Chair
Helen Davidson
I’m an experienced executive with a background in law, policy, and dispute resolution. I joined the world of engineering in 2016, first as General Manager at Engineering New Zealand leading the mahi of legal, governance, people, and public affairs, and more recently as Chief Executive at the Association of Consulting and Engineering (ACE) New Zealand. Prior to this, I spent 15 years working mainly in the health sector and academia, working across the areas of patient complaints, care quality, and medical ethics. In 2017 I was awarded the ILANZ Private Sector Inhouse Lawyer of the Year and Innovation awards, and in 2019 led our legal team to win Inhouse Legal Team of the Year. I sit on the New Zealand Health Research Council Ethics Committee and the Ahu Charitable Trust. I’m also a working mum living on the beautiful Kapiti Coast! I'm honoured to Chair the Engineering New Zealand Foundation, working with amazing trustees to deliver a vision of supporting a thriving engineering profession – a profession that delivers so much for our communities in Aotearoa.
Alexandra Hare
I'm passionately dedicated to the engineering and scientific community and all the wonderful contributions we make. I have been fortunate to have a career working alongside brilliant minds dedicated to working out some of our complex current and future infrastructure and energy challenges. I’m a firm believer that the more diversity of thought, talent and perspectives we can bring to the challenges in transitioning to a low emission future the more innovative and courageous New Zealand can be. Equally, the more healthy we are as a collective team we will be strong and resilient in this complex journey ahead. What a privilege it is to be representing the heart of the engineering community as a trustee in the Engineering New Zealand Foundation's contribution to this future. A physical geography scientist by qualification, working around the globe, sailor by pasttime and rural farmer by origin now living in Wellington I aim to bring this mixture of experience to the Trust over the coming years.
Derrick Adams
FEngNZ
I’m a civil engineer with almost 40 years experience in the infrastructure sector. I’m currently the Board Chairman of HEB Construction and also serve on the Board of Cassidy Construction and several major infrastructure project boards. I’m a Trustee of the Auckland University Engineering Association Charitable Trust and a former President of Engineering New Zealand. It's a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as a trustee of the Engineering New Zealand Foundation.
Sina Cotter-Tait
FEngNZ, MInstD
Weaving together a 20-year career in professional engineering, governance and education, I firmly believe that engineers make a massive contribution to society and our world every day. In addition to being a current Chartered Engineer based in Ōtautahi-Christchurch where I run my own consultancy Collective Success, I’m also Pasifika and a working mum. I’m passionate about supporting more Māori and Pasifika rangatahi into professional engineering and leadership, therefore we sponsor the Cotter Tait Scholarship for Māori and Pasifika students studying engineering at University of Canterbury. A two-time recipient of the Engineering New Zealand Fulton-Downer Gold Medal, and a former member of the Engineering New Zealand Governing Board, I now serve in a governance capacity for several infrastructure-centred agencies, including the boards of CEAS, Te Waihanga (the Infrastructure Commission), Whitestone Contracting, and the North Otago Irrigation Company. I’m honoured to offer my skills and experience to the Foundation’s board, and to support its vision to grow the future of our profession from the generosity of our members. It’s a privilege to be serving as a Trustee for the Foundation, to work alongside superb co-Trustees, and to contribute my energy and time to support the kaupapa.
Warren Tocker
I've enjoyed a fantastic career meeting great people and seeing the Wellington winds of change. I have a depth of experience as a CFO and in management consulting which is invaluable when leading my HR and recruitment firm. I’ve worked in financial management in central and local government, marketing, and management consulting. With my directorship responsibilities and a keen interest in youth development, I bring energy, leadership and a positive attitude to my work and adventures outside of work. I’m excited about the opportunity to add value to the careers and professional development of engineers through my association with the Engineering New Zealand Foundation.
Jamie Lee Pye
I'm a project manager at RCP, with a background in electrical engineering and industrial water design. I'm also currently the president of South Pacific Engineering Excellence, a network of Māori and Pasifika professional engineers. I'm passionate about changing the landscape of the engineering industry and making sure we are creating pathways to make our industry more diverse. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do this as a trustee of the Engineering New Zealand Foundation.
