Finalists have been announced for the CCNZ Z People Awards, which recognise emerging leaders in the civil construction industry as well as those who have shown outstanding commitment to personal development.
The Z People Awards will be presented as part of The Civil Contractors Conference in a plenary session, alongside the CCNZ Connexis Civil Training Awards.
CCNZ Chief Executive Alan Pollard said this year’s award nominees had all achieved amazing things in their roles, demonstrating excellence in leadership and a commitment to developing not only their own skills, but the skills of those around them.
This year's finalists were outstanding examples for anyone looking to succeed in the civil construction industry, Mr Pollard said.
“These are people who have shown extraordinary dedication and skill in their roles. They have all achieved great outcomes, not just for their employers, but for the infrastructure projects they have constructed, and the communities they serve. I am proud to recognise them for their efforts.”
These awards recognise the amazing people who work on NZ's civil construction projects - from emerging leaders to frontline workers who are committed to building their skills. You can see the stories of past finalists
online, and tickets for this year's award presentations are available from the event website at
www.contractorsconference.nz.
Z has a long-standing relationship with CCNZ and is a proud supporter of the Z People Awards, recognising the achievements and professional development of individuals within the civil construction industry.
Want to see some of the award winning people from previous years? Check out our awards book, which features the details of past winners.
RECENT WINNERS: 2023 | 2022| 2020-21| 2019 | 2018 | 2017
And the finalists are
Z Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award recognises talented people from across the civil construction industry who have shown exemplary skill and leadership in their work. The winner of each year's Emerging Leader Award receives the 'Dr Dave Memorial Trophy', which was named in memory of Dr. Dave Hutchison, an outstanding person who was responsible for helping many young people build their skills and find success in their careers.
Anthony Vea - McConnell Dowell
Comments from Anthony's employer: Anthony's journey with McConnell Dowell began as an intern five years ago, coinciding with the final stretch of his academic path. Upon earning his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury, he officially joined the company in late 2018.
His introduction to the civil industry was by hands-on experience during his university's summer breaks, where he undertook diverse roles—from traffic management to spotting and general labour on multiple Christchurch projects. It was his internship on the Christchurch Russley Road initiative that cemented his ambition to pursue a career in major civil projects, finding the field to be a perfect match for his academic qualifications.
Now, as a Senior Site Engineer, Anthony is at the helm of significant operations for the Nuku’alofa Port Upgrade Project in Tonga. His leadership skills are being honed as he guides a team of engineering cadets on-site, an experience that is shaping his managerial acumen. Looking ahead, Anthony aspires to manage larger teams and tackle more complex technical challenges as a project engineer, with the ultimate goal of ascending to the role of project manager.
Dylan Fraser - Fulton Hogan
Comments from Dylan's employer: One of Dylan’s special characteristics is, simply, how thoroughly nice he is. He is particularly well liked and admired across the field - from his field crews to the admin team, senior management and clients. People want to work with, and for, him.
Furthermore, the Dylan you see at home is the Dylan you see at work; he is genuine, humble and deeply interested in those around him. Every engagement is a learning experience, including with his two young, preschool daughters. He is generous with his time with friends and family, extending this to mentoring within Fulton Hogan.
Amrit Sangha - HEB Construction
Comments from Amrit's employer: Amrit's commitment to excellence is evident in his management of construction teams across diverse locations, from Auckland CBD to Port Charles to the Kaingaroa Forest. He is dedicated to ensuring project outcomes are met while implementing innovative solutions. Known for fostering a positive, collaborative, and open team environment, Amrit exemplifies leadership and dedication in every project he undertakes.
Amrit plans to continue developing his project and staff management skills in his current role at HEB Construction, with the goal of advancing to contract management within the next 4-6 years. He aims to enhance his expertise in overseeing larger projects, managing complex contracts, and leading diverse teams. In the longer term, Amrit aspires to become a Construction Manager or Area Manager, where he can apply his extensive knowledge and experience to drive strategic initiatives, improve operational efficiencies, and contribute to the growth and success of the company. His dedication to professional growth and his commitment to excellence in the civil construction industry are evident in his proactive approach to career development and his ambition to take on higher levels of responsibility and leadership.
Nic Ganly - CB Civil
Comments from Nic's employer: Nic's career started in Christchurch before moving onto C1 of City Rail Link after jumping at the chance to become involved at the pinnacle of engineering within NZ. Following project completion, he moved to Wellington and combined his structural experience and passion for technology to lead a team of engineers delivering BIM pilot projects for KiwiRail’s Digital Engineering Framework. Now in Hamilton, Nic has been with CB Civil since 2022, and in that time has held Project Engineer and Project Manager roles as well as Waikato regional business management responsibilities.
During the $10m Snells Rising Main and Pump Station project, Nic stepped up as Contractor’s Representative and took on responsibility for the financial performance, people management (including hiring and performance reviews), programme, quality and client relationship to deliver HCC’s broader outcomes.
During a pre-consenting ECI phase, Nic worked with Hamilton City Council and WSP to drive buildable methodologies and expedite service investigation and design inputs to bring the project forward a year. This helped HCC deliver their overall works programme on time and budget.
Nic's leadership and skill guided the Snells project to successful. CB was able to achieve tendered margin, whilst HCC was able to deliver the overall project 1 year earlier.
Tom Keall-Grant - Isaac Construction
Comments from Tom's employer: Tom joined us in November 2016, straight after finishing his Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Canterbury and, through his hard work and dedication, has advanced to the role of Project Manager from March 2022.
