This year's Fellows

2025 Fellows' Dinner

Attend the 2025 Fellows' Dinner to celebrate the achievements and inspiring dedication of the most outstanding engineers in Aotearoa. Enjoy networking, food, drinks and entertainment at Wellington's Tākina, on a night that will honour your most esteemed peers in style.

Distinguished Fellows

Dean Kimpton

Dean is elected a Distinguished Fellow for his extensive work delivering and managing public-facing infrastructure in highly complex environments, most notably following the significant financial impacts on the public transport system of Auckland following the COVID pandemic.

In his role as Auckland Transport Chief Executive, Dean has focused on network productivity, redesigning AT’s structure to deliver exceptional service and increase Auckland’s trust and confidence in the organisation.

This work has involved tackling unexpected events as well as extending the organisation in directions necessary for collective growth. AT staff and contractors worked hard to repair roads across Tāmaki Makaurau following the 2023 Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, but also initiated carefully planned improvements to service delivery.

Dean’s approach has included work to strengthen community cohesion and increase belonging, introducing 100% bilingual announcements on the AT network, on buses, trains and ferries. Combined with bilingual wayfinding signage across the entire public transport, pedestrian and cycling network, this ensures te reo Māori is seen, heard, spoken and learnt, signalling the intention to create an inclusive environment for locals and visitors alike. This contribution to revitalising language reflects a continued commitment to a better future for Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, and Aotearoa NZ.

Dean is known for his leadership and organisational skills. He is often sought for director roles on boards, many of which he chairs, including QuakeCore, the Waka Kotahi Speed and Infrastructure Programme, the Auckland Eastern Busway Alliance, the Bay of Plenty Transport System Programme and the MBIE Building Advisory Panel.

Dean has served on the Board of Engineering New Zealand, including as President in 2018-2019. In that role, he championed diversity and was a key supporter of the launch of The Diversity Agenda.

Dean’s outstanding contribution to executive leadership and the wisdom demonstrated during recent challenges, warrants his election as Distinguished Fellow of Te Ao Rangahau, Engineering New Zealand.

Koia ra, e te rangatira!

John Duder

John Duder is elected a Distinguished Fellow for his long and extraordinary contributions to water engineering. John’s consuming passion for rivers, lakes and sea has resulted in a career that has traversed the globe, investigating and designing dams and control structures in some of the world’s most remote rivers and, more recently, work leading the restoration, protection and environmental sustainability of our endangered foreshores.

Following his early career with Sir Alexander Gibb + Partners, which included periods on the massive Mangla and Tarbela dams in Pakistan, and an irrigation project in the Niger River swamps, John returned to New Zealand as Gibb’s designer representative on the Tongariro Power Project. He then joined Tonkin + Taylor Ltd where he was involved in hydroelectric and river works in New Zealand, South East Asia and the Pacific, including the Aniwhenua hydro station in the Bay of Plenty.

In the 1990’s John was at the forefront of engineers responding to environmental change and was instrumental in setting up the NZ Coastal Society which then became a technical group of Engineering New Zealand. He is a life member and was recipient of the President’s Award for the society. He is also a life member of the Engineering New Zealand Sustainability Society. He has published over thirty technical papers, winning three Furkert Awards and three Arthur Mead Environmental awards.

Naturally, John’s other interests are water focused. He has been a Board Member of the Spirit of Adventure Trust and an inaugural Trustee of the R. Tucker (Tall Ships) Sail Training Trust. He has been heavily involved in the restoration and sailing of veteran yachts.

He is passionate about supporting and developing young engineers, having been convenor of the Ardmore Fund for University of Auckland Engineering students, and presenting to the engineering students and secondary schools.

His community activities have been wide reaching, having been Chair of the Devonport Community Board, Trust Board Member of Auckland War Memorial Museum, a Director of Watercare Services Ltd, and a member of the Dental Council Disputes Tribunal. He is a Justice of the Peace and in 2007 was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

John has continued to work into his 80’s as a Recognised Engineer Dams and is an extraordinary role model, whose enthusiasm for responsible and sustainable use of our precious water resources is infectious. He is highly deserving of election as a Distinguished Fellow.

