Three innovative Kiwis win big at Asia-Pacific awards

12 APRIL 2019

Three innovative Kiwis win big at Asia-Pacific location data and mapping awards

New Zealanders’ commitment to supporting women in the spatial industry and an innovative way to catch pests all won big at the prestigious Asia-Pacific Spatial Excellence Awards (APSEA) this week in Melbourne.

The Awards recognise the best, most innovative work that uses location-based data to help solve problems.

“It’s really encouraging to see so many New Zealanders doing us proud on the global stage,” says Catherine O’Shaugnessy, New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards Steering Committee member.

“Tonight’s winners have demonstrated world class examples of how using geospatial technology is delivering tangible benefits and increasing productivity for a diverse range of industries.

Elaine McAlister was crowned Professional of the Year for her commitment to encouraging and supporting women in the surveying and geospatial industries. Elaine established the Women in Spatial group, which has helped many women’s careers to succeed in the spatial industry.

Kat Salm also took home a Women’s Leadership award for leading by example and inspiring other women in the profession, redefining the way that women look to their careers within this sector.

And, Scott Sambell accepted the Environment and Sustainability Award for Ethos Environmental. Scott’s passion and technical expertise won Ethos Environmental the NZSEA Supreme Award last year. Ethos Environmental’s cutting-edge integrated GIS-powered Internet of Things (IoT) system protects the vulnerable wildlife on Great Barrier Island.

Julian Thom from the University of Otago also received an honourable mention for his published research on property rights, which has a strong application to the spatial sector.

All four were winners at last year’s New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards (NZSEA) and were automatically entered into APSEA.

“To win four awards at the Asia-Pacific ceremony signals the quality of expertise and the creativity the New Zealand geospatial sector is respected for,” says Catherine. “These awards help to put New Zealand’s geospatial industry on the map and highlights that we’re right up there with our international peers.”

The 2019 New Zealand Spatial Excellence Awards open for entry on 1 May.

ENDS

© Scoop Media