leadership during Christchurch’s post-earthquake recovery. I am currently National Structural Manager at Kirk Roberts Consulting, providing national leadership across structural teams with responsibility for technical quality, risk management, mentoring, and professional development. This role gives me an understanding of engineering practice and professional standards across regions and career stages.

I see the Engineering New Zealand Board as a steward of public trust, and I bring both frontline engineering insight and governance discipline to that responsibility. I bring strong capability in risk oversight, assurance, and ethical decision-making, informed by both technical leadership and governance experience. My national role requires balancing public safety, professional standards, and commercial realities, while supporting consistency and quality across teams. I bring a practical perspective that bridges engineering practice, governance, and community impact. I understand the day-to-day challenges faced by engineers while maintaining a strong focus on accountability, transparency, and long-term stewardship of the profession.

I am also an elected member of a primary school Board of Trustees, contributing to strategy, financial oversight, health and safety, and community engagement. This strengthens my governance discipline and my ability to consider diverse perspectives.

I am an active member and have engaged with Engineering New Zealand throughout my career through professional practice, mentoring, and leadership aligned with Engineering New Zealand’s competence, ethics, and professional standards framework. I support Engineering New Zealand’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the principles of partnership, protection, and participation. Through governance and leadership roles, I promote inclusive decision-making, equitable outcomes, and pathways that support Māori participation and leadership within engineering.

I would be honoured to serve and bring a balanced, governance-focused perspective to the Engineering New Zealand Board. I also see this as an opportunity to give back to the profession that has shaped my career.

Eric DRONET

I am a Chartered Professional Engineer and a Green Star Accredited Professional. My area of expertise is building services and environmentally sustainable design, and I have a deep appreciation for architecture. I have been a company director since 2018. If I were elected to the board, I would bring in the perspective of Small and Medium Enterprises, which are most businesses across the motu.

I am curious, passionate, and I am comfortable being uncomfortable. I have worked in several countries, including Aotearoa New Zealand, France, and Singapore. Aotearoa has welcomed me with open arms when I moved here and returned to study, at VUW. It was a humbling experience to have a haka performed in our honour when we graduated. There is a quote from Tāme Ite, which I think can apply to all of us: “History has woven us together. We are the basket, the kete, that holds the future.”

As a board member, I would look for opportunities to foster collaboration between SMEs. SMEs can form ecosystems of companies and help both retain talent and boost productivity in New Zealand. My observation of the New Zealand construction industry is that it is segmented and more collaboration between consultancies and contracting companies could benefit us all. I can leverage my 25 years of experience in engineering and management to support the board’s objectives.

More details are available in my profile on LinkedIn. Eric DRONET - eCubed Building Workshop Ltd | LinkedIn

Felicity GLENIE

I have spent over 20 years delivering complex infrastructure across Aotearoa and am currently Executive General Manager National Projects and Winning Work at HEB Construction. Throughout my career, I have worked with government, iwi, and industry partners to deliver major projects through genuine collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening our communities.

I am committed to developing the engineering profession and have contributed to initiatives that build our future talent pipeline, including the Wonder Project. I also help maintain professional standards as an Engineering New Zealand Practice Area Assessor and serve on the University of Auckland Civil and Environmental Engineering Industry Advisory Board, helping shape our next generation of engineers.

As a Chartered Professional Engineer, Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand, and IntPE/APEC Engineer, my work is grounded in strong technical judgement and professional responsibility. I have extensive experience governing and leading multidisciplinary projects through design and construction, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and advancing innovation in digital engineering and collaborative delivery models.

My contribution to the Board will draw on a blend of senior executive leadership and hands-on project experience. I understand the challenges engineers face across all stages of their careers and am motivated to ensure Engineering New Zealand continues to champion high standards, relevance, and credibility. As a woman in engineering leadership, I bring lived experience of the cultural change underway, and that which is still needed, in strengthening diversity and inclusion across our sector.

