2013 New Zealand Project Management Awards
And the winners are…
The Project Management Institute of New Zealand (PMINZ) are pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 New Zealand
Project Management Awards.
The New Zealand Project Management Awards are now in their 5th year. These awards have grown steadily in stature and
importance as PMINZ has pursued the recognition of outstanding project management achievements as a part of its vision
for raising the profile of the project management profession. Participation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Finance, the Hon Bill English, at this year’s PMINZ Annual Conference in September demonstrates the importance of the
profession to New Zealand’s economy.
This year saw the number of nominations increase to record levels as organisations from a range of industries used the
awards as a vehicle to acknowledge the great work they had done on the delivery of successful projects and the people
who oversaw that success.
This year PMINZ introduced the PMO of the Year award, which recognizes the increasing influence of Project, Programme
and Portfolio Management Offices in enabling improved organisation success through effective projects.
Calum Robertson, Vice President of PMINZ and member of the Awards judging panel, has been heartened by the number and
standard of nominations this year. “As the Project Management profession matures in New Zealand we are seeing consistent
improvement in the number and quality of nominations and 2013 has provided the strongest group yet. The judging panel
faced difficult decisions in a number of categories and all New Zealand Project Management Award winners can be assured
they are worthy winners”.
Entity Group Emerging Project Manager of the Year
Sam Zhang, New Zealand Transport Agency, Waikato
"The PMINZ awards judges were impressed with the major achievements and wide breadth of skills Sam Zhang has developed
in the 5 years since his graduation in 2008. In 2012 Sam became the youngest project manager in the NZTA, managing
projects of significant magnitude. The first major project he was assigned to project manage was complex, and
politically and culturally significant with a large stakeholder group. Sam took on the leadership of the project with
tenacity to overcome the many challenges he faced. The judges believe that Sam has demonstrated high levels of
competency, enthusiasm, persistence and professionalism in his management of projects."
PMINZ Project Manager of the Year
Paul Klenner – Methanex New Zealand Ltd, New Plymouth
"Paul has been responsible for successfully delivering high pressure strategic projects, including the Mononui Methanol
01 Restart Project, winner of last year’s PMINZ Project of the Year award. His engagement with stakeholders has been
impressive and he has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities. With 15 years of experience in delivering large
scale, high budget and complex projects Paul has established a long term commitment to professional project management.
Paul's consistent delivery of significantly sized and technically diverse projects reflects sustained successful
performance and a track record of excellence in project management."
PMINZ Project of the Year
Fonterra Co-operative Group - Darfield Site Development project
"The PMINZ Awards Judges were impressed with the approach taken by Fonterra to this project as they focussed both on the
programme and project delivery. There was clear evidence of learning from past projects, a strong link to deliver on the
requirements in the original business case and delivering a successful project. The project team showed a strong
commitment to stakeholders, including significant groups within the community, as well as internal stakeholders. The
project team faced significant challenges including the 22nd February earthquake and a strategic business decision to
bring stage two of the project forward by one year. The project team demonstrated professionalism in project management
and combining their experience, positive attitude and ability to work together delivered a highly successful project."
PMINZ Public Sector Project of the Year
Mighty River Power - Data Centre 2 Move
"The PMINZ judges were particularly impressed with the solid planning that was put in place to ensure successful
delivery of the 'Data Centre 2 Move' project. The project was delivered ahead of time and under budget, whilst meeting
stakeholder expectations for quality and staff safety. The project demonstrated high standards of project management
capability and professionalism. The project was particularly notable for:
• Emphasis on project quality
• Rigorous approach taken to health and safety
• Demonstrated minimal disruption to staff and ICT services
• Successful combining and coordination of both internal and external resources"
Project Plus Project Management Office (PMO) of the Year
Transpower -Project Support & Services Group
" Over the last four years, the Transpower PMO has transformed programme and project management capabilities by
providing project managers with effective frameworks; methodologies; training; tools and support to successfully deliver
projects. The PMO provides impressive support for 105 project managers. Transpower promotes and values high levels of
competency in project management, including certification of project managers. The PMO has led actions which directly
contributed to increased project success within Transpower."
Quest Serviced Apartments Volunteer of the Year
Tracy Couchman - Whanganui-Manawatu
"In early 2012 Tracy Couchman took the initiative to set up a local PMINZ Sub-branch for the Wanganui Manawatu regions.
Tracy demonstrated strong leadership skills in rapidly organising local sponsorship and a regular schedule of sub-branch
meeting, attracting top speakers. The success of the Whanganui-Manawatu PMINZ sub-branch would not have been possible
without Tracy's commitment, drive and energy. "
ENDS