23 Jan 2025
The Fulton-Downer Gold and Silver Medals and the MacLean Citation award are awarded by the President of Engineering New Zealand each year. The Gold Medal is awarded to senior engineers and the Silver Medal to an emerging professional, while the MacLean Citation is presented to a member who has contributed exceptional and distinguished service to the profession.
The Fulton-Downer Medals are named in honour of eminent engineers James Edward Fulton (1854–1928) and Arnold Fielder Downer (1895–1984). Since their inception following a bequest from Fulton in 1929 (with additional bequests from Downer in 1973 and 1988) the medals have been considered among engineering's most prestigious accolades. They honour the best of our profession.
Fulton-Downer Gold Medal – Adam Thornton
Adam has made a significant impact on the engineering profession – with over 50 years of structural engineering expertise under his belt – and is renowned for his innovative engineering knowledge and leadership. Adam has demonstrated exemplary service to the profession, recognised as a Distinguished Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and having served as President of ACE New Zealand in the past.
Adam’s work on producer statements, including authoring the definitive practice note, has enhanced clarity and efficiency in building consent processes across Aotearoa. His contributions to engineering have been recognised with numerous accolades, including the IPENZ Angus Award and Turner Award for Professional Commitment.
The Fulton-Downer Gold Medal honours Adam’s outstanding service to structural engineering, particularly his leadership in improving industry standards and championing professional development, ensuring the continued advancement of the engineering community in New Zealand.
Fulton-Downer Silver Medal – Alyce Lysaght
Alyce Lysaght (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Pākehā) is a passionate advocate for incorporating Te Ao and te reo Māori into engineering to better sustain te taiao for future generations. Alyce quickly emerged as a leader within the profession, having served on the Engineering New Zealand Board as an Emerging Professional Member.
Her groundbreaking Māori in Engineering podcast has increased the visibility of Māori engineers, celebrating their contributions and inspiring a more inclusive profession. Alyce’s commitment to diversity and her efforts to weave cultural understanding into engineering have set her apart.
In addition to her professional work, Alyce demonstrates her dedication to both the organisation and the engineering community through her volunteering efforts.
Alyce is honoured with the Fulton-Downer Silver Medal for her significant contributions to the profession and her commitment to enhancing cultural diversity in engineering.
The MacLean Citation is an award established to acknowledge Francis William MacLean, President of the Institution in 1922, who displayed exceptional devotion to the profession of engineering and to his fellow engineers. The Citation is presented from time to time to a member who has contributed exceptional and distinguished service to the profession.
MacLean Citation – Kaye Clark
Over her career of more than 40 years, Kaye has demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical expertise and a steadfast commitment to the engineering profession. Her experience spans senior executive roles, including delivering the $2 billion Waikato Expressway project with Waka Kotahi, and strategic roles shaping road safety policies and infrastructure development.
Kaye has contributed to the profession’s growth and governance through her roles as Chair of the Distinguished Fellows Panel, a member of the Standards and Accreditation Board, a member of Canterbury University Advisory Board and as chair of Auckland University's Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion has influenced positive change, breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive profession.
Kaye is awarded the prestigious MacLean Citation in recognition of her sustained service to the profession, her dedication to accreditation standards and her contributions to the development of future engineers in New Zealand.