Our profession plays a crucial role in supporting equitable outcomes and meaningful engagement with Māori. I am committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensuring my leadership continues to reflect the principles of partnership, protection, and participation. As kaimahi shaping Aotearoa for generations to come, we have a responsibility to care for our people and our whenua and leave both better than we found them. I take this responsibility seriously, ensuring health, safety, and environmental outcomes remain at the forefront.

I am standing for the Board because I care deeply about the future of engineering in Aotearoa and want to contribute my experience and energy to help guide the profession forward.

Julio ORTIZ

As a Structural Manager based in Christchurch, I bring more than a decade of hands on engineering experience, specialising in structural design, seismic resilience, and the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary projects within small and medium sized practices. My career has centred on leading engineering teams to consistently high technical and ethical standards. I deeply understand the responsibilities engineers carry, both to the public and to the profession, and I am committed to strengthening that foundation by improving how we communicate with our members and with the public at a governance level.

I bring strong leadership experience in strategic communication, organisational improvement, and people development. Having managed diverse engineering teams, I am skilled at bridging technical detail with long term strategic outcomes. I also bring governance adjacent experience through my involvement in SESOC, including serving on the Sustainability Task Force and the Management Committee. My work has ranged from organising seminars and webinars as part of the learning portfolio, to championing clearer, more effective communication with our members and the wider community.

Having worked extensively in Christchurch’s post earthquake environment, I bring a unique perspective on resilience, community needs, and the critical role engineers play in Aotearoa’s wellbeing. Coming from Chile, another seismically active nation, my approach blends technical rigour with empathy, collaboration, and cultural awareness. I am committed to upholding and advancing Engineering New Zealand’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by embedding partnership, protecting Māori interests, and supporting meaningful participation for Māori engineers and communities in decision making processes. I see this as essential to building a modern, trusted, and future focused profession.

I am seeking election to the Board because I believe Engineering New Zealand is at a pivotal moment, shaping professional standards, strengthening public trust, and supporting engineers through rapidly evolving technical, social, and environmental challenges. I want to contribute to that momentum. I hope to bring my structural expertise, leadership experience, and inclusive, forward thinking perspective to support the organisation’s strategic direction while ensuring members’ voices remain central to every decision.

Lachlan COLEMAN

I believe the engineering profession must be protected from outside influence and the gradual dilution of technical expertise. One way to achieve this is by ensuring that only individuals who have completed, at least, a Washington Accord accredited engineering degree are able to call themselves an engineer. This will help prevent confusion, protect professional standards, and avoids the watering down of the title within the industry. This clear professional definition also enables a stronger focus on engineering ethics, safety, and maintaining public trust in the profession. Engineers carry significant responsibility for the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure, and strong governance and accountability are essential for maintaining public confidence in our work that has been impacted in the past.

I strongly believe in protecting New Zealand based engineers from the negative impacts of immigration policies that unintentionally drive skilled professionals overseas in search of better opportunities. This can be supported by ensuring that overseas qualification conversions remain rigorous, consistent, and aligned with internationally benchmarked standards, and are not weakened to accommodate labour shortages or cost pressures. This will protect local expertise, maintain professional standards, and keep critical engineering knowledge within the country.

In addition to the above, I have strong views about the use of Gen AI and the creep it’s having in the engineering industry, where it’s letting non‑competent people pass themselves off as professionals. I understand that AI can be useful in workflows, but everything still needs to be checked by an engineer to stop errors slipping through.

These issues hold both personal significance to me and broader value for the engineering community. Strengthening professional protection would also encourage more young people to pursue engineering as a viable and respected career path.

A bit about me: I am a Transmission lines engineer responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that keeps the lights on across New Zealand. I studied Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waikato, and in my final year was a key member of the university’s FSAE team, I have also been involved with Committees in the past, so I am no stranger to how they work.

