Future Roads Rising Star Award nominee Sloan Gunn didn't grow up imagining he'd lead some of New Zealand's most complex infrastructure programmes.
Raised in a working-class household in Upper Hutt with ties to Tokomaru, he was the first in his family to attend university.
Today, as an associate director and civil engineer at AECOM, and design manager for the Te Awa Kairangi Alliance, Gunn is shaping the future of infrastructure with a people-first mindset, technical excellence and a deep commitment to community outcomes.
Gunn's career spans more than 13 years and includes landmark projects such as Christchurch's "Accessible City" central city recovery plan, Dunedin's George Street retail quarter, Lincoln town centre and Rolleston's intersection upgrades.
His work consistently balances commercial constraints with technical, environmental and social priorities.
In Dunedin, he resolved historic flooding issues by revising secondary flow catchments and led the design of complex intersections around heritage stormwater systems.
His collaboration with Isaac Construction helped innovate pavement design and construction methodology, reducing disruption for local businesses and saving up to $1.5 million through value engineering.
In Rolleston, Gunn served as engineer's representative for two major traffic signal upgrades.
His proactive engagement with local businesses and council stakeholders ensured minimal disruption and built lasting trust - leading to work for AECOM on the $45 million Lincoln town centre redevelopment.
When internal engagement challenges arose, he stepped in to lead public sessions and local council engagement, keeping the project on track and strengthening community relationships.
Innovation is central to Sloan's approach. He's developed custom design tools that have saved hundreds of hours, such as swale modelling scripts for Christchurch Southern Motorway stage 2.
On Te Awa Kairangi, he leads the "Best for Value Solutions" stream, managing an innovations dashboard and influencing key results incentives for the project.
More than 60 innovations have been registered, with more than 25 per cent implemented - ranging from digital twin models and weathering steel bridge girders to sustainable drainage systems and low-carbon materials.
Gunn's leadership style is grounded in empathy, trust and empowerment.
He mentors a team of civil and transport engineers in Christchurch, fostering growth through meaningful one-on-ones and strategic coaching.
Beyond AECOM, Gunn mentors through the Keystone Trust, supporting young professionals from under-represented backgrounds.
His own journey informs his commitment to inclusivity and ethical leadership. He champions honest conversation, hard work and respect - values that have earned him trust across councils, contractors and communities.
Whether navigating politically sensitive environments or driving digital transformation, Gunn brings a steady hand and a clear focus. His work is not just about delivering infrastructure - it's about building spaces that serve people, fostering resilient teams and creating lasting impact.
Gunn is a rising star whose influence is already reshaping New Zealand's roading sector. And with every project, he's proving that infrastructure, when designed with care and purpose, can truly change lives.
The roading industry Rising Star Award is for the standout person aged under 40 in the New Zealand roading sector, defined by their achievements during their career to-date. It is awarded annually at the Future Roads conference dinner. There are four finalists for 2025. See more here.
The New Zealand roading industry Rising Star Award is sponsored by Jacobs.