Young Leaders And Top Training Initiatives Shine At Civil Construction Awards

Courageous young leaders and top training initiatives have been recognised at the Z Energy People Awards and Connexis Civil Industry Training Awards, held on Friday 30 July in Wellington.

Hundreds of people from across the civil construction industry attended the prestigious awards, which were presented at Te Papa Tongarewa as part of The Contractors Conference, New Zealand’s premier civil construction industry event.

Hayley Scott of McConnell Dowell won the coveted Z Energy Emerging Leader Award, which recognises well-rounded people under the age of 30 who are excelling in their career.

Ms Scott demonstrated her leadership abilities after being stranded in American Samoa during the COVID-19 lockdown. Without any senior management present, she ensured her team were safe, informed, and on track while working on the runway apron at Pago Pago International Airport.

The award judges commended Ms Scott’s efforts, commenting that her ability to manage the challenging situation she found herself in was a testament to her natural leadership abilities.

“She courageously completed the project while isolated in a foreign country with a different culture, with most of her colleagues stuck back in New Zealand. She showed maturity beyond her years and is a deserved winner of the Emerging Leader Award.”

Drew Hartley of Isaac Construction won the Z Energy Personal Improvement Award, which recognises outstanding commitment to professional development both personally and for others.

Mr Hartley has been with Isaac Construction since 2014, overcoming many challenges to get where he is today as a registered drainlayer with an NZ Certificate in Business. He is held up as a benchmark for performance in his company, displaying an exemplary attitude and work ethic.

The award judges said the way Mr Hartley faced life’s hurdles was “extremely admirable”.

“He has an unmatched desire to succeed and better himself, but more importantly, to inspire those around him. It’s a pleasure to see Drew’s progression and we wish him all the best for the future”.

The overall winners walk away with a unique artist-designed trophy, one year’s subscription to Contractor Magazine, a voucher from Z Energy, and $1,000 cash. Emerging Leader Award recipient Ms Scott received the ‘Dr Dave Memorial Trophy’ – presented for the first time this year in memory of Dr Dave Hutchison, who served as Chief Engineer at Downer for many years and was renowned for his work developing young leaders.

Each category also gave a Highly Commended Award, which went to Jay Dangwal of Fulton Hogan and Fiona Jerry of Pipeline & Civil respectively.

Also celebrated on Friday were the Connexis Civil Industry Training Awards, recognising employers that provide opportunities for their staff to gain skills and knowledge through a nationally recognised qualification.

Utilities Infrastructure NZ received the prize for companies of up to $10 million turnover. The judges commented that the business was dynamic, progressive, and led by passionate owners who embrace training at all levels.

Pipeline & Civil received the prize for companies with a turnover between $10 million and $100 million. The business was recognised for cultivating strong individual relationships between owners, management and staff by investing in comprehensive and structured training.

Downer NZ received the prize for companies of over $100m turnover and alliance projects. The head office team was honoured for increasing training numbers by over 40 per cent in the past two years.

The winners walked away with industry recognition, a certificate, a trophy and free enrolment for any Connexis qualification.

Civil Contractors New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Silcock said all the award recipients had shown outstanding professionalism and dedication to their work and their colleagues.

“These awards highlight what’s truly possible when we put passion, commitment and determination into our work. The finalists have all shown great promise for their careers and respective organisations. Congratulations to each and every one of them, and I hope they serve as inspiration for us all to strive for our best in every situation”.

Z Energy Customer Manager for SME and Partner Relationships Amber Scott-Harvey agreed, saying the awards showcased some of the amazing talent coming through the ranks.

“It’s great to see younger generations striving for success, as well as companies big and small supporting their staff to gain the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this industry.”

Connexis Chief Executive Kaarin Gaukrodger said Connexis was proud to support the awards.

“We are delighted to honour all the companies nominated – they have gone that extra mile to invest in their people, ensuring that both the individual and our industry as a whole have thriving futures.”

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