Mark MILKE

My engineering degrees are from the USA. My bachelor’s degree was in general Engineering. I took more courses in communication systems than civil engineering, and my first job was as a mechanical engineer. After a master’s degree in environmental engineering, I spent a year living in Mexico City researching the economics of informal recycling. My PhD degree was from Carnegie Mellon on groundwater quality. I started my academic career at the University of Canterbury in 1991 and am now a Professor. I have taught and led research in solid waste management and groundwater quality for many years.  Over the past 20 years, I have been active in the professional parts of our degrees, including various curriculum change efforts, and publishing on engineering education. I am now 50% employed by UC.

I have served on the Engineering New Zealand Standards and Accreditation Board for six years, often leading initiatives within that Board, and keeping informed of new directions for education and accreditation. Since 2005 I have been a peer reviewer for our regional landfill, providing expertise in environmental monitoring, gas and leachate. I have been a CPEng since 2007. I have been active in WaterNZ, and in 2020 I was inducted into the 5S Society for my contributions to environmental engineering education in New Zealand. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu appointed me as project leader in 2020 on a water resources project following from my earlier research; that work continues part-time. My actions in this project are indicative of my contributions to advancing indigenous aspirations. I am Editor-in-Chief for Civil Engineering and Environmental Systems, directing publications for the systems-level advances we need.

I can provide many unique perspectives with my experience and expertise. I can also provide the time and energy that the role implies. I am committed to an engineering profession in this country that is thriving and striving. As a Board Member I would seek out the opinions of other members before acting. I believe that the way forward for the profession is to raise, and not merely maintain, standards.

Panduranga (Vittal) AVVARI

Engineering and problem-solving have been my passion since childhood, leading me to pursue a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. My journey, marked by flexibility and openness to challenges, has shaped my career across continents, exposing me to diverse civil infrastructure projects and culminating in my current role with one of the Crown entities.

Seventeen years ago, after completing my Master’s degree, I began my career as a Graduate Civil & Structural Engineer, designing heavy industrial and thermal power plants. Subsequently, during my time in Singapore, I worked on R&D projects for the Land Transport Authority and Ministry of Urban Development. My multidisciplinary and futuristic PhD research work allowed me to briefly explore an entrepreneurial path before taking a full-time role in Urban Development. This opportunity enabled me to work across various markets in Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India etc.

Seven years ago, my wife and I moved to New Zealand as she embarked on a PhD journey at Victoria University of Wellington. Over these years, I have worked on numerous projects across New Zealand, and I have been an active member of the Engineering New Zealand fraternity and learned immensely from experts in urban development, water, transportation, and energy sectors. Volunteering with the Engineering New Zealand Wellington Branch committee from 2021 to early 2024 and supporting the Rocket Challenge initiative at schools which allowed me to interact with industry leaders, emerging professionals, and students, appreciating diverse perspectives.

I seek your support to be elected and join the Engineering New Zealand board, which would provide me with a platform to expand my contributions to the community of engineers across Aotearoa. My experience across different cultures, industries, and sectors gives me a unique perspective to empathise with various generations of engineers and their needs. As we stand on the brink of a technological revolution, my goal is to collaborate with the wider engineering community, represent our interests at various infrastructure forums, and advocate for engineering as a compelling career choice for the next generation; especially in the post-pandemic era, where the sector faces numerous challenges and skill shortages.

Paul WILSON

Dr Paul Wilson

DBA, BE(E&E)(Hons), NZCE(E&Comp), CPEngNZ, F.EngNZ, FIML<, MIoD (Ret)

I have an eclectic background in engineering, tertiary education, and management and am now retired from full time employment. My first career was 20 years with the Royal New Zealand Navy as an electronics technician/engineer then a commissioned Weapons Engineering Officer which included many deployments across the entire Pacific Region including two extended periods of training in the United Kingdom.

When I left service I commenced my second career of over 30 years in the engineering education sector with lecturer positions at Auckland University of Technology and then Christchurch Polytechnic where I developed New Zealand’s first accredited Bachelor of Engineering Technology programme. I then had a number of leadership/executive positions at Christchurch Polytechnic and Tai Poutini Polytechnic before heading to Australia for some experience in Victoria and lastly at TAFE Queensland. My final full-time role was as General Manager of TAFE Queensland Brisbane region with a staff of over 1,100 serving some 20,000 students per annum and a budget of over A$100m.