Martin Feeney

Martin Feeney is elected a Distinguished Fellow for his contribution to furthering fire engineering in New Zealand, both through his engagement in developing the practice and his leadership of ground-breaking projects. His career spans 40 years, most of it with Holmes, where he was a founding member of one of the longest established performance-based fire engineering teams in the world.

While Martin’s name is synonymous with fire engineering, few may realise he commenced practice in 1984 as a structural engineer, where he has also made significant contribution. During a period of secondment to HERA, he co-authored the 1995 Seismic Design of Steel Structures, at the time, one of the most advanced and influential seismic design guides in existence, much of which is still in current use.

During his time at HERA, Martin developed an interest in the performance of structures in fire and went on to complete a Masters in Fire Engineering. From there, he has gone on to become one of Aotearoa’s, and the world’s, acknowledged experts in structural fire engineering. He has written and presented many papers and spent countless hours contributing to the development of standards and guidelines that advance the state of practice. He was instrumental in developing IPENZ Practice Note 22, Documenting Fire Safety, a major step forward in clarifying the often-complex relationship between fire engineering and the other design disciplines. He continues to contribute widely through his roles in the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and other industry bodies.

Martin is a patient and committed mentor and supporter of young fire engineers, constantly called on for both formal and informal technical advice and assistance on all manner of project challenges. While Martin has incredible technical knowledge and decades of experience to draw on, it is his ability to distil technical concepts into readily understandable information that underpins his skills with the next generation of fire professionals. He supports them, challenges their thinking, and encourages them to consider different perspectives to open new options and opportunities. Despite his own commitments, he is always willing to make time to support less experienced engineers.

As a leader of his profession that has contributed selflessly to the advancement of his practice and the development of future leaders, Martin is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the title of Distinguished Fellow.

Peter Spies

Peter Spies is elected a Distinguished Fellow for his significant leadership in the delivery of many of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects through the development of innovative forms of contracting and his role in their governance.

Peter gained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa in 1985. Since then, he has worked in England and South Africa before reaching the shores of New Zealand around 27 years ago. Since 2009 he has been the Chief Advisor, Engineering at Waka Kotahi, New Zealand Transport Agency, procuring and delivering significant Roading infrastructure projects including Waterview Connection, the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Rebuild Alliance (Kaikoura earthquake) and the opening of Transmission Gully.

Peter is deeply respected throughout the industry by contractors, consultants and within his client company. He has an exceptional talent in bringing all parties together in a collaborative way even in particularly challenging situations. Peter is viewed as a calming pair of hands, particularly for projects that are facing complex challenges. Transmission Gully in particular is an example where he was able to move the project forward.

Peter is regarded as the person who transformed NZTA’s procurement style from one of “fixed price” contracts, which constantly resulted in highly litigious conflicts, to one of commercial collaboration through the development of contracting models such as Design & Construction alliances. Peter is a constant appointee to alliance contract boards and is known for his pragmatism, being a safe pair of hands, and his ability to take people with him. There are numerous examples where Peter has applied fairness in the allocation of risk on projects and in the assessment of who should carry that risk when things go bad, avoiding issues that have the potential to significantly delay projects and hike up their cost.

More recently he developed a fair settlement process for contracts frustrated through the COVID pandemic. His COVID contract solution model avoided substantial litigation which would have been costly and time consuming. The process was developed in a way that other key organisations including Watercare, Auckland Transport and numerous local authorities, faced with the same issues, were able to pick it up and immediately implement it, resulting in significant cost savings nationwide.

Peter is an accredited Treasury Gateway reviewer and has also been active on the University of Auckland Advisory Board which helps focus the training of our future engineers to support current and predicted industry needs. He actively mentors a range of engineers including graduates, colleagues, and through his executive management. He has shared his knowledge with major Australian infrastructure providers where his procurement and contracting models have been applied to key infrastructure projects including the Melbourne Level Crossing Removals Programme. Peter is a regular guest lecturer and is frequently recruited onto governance groups.

Peter’s key contribution to engineering is one of tangible value-add to New Zealand through the cost savings resulting from his procurement and contracting models and his ability to influence the governance of projects, resolving major disputes before they have significant impact. He is an excellent role model, he gets results, and he has positively influenced the way infrastructure is delivered; he is entirely worthy of the title of Distinguished fellow.