During his time with us, Tom has taken on increasingly complex responsibilities, culminating in his successful management of the $18 million project 66kV Bromley substation to Milton Substation for Orion. His journey with us is a testament to his commitment and growth.
Z Personal Improvement Award
This award recognises individuals who have committed themselves to ongoing training and development for the betterment of themselves and their employers and how they make the most of the opportunities made available to them in the civil and general contracting industry.
Andrew Kersten - HEB Construction
Comments from Andrew's employer: Andrew's career trajectory took an exciting turn when he gained an opportunity at Baldwins Quarry, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Quarry Manager. This role not only provided him with valuable management experience but also solidified his reputation as a capable leader.
Eager for new challenges, Andrew ventured to Western Australia, where he further honed his skills as a plant operator in civil construction. Despite the distance, family ties eventually drew him back to New Zealand, where he settled in Waikato to raise a family.
With Andrew's expertise in earthmoving and well-rounded skill base, he soon he found himself working on major projects like the Waikato expressway Hamilton section for major contractors. After the successful completion of the earthworks portion of the Waikato expressway, Andrew joined HEB Construction for the Takitimu North Link Project.
Andrew's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and seizing opportunities. His resolute commitment to personal and professional growth has positioned him as a respected figure in the civil industry, with his sights set on even greater achievements in the future.
Jethro Staite -Brian Perry Civil
Comments from Jethro's employer: Jethro’s hard work and leadership skills saw him appointed Manager of a Resene Colourshop at just 20 years old. While he enjoyed the responsibility of the role, he realised he needed more challenge and looked to the construction industry in which his father Trevor worked to get the career opportunities he sought. In 2015 he began work as a
Labourer on the Mackays to PekaPeka (M2PP) Expressway north of Wellington, a project on which Trevor was also
working.
Understanding the development opportunities that the Kaikoura rebuild would offer, Jethro put his hand up to join the North Canterbury Transport and Infrastructure Recovery (NCITR) project. He was engaged as a Leading Hand and broadened his skills into marine work. Managing a crew of 10 building three new seawalls, he relished the range of work skills he could develop and enjoyed mentoring and guiding junior crew members. The role was another big step up in responsibility for him, including procurement of materials and organising resources to meet the project’s very demanding deadlines.
Back in Wellington in 2018 Jethro joined the Peka Peka to Ōtaki (PP2Ō) project as a Leading Hand for the 320m Ōtaki River Bridge, pouring columns and insitu crossheads and landing super-T beams. Two years later he was promoted to the role of Structures Foreman, managing a crew of 16 and consistently hitting tight programmed milestones. His responsibilities included serving on the Health and Safety Committee and as Working at Heights lead on the project’s Critical Risk Committee. In this role he also built experience working closely with designers and consultants and supporting the project’s community events programme.
Brian Perry Civil (BPC) employed Jethro to work as Foreman on the $8M Taranaki Street Pump Station, a two-year project for Wellington Water. Impressing on all fronts in his two years in the role, he was promoted to be Supervisor of the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant project, which BPC began constructing early this year. Jethro’s goal is to continue to build his skillset and leadership experience so that he is equipped to step up to a Superintendent role on a major infrastructure project that will deliver significant national or regional benefits and leave a legacy for generations to come.
John Catt -Fulton Hogan
Comments from John's employer: Put simply, John is an extraordinary human being. His ability to give, to share and to guide sets him apart. He treats everyone, from the prime minister to the newest Infrastructure Skills Centre recruit, with the same respect, affording them the same dignity and time.
When John was having attendance difficulties with a cadet on an ISC course, he visited their parent at their home, for a heart-to-heart talk that led to a major change in the cadet’s attitude. This action was not an exception.
It is almost a reflex action for John to want to help others, and to give people a chance. Not in what he might call a “PC way”, but in an upfront, honest, what-you-see-is-what-you-get sort of way. There can be few places that will benefit more from this attitude and approach than the ISC. He says many of recruits may not have otherwise been given a chance in the workplace. John’s commitment to helping young, vulnerable people is a common feature of his life both inside and outside work.
John Catt has made an enormous contribution to Fulton Hogan, to a degree he may not, in his own modest way, fully recognise.
His no-nonsense, practical approach and skills made him a great crane operator.
He then brought that practicality to health & safety; real world experience and, with this, additional respect and mana to the health & safety management in heavy civil environments.
In the past three years he has brought this together to be a central part of an initiative we believe is among the most forward thinking in our industry, and with which CCNZ has been actively involved.
Mark Coakley - McConnell Dowell
Comments from Mark's employer: Mark Coakley currently serves as the Working Foreperson for the Warkworth Pump Station project, having worked for McConnell Dowell for 15 months. Mark is known for his upbeat demeanour and inclusive leadership. He consistently goes the extra mile, seizing every opportunity for growth and success.
Mark's journey in the civil industry began at 15 when he embarked on an apprenticeship as a drainlayer. By the age of 20, he earned his NZ certification in drain laying. Since then, he's honed his expertise, advancing through various roles involving heavy machinery, earthworks, and civil projects spanning from residential to large-scale commercial endeavours.
While his current focus lies in overseeing the installation of a T-Liner at the Warkworth Pump Station, Mark's ambition extends beyond his current position. He's actively learning the intricacies of a Supervisor role, aiming to eventually progress to the position of Superintendent.