I have been actively involved with engineering education standards for over 25 years and was the inaugural Chair of the Engineering New Zealand Competency Assessment Board and the second Chair of the Standards and Accreditation Board. I was awarded the Fulton Downer Gold Medal and appointed Fellow in 2010 for my “leadership and commitment to developing and maintaining engineering qualification standards”.

Although retired from full-time employment I am still critically active with professional engineering related activities including being an Engineering New Zealand Lead Competency Assessor, Knowledge Assessor, and Visit Manager for engineering accreditations at New Zealand BE(Hons), and international, tertiary education providers. I also remain active in international reviews for IntPE/APECA (leading panels recently for Russia and Canada) and Sydney Accord membership (USA in 2008 and more recently Pakistan and Indonesia).

I will bring my extensive background in leadership and management, my current knowledge of engineering education standards at all levels, experience in international and local professional competence standards, and a broader perspective from vocational engineering that should be increasingly relevant.

Peter LAI

I am a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng since 2012) with 19 years’ experience working predominantly in the construction contractor environment. I am currently the Technical Manager on the Central Interceptor Project, one of New Zealand’s largest and most complex infrastructure projects. My experience spans construction engineering, temporary works design, design management and project delivery.

A key contribution I bring is a strong design–construction interface skillset. I regularly bridge designers and contractors, as well as disciplines including geotechnical and structural engineering, integrating permanent and temporary works to achieve safe, buildable outcomes. This perspective supports early identification of technical and delivery challenges and more robust decisions.

Historically, there has been limited representation at governance level from engineers working within contractor-led environments, particularly those specialising in temporary works. Temporary works remain a significant contributor to construction health and safety risk across New Zealand yet often receive limited strategic focus. Bringing this perspective to the Board would help ensure Engineering New Zealand remains relevant to engineers working at the coalface of delivery.

I lead a multidisciplinary technical team and contribute to strategic, risk and financial decision-making at project level. While my formal governance experience is limited, my role requires independent judgement, accountability, and balancing technical, commercial and programme constraints, capabilities directly transferable to board governance.

I am actively engaged with Engineering New Zealand as a recent technical assessor, a member of SESOC and the Temporary Works Forum, and through mentoring a young engineer via the Engineering New Zealand programme. I am motivated to strengthen CPD so it better supports early-career engineers and those transitioning into construction and site-based roles.

If elected, I would bring a progressive, reform-minded perspective focused on strengthening professional capability, improving CPD relevance, and ensuring Engineering New Zealand continues to influence better engineering practice across the profession. I would uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through respectful partnership, informed governance and inclusive participation.

I am seeking this role to give back to the profession at a stage where my experience can make a meaningful contribution.

Sam TWYMAN

I have been a practicing civil engineer in New Zealand for the last 10+ years, with a career spanning both public and private sectors, within consultancies, central government organisations and private developers. I hold a Master of Business Administration and am currently the National Pre-Construction Manager at Summerset Group, where I am part of the senior leadership team.

My experience has spanned the transport infrastructure and property development industries, giving me a broad exposure to the engineering industry, how it operates with other professions, and the excellent work it does to shape communities across the country.

I believe Engineering New Zealand plays a critical role in representing its members, upholding public trust in the profession and ensuring the profession, and its members, are ready for the future. In the time that I have been in the engineering industry, I have witnessed change across the environment in which engineers operate, how we leverage technology and the continued integration of cultural diversity within the country, particularly the principals of the Treaty of Waitangi.

I am standing for the Board because I believe I can provide diversity to its representation – with age and private sector client-side representation and the required strategic planning skillset. As a board member I would focus on:

• How Engineering New Zealand supports its members with professional development through their membership – particularly those at or seeking CPEng status.
• The current 2024-2027 Engineering New Zealand strategy, progress on achieving this in the view of members, with a particular focus on the relevance for members and organisational excellence focus areas.
• How Engineering New Zealand, and its members, are recognised for their competencies and valued with adjacent professional bodies, the public and government organisations.

