New Fellows Of Professional Engineers announced

22 March 2007

Embargoed until 7 pm

New Fellows Of The Institution Of Professional Engineers New Zealand Announced

Twenty-seven new Fellows were elected by The Institution of Profession Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) for their contributions to the engineering profession.

The Fellows were honoured at an awards dinner held during the annual IPENZ convention, Vision 20/20 - Investing in the Future, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Auckland.

"These Fellows have been awarded to acknowledge the exemplary achievements of our peers", says IPENZ Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Cleland. "The contributions these professional engineers have made to New Zealand and the engineering profession set the bench-mark for young engineers to aspire to."

2007 Fellows

Full citations for the 2007 Fellows of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) citations, are attached

2007 IPENZ Fellows are:

Gavin Alexander, Auckland

Rodney Hutchison, Auckland

Keith Alexander,

Alan Jackson, Auckland

Ian Bond, Nelson-Marlborough

Rob Jury, Wellington

Mark Cairns, Waikato-Bay of Plenty - Tauranga

Perry Keenan, Wellington

Andrew Campbell, Auckland

Andrew Macbeth, Canterbury

Gary Chalmers, Canterbury

Garry Macdonald, Auckland

Roy Crawford, Waikato

Kevin McManus, Canterbury

Stephen Crawford, Auckland

Marten Oppenhuis, Canterbury

Ross Davies, Manawatu

Mel Pederson, Auckland

Don Elder, Canterbury

Andrew Read, Canterbury

Rob Fyfe, Canterbury

David Russell, Auckland

Ian Garrett, Wellington

John Stark, Wellington

Julie Hammer, Australia

John Walsh, Southland

About Vision 20/20 - Investing in the Future

Vision 20/20 is the national convention of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ). It is an event which is open to IPENZ members and non-members who share an interest in the engineering sector.

The 2007 theme is Investing in the Future which is reflected in a programme which includes paper presentations from five young engineers discussing the direction of the engineering industry. Renewable energy features strongly in the technical papers. Barry Blackett, Technical Manager Fuels at BP Oil New Zealand Ltd discusses biofuel development; Chris Bathurst and David Beach of Neptune Power Ltd outline their intentions to generate electricity from tidal currents, namely the Cook Strait.

The Fellows' and Achievers' Dinner is a highlight of the programme. IPENZ inducts its newest Fellows, announces Distinguished Fellows and awards Supreme Technical Awards for Engineering Achievers, sponsored by Opus International Consultants and the Turner Award for Professional Commitment.

About Fellows

Fellow is a Member who is recognised for his or her significant contribution in one or more of the following areas:

(a) Advancement of engineering knowledge;

(b) Advancement of engineering practice;

(c) Application of engineering or technology in the community;

(d) Advancement of technological education;

(e) Innovation in creation of engineering works;

(f) Innovation in creation of technological products;

(g) Leadership in the profession of engineering;

(h) Development of the Institution; or

(i) Such other area as may be specified by the Board.

Full Citations

Gavin Alexander is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his leading contribution to the advancement of geotechnical engineering. He has an enviable reputation for undertaking or facilitating projects that successfully tackle some of the most demanding geotechnical conditions encountered in New Zealand. His leadership skills and his technical expertise are widely recognised within his field of engineering practice, and he has contributed at a personal level both as a mentor, and as a practice area assessor undertaking competence assessments.

Keith Alexander is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to innovation in the creation of technological products, specifically recognising his flair for breakthrough mechanical engineering designs. He is an inventor who applies research methodology and imagination and who often defies conventional thinking to bring about highly creative designs such as a patented safe trampoline for children, and a variety of water jet propulsion units, including some used by Hamilton jetboats and the Aquada amphibious car. He is a major driving force behind the University of Canterbury's Product Innovation Centre, and inspires students in mechanical engineering to dare to try things in their designs.

Ian Bond is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to linking public policy needs with practical engineering solutions. After working successfully in construction for a number of years he now advises government and corporations on major project implementation. He is attributed with the technical breakthrough thinking that is evident in the report of the Hunn Committee on weathertightness of which he was a member. Following the release of that report he undertook leading consultation and analysis roles for government towards the development of the Building Act 2004. Key decision makers continue to seek out his expertise in implementing major infrastructure projects.

Mark Cairns is elected as a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering. He assumed management roles early in his career, and rapidly moved through intermediary positions to the role of chief executive, now with a large port company. He has demonstrated the ability to use an engineering mindset to resolve difficult and complex issues, and has been recognised in the business community for his skills. He has contributed to the engineering profession through work on standards, and has broadened his skill base through being an accredited mediator and holding postgraduate business qualifications. He is an excellent role model for young engineers.

