Leadership appointments capitalise on infrastructure trends

6 June 2017

GHD leadership appointments capitalise on New Zealand infrastructure trends

This is an exciting time for New Zealand’s infrastructure industry as the private sector increases its involvement in financing and delivering essential infrastructure for the community, according to Al Monro, GHD’s new Manager for New Zealand.

Al was previously Area Manager for the Auckland region and took up his new role on 5 June 2017. He succeeds Ian Fraser who was recently promoted to General Manager, Asia Pacific.

Al says, “While central and local government has historically funded and delivered most of our infrastructure, their balance sheets have limits to what they can fund at any time. The private sector is increasingly playing a bigger role in financing and operating infrastructure for the long-term. In Australia, where infrastructure has long been recognised as an investment class, all states and territories have now established frameworks for private sector companies to present their proposals to governments for consideration.

“GHD recently hosted more than 80 Chinese construction industry professionals in our Auckland office, for a panel presentation on the New Zealand infrastructure market. This demonstrates the depth of interest in infrastructure as an investment and the potential to deliver improved levels of service for the community, while addressing population growth and other infrastructure challenges in New Zealand.”

Al’s most recent project assignment has been as the Alliance Manager on the procurement of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway, which is noteworthy as New Zealand’s second Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the transport sector.

He is a long serving employee, joining GHD at the outset of its expansion into New Zealand in 2000. During this time, he has held a variety of significant project management and leadership roles with the company.

Al adds, “We have always aspired to be an integral part of New Zealand’s success, creating a legacy for our business based on our service to clients and the community. My immediate priorities are ensuring we have the best resources in place to deliver our project commitments, to continue to build on our significant organic growth, including our recently established offices in Tauranga and Dunedin, and to capitalise on the opportunity presented by our newly established integrated design business GHDWoodhead creativespaces.”

GHD employs more than 400 people in New Zealand, with major hubs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and regional offices located close to clients throughout the North and South Islands.

The company’s strong presence across the country is also a launchpad into the dynamic Asia Pacific region.

Ian Fraser, now overseeing GHD’s operations in New Zealand, the Philippines, Chile and China, comments, “Our people in New Zealand are increasingly working with colleagues from around the world to assemble the mix of capabilities our clients are looking for as we expand our presence in this region. We also have a great track record of delivering high-profile projects in Pacific countries like the Cook Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu, and are working to establish a permanent presence in some of these markets.”

GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Privately owned by our people, we deliver engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services to public and private sector clients across five continents and the Pacific region. Committed to creating lasting community benefit, we connect the knowledge, skill and experience of our 8500 people with innovative practices, technical capabilities and robust systems. www.ghd.com

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