The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion in the Infrastructure sector
Research makes it increasingly clear that companies with more diverse workforces perform better financially. McKinsey’s
latest findings reveal that companies in the top quarter for gender or ethnic diversity are more likely to have
financial returns above their national industry medians. More diverse companies are better able to win top talent and
improve their customer orientation, employee satisfaction, and decision making, which leads to a virtuous cycle of
increasing returns.
Treasury has recently been acknowledged for their diversity and inclusion work at the annual Institute of Public
Administration New Zealand (IPANZ) Public Sector Excellence Awards, which recognises organisations that are leading the
drive for a diverse workforce, representative of all New Zealanders.
In parallel, Infrastructure NZ has recently launched the Women’s Infrastructure Network (WIN) to address the paucity of
women in the infrastructure sector, and grow both the visibility of women and the number of women in leadership roles.
An Advisory Board was established to guide the direction of the network, whose first action was to carry out a
membership survey to identify whether there was an issue with diversity in the infrastructure sector, and most
importantly, whether there was a need for a network such as WIN. The responses confirmed support for the group and more
importantly, confirmed that diversity was seen as an extremely positive contributor to the overall success of business.
Join us to hear Gabriel Makhlouf, Chief Executive of The Treasury speak on the importance of diversity of thought for
both Treasury and New Zealand. The results of the Diversity Survey will be launched, and a panel discussion, moderated
by Margaret Devlin, Chair of the WIN Advisory Board, together with Gabriel Makhlouf, John Rae and Nicki Crauford will
debate the benefits and challenges of growing diversity in the infrastructure sector. Networking and refreshments will
follow.
Keynote Speakers:
Gabriel Makhlouf
Gabriel Makhlouf is the Treasury Secretary and Chief Executive. He is the Government’s chief economic and financial
adviser, and leads the Treasury’s work to help raise living standards for New Zealanders through a stable, growing
economy, and a high performing public service.
Joined by Panellists:
John Rae
John is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and a Director or Chairman of a number of NZ companies involved
in the infrastructure, energy, waste and investment sectors. For nine years until early 2010 John was Managing Director
of Stevenson Group, one of NZ’s largest private companies with more than 600 employees. John was the Chairman of
Infrastructure NZ for 10 years prior to his appointment as Chair of the National Infrastructure Advisory Board.
Nicki Crauford
Nicki is a professional director with lots of experience in infrastructure. She chairs GNS Science and is a director of
Watercare Services Limited, Orion New Zealand, Wellington Water and the Environmental Protection Authority. She is also
deputy chair of Fire and Emergency New Zealand. She has held senior management roles in Transpower and is a former
director of Genesis Energy. She is a chartered professional engineer and fellow of IPENZ as well as a fellow of the
Institute of directors and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Panel discussion will be facilitated by Margaret Devlin, Chair of the WIN Advisory Board
Margaret is a professional Director operating predominantly in the infrastructure and service sector. Her current
governance portfolio is as follows; Chairman of Harrison Grierson, Watercare, Titanium Park and Waikato Plan Joint
Committee. She is a Member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Board, and is a Director of City Care, Met Services,
IT Partners Advisory and Hamilton Airport. She is a Chartered Fellow of The Institute of Directors In New Zealand
Limited, is a member of the Waikato branch committee and is a Ministerial appointee to the Waikato University Council.
Margaret is also Chair of the Women’s Infrastructure Network (WIN) and in this capacity, will moderate the panel
discussion.
Date: Thursday 31 August, 2017
Time: 5.00pm - 7.30pm
Location: Level 5, No 1 The Terrace, Wellington
RSVP: Please register below or via our website infrastructure.org.nz/events
ENDS