Andrew Campbell is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice and in development of the Institution, specifically recognising his leadership in advancing mechanical engineering practice and his service to the Mechanical Engineering Group. In undertaking a number of complex mechanical engineering projects he has demonstrated not only high levels of personal expertise, but also the ability to effectively lead and mentor teams. He is a member of the Engineering Practice Board, and has given long and loyal service to the Mechanical Engineering Group for more than a decade. He actively supports mechanical engineering education in a variety of ways.

Gary Chalmers is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to risk-based asset management and marine structural engineering. He has developed methodologies for defining the structural condition of power pole networks, and in both this and the marine field has contributed to the codification of good practice. In undertaking a number of complex marine structural engineering projects he has demonstrated high levels of personal expertise, often challenging others to become early users of new construction techniques. He has contributed to the development of technical education in the polytechnic sector.

Roy Crawford is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering and his contribution to the advancement of engineering knowledge. Prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waikato he led the development of the Polymer Processing Research Centre at Queen's University in Belfast, lifting its ranking considerably, whilst personally contributing through an exemplary publication record and international reputation for his research on rotational moulding of plastics. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. In his present role he has lifted the local profile of the engineering programmes at the University of Waikato.

Stephen Crawford is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to advancing geotechnical engineering. He is a stalwart of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society, having been on the Management Committee for many years and Chair in 2002. He has represented the Society internationally. A major part of his service has been on task groups developing design guidelines or knowledge-sharing seminars. His own design practice is leading-edge, exemplified by the ALPURT - B2 motorway project that involves a variety of innovative bridge, tunnel, cutting and embankment solutions in steep country.

Ross Davies is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of technological education, specifically recognising his contribution to technical education in the meat industry. He has been director of Massey University's educational programmes for the meat industry for 17 years, and in that time has pioneered new forms of distance delivery, and widened the scope of the programme to include new meat animal species and logistics. He works at the interface of academia and industry, recognising the need to introduce technically-sound processing standards into new sectors such as the ostrich and emu industry. He has made a wide variety of voluntary contributions to community organisations.

Don Elder is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, specifically recognising his leadership in transforming the solid energy sector in New Zealand. As Chief Executive of Solid Energy he has sought to take a rigorous approach, informed by knowledge of engineering and technological innovations, to determine how coal might best contribute to an environmentally constrained world. Faced with cynicism from a number of community groups, he has spoken out to engage the people of New Zealand in technically informed debate on how solid fuels can contribute most positively to this country's future.

Rob Fyfe is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, specifically recognising his inspirational role-modelling as a technically-informed change manager. In his early career he was responsible for engineering and logistics for No 75 Fighter Squadron, but since then he has developed an enviable career specialising in change management, ultimately leading to his appointment as Chief Executive of Air New Zealand. He has been able to apply his technical knowledge in a complex commercial environment to bring about transformation on which the business success of the company rests. He is an inspiring leadership role model for the engineering profession - an engineering mindset applied in a decisive manner, utilising highly refined "soft" skills to ensure success.

Ian Garrett is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to the use of timber as an engineering material. He is recognised as one of the leading experts in timber design engineering, having contributed on many occasions to the development of design guidelines and technical notes to assist others, particularly within the context of the Timber Design Society. He is selfless in the manner in which he assists others, actively mentoring young engineers, and always being available to contribute to the wider good.

Julie Hammer is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for her contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, specifically recognising her role in developing engineering leadership programmes. She was recently elected as Deputy National President of Engineers Australia, following a sustained involvement with the development of the Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management. She led the development of a competence standard and assessment processes for Engineers Australia's new Engineering Executive quality mark. Throughout her highly successful career in the Australian airforce she demonstrated exemplary leadership, and was a trailblazer for engineers in general, but also professional women.

Rodney Hutchison is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to developing a universal electronic presentation format for geotechnical data. The format is widely used internationally, commencing in the United Kingdom, and software has been developed to take advantage of it, thereby greatly increasing the efficiency with which geotechnical investigations can be conducted. He is working within the auspices of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society to introduce the format to New Zealand.

Alan Jackson is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, specifically recognising his contribution to translating engineering thinking into wider business contexts. He has been sought out for his ability to undertake strategic reviews of businesses and commercial sectors, by business and the New Zealand government. This work has been extended into the non-profit sector, particularly in regard to national sporting associations. As an internationally-renowned change manager, operating in the highest levels of business, he is a role model for engineers who aspire to be leaders.

