Business Leaders Give Future Perspectives

21 March 2006

Business Leaders Give Future Perspectives at IPENZ Convention 2006:

22 – 23 March 2006

Planning for the future is the overall theme for the Institution of Professional Engineers, New Zealand (IPENZ) “Vision 20/20” Convention 2006. Forward-thinking and thought-provoking keynote speakers will share their insights on the role of engineering decisions as we move towards the year 2020. Day one at the convention will feature a broad range of industry leaders speaking on the challenges facing New Zealand.

ADRIAN ORR

“Infrastructure We Need to Develop to Keep New Zealand Growing” Adrian Orr’s background in banking and finance has set him up as one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. He joined the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as Deputy Governor and Head of Financial Stability in April 2003.

His department is responsible for formulating and implementing public policy to promote and maintain a sound and efficient financial system. Major functions include foreign reserves, domestic liquidity management, analysis of financial markets and institutions, and developing and implementing public policy regarding financial institutions.

Adrian will be speaking on the development of New Zealand’s Infrastructure on Wednesday 22 March at 1:30pm. He will focus on the need for market economies to make decisions about how to use resources. Supporting that decision-making is an infrastructure consisting of the financial system (comprised of markets, institutions and payment systems) and financial system regulation.

A well-functioning financial system should channel the country’s savings into efficient uses and facilitate economic growth. In particular, Adrian will take a closer look at our financial system; and discuss the importance of ensuring that investment risks are adequately identified, priced and allocated across the New Zealand financial system, and describes the Reserve Bank’s evolving role in promoting financial system stability.

Morgan Williams

“Challenge to the Engineering Profession” Dr Morgan Williams PhD, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, has extensive experience in agricultural, pest management and ecological research and policy. As the Parliamentary Commissioner Rick’s job is to review and provide recommendations on environmental matters and the system of agencies and processes set up by the Government to manage the environment.

Morgan will be speaking on the role played by engineers in providing for tomorrow’s environment on Wednesday 22 March at 2.15pm. As we move towards 2020 it will be important for engineers to consider the application of sustainability principles and clean technology.

RICK VAN BARNEVELD

"Infrastructure Needs for 2020" Rick Van Barneveld, chief executive of Transit New Zealand, has practical and management expertise in roading around the country. For 15 years he led the growth of Transit's operational capacity in planning, maintenance and construction. Rick will be speaking on New Zealand’s growing and transport network on Wednesday 22 March at 3.30pm.

While focusing on the transport sector, Rick will look at infrastructure growth, our social aspirations, the roles and accountabilities of multiple public and private agencies and the need for tactics to flow from strategy. He will look at the relevance of key attributes of leadership, which could lever our capability for progress. Finally, there will be a discussion of how the principles of leadership could shape our current practices to change the way we do things.

ALLAN GAMMON

"Innovation: the Key to the Future” Allan Gammon, BP Oil New Zealand’s Innovation Manager, is responsible for a changing portfolio of diverse projects ranging from business strategy and fuelcard technology through to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels development.

He is also the BP representative on the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Allan will be speaking on New Zealand’s ability to create and innovate for the future on Wednesday 22 March at 4.00pm.

His presentation focuses on the need to plan for an uncertain future based. Heading towards the year 2020 we will be going through a significant period of change both in terms of resources and relationships. The ability to innovate is central if engineers are to make the most of the challenges ahead.

The annual convention, to be held at the Duxton Hotel in Wellington on 22–23 March 2006, is a major engineering networking event organised by IPENZ. Convention 2006 will be opened by Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington, who supports engineering and recognises the importance of the profession in creating innovation.

ENDS

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