Fellows

Alexander Batten

Alex Batten has made significant contributions to geothermal engineering, advancing practices in geothermal technology assessment and deployment in New Zealand and internationally. He has also contributed to capacity building in the sector, lecturing at the Geothermal Institute and various NZ MFAT programs. His commitment to growing and diversifying the industry, especially in Southeast Asia, has enhanced the reputation of New Zealand engineering abroad.

Alistair Bennett

Alistair Bennett is a sought-after technical expert on concrete, including its development and design, carbon footprint reduction, and quality management and improvement. He has contributed to major infrastructure projects, such as the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway, where his novel concrete mix design for high-risk bored piles is becoming widely adopted throughout New Zealand. Alistair has also contributed to advancements in concrete engineering through research, seminars, and involvement with a range of technical groups and committees, including the Concrete NZ Learned Society Council and the Readymix Technical Committee.

Andrew Langbein

With over 35 years of experience, Andrew Langbein has advanced foundation and retaining wall design across numerous commercial and infrastructure projects in New Zealand and the South Pacific. He has built a strong reputation as a reference consultant in piling design. Andrew is also dedicated to mentoring young geotechnical engineers, supporting their technical development through challenging and innovative projects.

Andrew Robinson

Andrew Robinson has extensive experience in business leadership, project development, and infrastructure management across private and public sectors. He has applied his expertise in programme and project governance to drive strategy formulation, infrastructure development, and business improvements, achieving revenue and margin growth through strong leadership and project execution. Andrew is highly skilled in client relationship management, risk management, and programme management systems, building teams with high levels of engagement and retention.

Benjamin Chester

Benjamin Chester has over 34 years of experience in infrastructure and civil works, specializing in the management and design of civil and drainage systems for large-scale infrastructure and transportation projects. Through extensive interdisciplinary project experience he has developed a deep understanding of various procurement methods. Ben’s comprehensive knowledge of process, timing, risk, and constructability has enabled him to navigate complex project challenges effectively.

Bruce Symmans

Bruce Symmans has over 30 years of engineering experience, progressing from geotechnical and water engineering to leading large, multi-disciplinary design teams of up to 400 people on complex infrastructure projects. He has served as design manager on nationally significant projects including the Aras Tunnel, Pukeahu Memorial Park, Chatham Islands Port redevelopment, Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway, Mt Messenger Bypass, and the transport rebuild on the East Coast following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Chantelle Bailey

Chantelle Bailey, whakapapa to Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hāmoa, Lotofaga and Le'auva'a, iwi and villages. Her work is guided by the Samoan Proverb, “O le ala ile pule ole tautua” – the pathway to leadership is through service. A high-performing governor and structural engineer, Chantelle is recognised for her technical excellence, strong cultural compass, and dedication to advancing social equity within engineering. She serves many communities, including Kāhui Ahumahi, Pacific Fono, and He Rau Aroha, and champions the importance of STEM pathways for underrepresented groups, particularly Māori, Pacific people, and wāhine, creating spaces for them to thrive in technical fields. Chantelle’s work balances technical, environmental, and cultural aspects, driven by her commitment to excellence, community service and the engineering profession. Strong support from her whānau and community, particularly her parents, husband and daughters was fundamental to her success.

Derek Chinn

Derek Chinn is known for balancing practicality and innovation, especially when engineering solutions for alpine environments. Derek has delivered large, complex projects that often require creativity. His most significant contribution has been a new approach to the design of alpine structures by using helicopter-transported panelised sections, simplifying construction and creating structures that are warmer, drier and safer. Derek’s alpine work is now regularly referenced by others, including being shared with Parks Canada. He is committed to the alpine community, undertaking volunteer engineering work for the New Zealand Alpine Club for nearly three decades and as a senior team member of the Queenstown Alpine Cliff Rescue team for sixteen years.

Glen Mitchell

Glen Mitchell is a Mechanical Engineer with 18 years of experience across asset management, maintenance, water infrastructure, mining, and industrial and commercial construction projects. He is recognised for his significant contributions to the engineering profession, particularly through his volunteer roles with Engineering New Zealand and other community groups. Glen is also acknowledged for his leadership in advancing and applying digital technology in the construction, built environment, and asset management sectors.

Glen Prince

Glen Prince has over 30 years of experience in the transport industry, working across both the private and public sectors on large infrastructure projects. As a project manager, he is committed to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the sector and its people and delivering "best for project" outcomes, focusing on quality, timely delivery and value for money. Glen is also dedicated to giving back to the industry, mentoring and coaching emerging engineering professionals. This has included supporting engineers through their professional registration and serving as a Practice Area Assessor.