This opportunity would allow me to give back to the profession that has shaped my career while helping guide its direction.

Sharon DURNO

People are at the heart of everything I do, with trust, teamwork and purposeful leadership key to achieving great outcomes. I bring over 25 years of experience in the engineering industry, grounded in civil engineering and strengthened by leadership and governance roles. I’ve worked at Beca for 20 years, where I manage a team of 50 project managers across the North Island. My background spans procurement, construction, and contract management, with a focus on delivering complex projects and building collaborative relationships.

My career has been closely connected to the construction sector, giving me practical insight into the challenges and opportunities that shape our industry. From navigating procurement strategies to managing contractual frameworks and driving project delivery, I bring a perspective that can help Engineering New Zealand strengthen industry confidence, raise standards and support members working in this vital space.

As a founding member of the Management Committee for the Society of Construction Contract Practitioners (SCCP), I have hands-on board experience and a sound understanding of governance responsibilities. This, combined with my ability to lead diverse teams and influence best practice, positions me to contribute meaningfully to Engineering New Zealand’s strategic direction.

What makes my perspective unique is my passion for people and the future of our profession. I am committed to fostering STEM careers and supporting young engineers - something I champion both professionally and personally, with a son currently studying engineering (yes, I’m one of those mums sharing engineering stories on the sidelines of sports fields!). Growing up on the East Coast in Gisborne has also given me a strong sense of community and resilience – values that guide my approach to leadership.

I have engaged with Engineering New Zealand through technical groups and industry initiatives, and am committed to upholding the principles of partnership, protection, and participation under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This includes supporting inclusive decision-making and opportunities for Māori within engineering.

I believe in the power of engineering to shape a better Aotearoa. This role offers an opportunity to influence the profession’s future, advocate for diversity and sustainability, and inspire the next generation.

Voting

Voting will be held between Wednesday 11 February and 12 noon Tuesday 10 March 2026.

Voting will be administered by electionz.com, an independent voting services provider.

All financial members will receive a voting email on Wednesday 11 February from iro@electionz.com – please add this email address to your safe senders list to ensure you are able to vote.

If you’re a financial member and have not received a voting email by Thursday 12 February, please contact the board secretary.

We will use Single Transferable Vote. With this voting system, candidates are ranked in order of the voter’s preference, rather than voters simply picking their most preferred candidate for each vacancy. This tends to result in more proportional representation.

The results of the elections will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on Friday 20 March 2026.

About the Board 

The Board is responsible for Engineering New Zealand’s strategy and for monitoring its performance. Being on the Board is your chance to influence the direction of our professional body. The only prerequisite to becoming a Board member is being a financial member of Engineering New Zealand.

Board meetings are held six times a year, for one day. As well as attending meetings, Board members are expected to engage directly with branches and groups, attend events and be champions for Engineering New Zealand.

The role of elected Board member is voluntary, with Engineering New Zealand covering expenses.

Board members need to be able to:

• take a strategic view, while understanding key operational matters
• be well prepared and informed – and ready to constructively engage
• have respect for others, and see others’ points of view
• solve problems creatively
• appreciate commercial issues and risk
• focus on accountability and transparency in monitoring compliance and performance
• act in good faith and in the best interests of the organisation.

What makes a good board?

The board needs members with strong governance skills, diverse backgrounds, and a vision for how to improve and advance Engineering New Zealand and the profession.

A good board debates issues from a range of perspectives. It needs a mix of strengths, with each member contributing something unique and valuable to the culture and vision of the board. Board members also bring their individual experience and networks. Having a diverse board means we capture a range of viewpoints and make better decisions – we’re looking for diversity of thought, disciplines, ages and career stages – as well as gender and ethnicity.

You can learn more about what’s expected of Board members by reading the Board Charter and our Diversity and Skills document.

Our current Board 

If you are considering standing for the Board next year, take a look at the profiles of our current Board members. Think about what you might add to that mix in taking a governance role in the future direction and success of Engineering New Zealand.