2025
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 Finalist
Anton Benadie – senior project manager, Higgins Contractors
Starting as a carpenter in South Africa while studying part-time, Anton progressed to managing major infrastructure projects before immigrating to New Zealand. Now Pavement Manager on Eastern Busway Alliance, his people-first leadership delivers measurable improvements in efficiency and quality.
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 Finalist
Martha Arifin – construction delivery manager – South & East, Auckland Transport
Migrating from Indonesia at 17 without English, Martha graduated with First Class Honours before becoming New Zealand's youngest bitumen specialist at Fulton Hogan. Now at Auckland Transport, she has transformed struggling programmes into models of excellence while advocating for inclusive workplaces for female engineers.
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 Finalist
Nick Brewer – asset information & systems manager, HEB Construction
With nine years of pipelaying experience and an environmental science degree, Nick revolutionised emergency response through GIS technology. His apps, developed after Marlborough's 2021 floods, are shared freely across the industry, prioritising community safety over commercial advantage.
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 Finalist
Sloan Gunn – principal civil engineer, AECOM
First in his family to attend university, Sloan developed practical problem-solving skills growing up on a Tokomaru farm. His 13-year career spans major urban projects from Christchurch's post-earthquake rebuild to Dunedin's retail quarter transformation. As Design Manager for Te Awa Kairangi Alliance, he champions digital innovation including federated modelling and mentors emerging engineers through the Keystone Trust.
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2024
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 Winner
Fatima Leung-Wai – construction delivery manager – central, Auckland Transport
Leung-Wai joined Auckland Transport as a senior project manager in early 2023 and has rapidly progressed her career. She now manages a team responsible for implementing significant transportation infrastructure projects in Central Auckland. A trailblazing Pasifika engineer, she combines technical excellence with community engagement and mentorship. Her leadership, innovation, and commitment to service make her a powerful role model for future talent in the roading sector.
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 Finalist
Mohit Vyas – national technical lead – digital engineering, Downer
Vyas is an experienced civil designer with 10 years in the field, currently leading digital engineering at Downer. He holds a major in road and geometric design and has extensive experience working on numerous NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi projects. He’s revolutionising asset data delivery through innovations like the ‘Asset Twin’ and ‘Model First’ approach. With a strong focus on collaboration, efficiency, and automation, Mohit is setting new industry standards and inspiring the next generation of engineering professionals.
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 Finalist
Willem de Bod – managing director and owner, Rolco
De Bod is the founder and managing director of Rolco, a company specialising in roller compacted concrete (RCC) pavements. With a background in civil engineering and pavement design, de Bod has successfully led Rolco to complete major projects for ports, councils, sawmills, and industrial clients. A hands-on leader and civil engineer, de Bod’s innovation, integrity, and commitment to sustainability have earned him industry-wide respect and positioned Rolco as a pioneer in durable, low-carbon infrastructure solutions.
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 Finalist
Angela Parsonage – associate director – pavements, AECOM
Parsonage is a charted professional engineer with a master’s in civil engineering. For the last 14 years, she has specialised in pavement roading construction and design,and led key projects. She champions sustainability, diversity, and innovation, and chairs the NPTG Research sub-group. Angela’s collaborative leadership and technical expertise are shaping the future of New Zealand’s roading industry.
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