Graeme Campbell

Graeme has made significant contributions to engineering, particularly in flood risk management, governance, organisational management, and technical expertise. As Convener of the River Managers Special Interest Group, he united regional councils across New Zealand to advocate for government support in flood risk management. For 17 years, he managed the Flood Protection Department at Greater Wellington Regional Council, leading engineering projects and programmes with an annual budget of around $80 million. Graeme’s expertise in flood risk management processes has earned him national and international recognition, establishing him as a leader in the field and advancing the profession with innovative techniques.

John Flood (Brian)

Brian Flood is a senior engineering leader and a Director at Woods, a land development company in Auckland. Under his leadership, Woods developed engineering systems and support that grew the company’s engineering staff to 140, with 40 holding CPEng registration. Brian has been instrumental in delivering infrastructure and residential projects, playing a key role in providing Auckland with over 10,000 new homes while ensuring sustainable growth.

John Leeves

John Leeves is a geotechnical engineer whose 30-year career is marked by inspirational leadership, innovation, and practical expertise. Initially a builder, John brought hands-on insights into engineering. His work includes serving on the Engineering Advisory Group after the Canterbury Earthquakes, providing geotechnical oversight for the Earthquake Commission, pioneering landslide remediation and ground improvement systems, and overseeing software development for the international humanitarian sector.

Joseph Bain

Joseph Bain has built a distinguished consultancy career focused on health and safety engineering, particularly in machinery safety and expert witness work. He has made extensive contributions to the profession, including founding and serving as officer of the New Zealand Society for Safety Engineering, and representing Engineering New Zealand on the board of the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand.

Kenneth Elwood

Kenneth Elwood has significantly contributed to advancing seismic design and concrete building assessment, particularly through his work developing guidance and standards for earthquake resilience. His career exemplifies a dedication to bridging research and engineering practice, balancing technical rigour with practical policy application in earthquake engineering.

Kyle Christensen

Kyle Christensen has dedicated his career to improving New Zealand’s resilience to flood hazards, with his recent work on Cyclone Gabrielle’s impacts in Hawkes Bay marking a career-defining contribution to flood management. In addition to his technical achievements, Kyle has served as a leader and administrator within The Rivers Group for 15 years and has held an independent directorship at Utilities Disputes Limited for six years, where his guidance has been influential in the field.

Dr Martin Gribble

Martin Gribble has made substantial contributions to the engineering industry for over 20 years as a leading pavement engineer. A career highlight has been his work as the lead author on the New Zealand Guide to Pavement Evaluation and Treatment Design, which informed and improved the pavement design approach used throughout New Zealand. Martin has historically published research, regularly presents at conferences and has made significant contributions to many large and complex roading projects.

Melanie Muirson

Melanie Muirson, a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 28 years in road safety and transport engineering, is dedicated to creating safe, efficient, and inclusive transport solutions for all users. Her expertise is highly valued by central and local government agencies, and she actively contributes to industry training and development, fostering the growth of the next generation of engineers.

Michael Hannah

Michael Hannah has made substantial contributions to stormwater management as the founder of Enviropod and Stormwater360, dedicating 30 years to advancing stormwater management practices in New Zealand and internationally. His career focuses on pioneering innovative technologies and promoting environmental stewardship through education and community engagement, inspired by the guidance of mentors and colleagues and driven by the belief that innovation and awareness are essential to addressing environmental challenges.

Michael O'Halloran

Michael O’Halloran has extensive experience delivering complex transport infrastructure and advising on major projects for New Zealand’s key transport agencies. He has served as National Transport Chair for the Association of Consulting Engineers, fostering trusted relationships within the profession, and is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in engineering.

Nigel Stevenson

Nigel Stevenson began his engineering career with an electrical apprenticeship in 1986 and has since developed extensive expertise in industrial electrical and control systems. As the founder of Neo Engineering Consultancy, he has built a team known for its excellence in electrical engineering and is deeply committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of engineers through meaningful project opportunities and strong leadership.