Rob Jury is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to earthquake engineering. He has contributed to improved methods for seismic risk assessment, to the development of earthquake design standards (both in New Zealand and overseas), and to methods for assessing of the performance of existing buildings in earthquake shaking. He has worked on a number of standards committees and task groups developing structural design guidelines, and has been a longtime contributor to the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering.

Perry Keenan is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to technically-informed change management in business. He is a true business engineer, who has led the development of techniques that assess the "hard" side of change management. Published in the Harvard Business Review, the techniques show the analytical approach that an engineer brings, and as the evidence base for success mounts, the techniques are becoming widely used internationally, and taught in postgraduate business qualifications.

Andrew Macbeth is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to improving the sustainability of transportation. He is passionate about sustainability, being the major contributor on transportation to the 2003 IPENZ Presidential taskforce on sustainability. He has played a lead role in developing traffic design standards for cyclists, and in developing a national road classification system in New Zealand. He has made a major contribution to the Transportation Group of IPENZ through service in a variety of roles. He walks the talk - normally arriving at Committee meetings by bicycle.

Garry Macdonald is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, particularly recognising his leadership in the water and waste water sector. In parallel to an outstanding career as a practising engineer, he has been an exemplary contributor to the New Zealand Water and Waste Association, including two years as President. He represented New Zealand at the World Environment Federation for a number of years, and served on the international executive committee. He maintains international roles through the technical program committee, and has been recognised by WEF for his service. He shares his knowledge through presentation of papers, and a great willingness to assist others.

Kevin McManus is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering knowledge and engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to advancing pile foundation design. He has published extensively, and used that new engineering knowledge in workable practical design guidelines. He chairs the New Zealand Geotechnical Society, having served for several years previously on its management committee. He chairs a vitally important working party considering geotechnical matters related to the updated New Zealand Loadings Standard.

Marten Oppenhuis is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, specifically recognising his contribution to the building of professionalism within the field of transportation engineering. He has taken a leading role in the development of safety management and safety audit systems, much of this work being promoted and developed under the auspices of the Transportation Group. He demonstrates unswerving commitment to the model of a self-regulating profession through involvement with the profession in a variety of ways including graduate development programmes, competence assessments and the activities of the Transportation Group.

Mel Pederson is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering and development of the Institution, specifically recognising his contribution to the management of professional liability risks for consulting engineers. He was on the board of the Consulting Engineering Advancement Society for 13 years, the last six as Chair. During this time the risk profile of consulting engineers has changed significantly. He has led risk management responses which have enabled consulting engineers in New Zealand to maintain professional indemnity cover at a time when the same is not true in Australia. In parallel with this service work for the profession, he holds a reputation as an electrical engineering designer of high calibre, undertaking a number of major projects.

Andrew Read is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, specifically recognising his contribution to the consulting engineering business community. He has been a very active ACENZ board member, participating in a number of submissions to Government and negotiations over terms of engagement with major purchasers of engineering consultancy services. He is now the President of that body. In that role he is showing strong leadership skills, passion and commitment to a vision of a strong and healthy consulting engineering sector, meeting the needs of its clients.

David Russell is elected a fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his contribution to advancing the use of process simulation as a process engineering design tool. He has pioneered the wide application of process simulation in a variety of New Zealand industrial applications, including its use for checking control system performance. He shares his knowledge through presentation of technical papers in a range of fora. He has contributed to the wider profession through mentoring, accreditation panel membership and as an assessor.

John Stark is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the advancement of engineering practice, specifically recognising his longstanding commitment to codification of good practice for pressure vessels. Following his retirement from the role of manager of the Engineering Safety Group in the Department of Labour, he has continued his involvement with national and international Standards Committees, including chairing relevant committees. He enjoys the respect of international peers in his field and his dedication has helped ensure that pressure equipment standards are robust, accurate and appropriate.

John Walsh is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to leadership in the profession of engineering, specifically recognising his leadership in restructuring utility service companies in the lower South Island. The technically strong, but service-focused ethos he has brought to Delta Utility Services has enabled it to meet consumer needs, but also to diversify to become a profitable and respected business operating in the utilities service sector. He is renowned for creating a working environment that motivates and supports staff. He is also involved in several community groups.

Laurence Zwimpfer is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to the application of engineering and technology in the community, specifically recognising his work on using ICT in education. Vice-chair of the New Zealand Commission of UNESCO, he also chairs UNESCO's Intergovernmental Council for the programme "Information for All". He has persisted in his pursuit of a long-term vision of information and communication technologies fulfilling their potential in the education field. He was recognised through the award of the William Pickering Medal for Engineering Leadership at the 2006 New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards.

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