Peter McCarten

Peter McCarten has over 40 years of experience in civil and structural planning, design, and asset management. He has made extensive contributions to the design and promotion of flood and earthquake resilient infrastructure for New Zealand and south-east Queensland. His expertise in structural asset management is reflected in his research and over 20 international papers focused on client outcomes, bridge engineering, and public safety. A dedicated advocate for mentoring and the engineering profession, Peter has served on professional and technical committees for nearly three decades.

Pierre Malan

Pierre Malan began his geotechnical career with numerical analysis for a major dam rebuild in New Zealand, followed by working on several significant design/build roading projects in the UK and Ireland. Returning to Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand, Pierre contributed to a wide range of projects, including linear infrastructure, large storage tanks, and land development. Pierre has made notable contributions to New Zealand Geotechnical Society, the development of the liquefaction vulnerability framework for the Earthquake Commission following the Christchurch Earthquakes and through his ongoing involvement in natural hazard work.

Raymond Hedgland

Ray Hedgland is an environmental engineer with over 50 years of experience in wastewater technologies, contributing to numerous projects in New Zealand and overseas. He has been a leader in the development, adoption, and refinement of innovative technologies, including large-scale centralized infrastructure such as milliscreen technology, wetland treatment, decentralised wastewater treatment systems for small towns and on-site wastewater systems. His work has also included several New Zealand Aid projects in offshore jurisdictions. Throughout his career, Ray has made significant contributions to knowledge sharing, presenting numerous technical papers on wastewater topics at national and international conferences.

Sarah Dye

Sarah Dye is a Principal at Beca and Alliance General Manager of Te Aranga Alliance, with a technical background in three waters infrastructure. She has played key roles in the successful delivery of major infrastructure programmes in New Zealand and the UK. Known for her collaborative and inclusive approach, Sarah brings people together to solve problems and deliver better outcomes. She is also committed to mentoring young engineers, particularly women, and serving as a positive role model for the next generation.

Shirish Paranjape

Shirish Paranjape is a Senior Associate in the Industrial team at Beca, where he leads the Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls team in Christchurch. Known for his cross-cultural approach to business, Shirish values building long-term relationships with clients. He mentors Chartership aspirants, especially those going through the knowledge assessment process. Shirish is actively involved in the community, serving as a board member or trustee for several not-for-profit organisations, a Justice of the Peace and an elected member at the Christchurch City Council.

Sisira Jayanatha

Sisira Jayanatha is a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 25 years of experience in water infrastructure projects across New Zealand, Australia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Sri Lanka, including two major PPP projects in New Zealand. In May 2022, he joined PDP as Technical Director for Water Infrastructure, where he focuses on developing the water infrastructure business in Wellington and providing design and technical leadership for civil and water infrastructure projects. His expertise includes three waters infrastructure master planning, optioneering, design development, leading tender evaluations, construction monitoring, and contract administration as Engineer to the Contract.

Stan Schwalger

Stan Schwalger is a Civil Infrastructure manager and engineer with over 35 years of experience in the construction sector across New Zealand and the Pacific. He considers himself a facilitator of improving the well-being of Māori and Pasifika communities, not only through the projects he delivers but also through supporting and mentoring engineering students and graduates.

Stephen Raynor

Stephen Raynor is posthumously recognised for his global career spanning academia, consulting and business management across eight countries. Known for his diverse engineering expertise and commitment to applying science for societal benefit, Steve was an expert in natural hazard resilience and made significant contributions to Tauranga's many resilience projects. Driven by curiosity and lifelong learning, he actively engaged with technical, business and community groups. A valued teacher and mentor, he inspired engineers through his dedication to turning research into action and advancing practical solutions.

Timothy Haig

Tim Haig has used his civil engineering skills to deliver significant transport projects in the Bay of Plenty, from feasibility through to construction completion, leading to improved community wellbeing, road safety, and economic development. He is proud to have done so sustainably, mindful of the potential environmental impacts of large infrastructure projects.

Tyrone Newson

Tyrone Newson, raised in Kaitaia and of Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kahu, and Tongan descent, has a passion for using engineering to benefit Māori and Pasifika communities. He co-founded SPIES in 1992, worked on Pacific Island engineering resources, and later became Director and CEO of Te Puna Topu o Hokianga Trust, co-founded SPPEEx and became a Chartered Professional Engineer. After a decade abroad, he led major projects for Te Rarawa, including a $3M water reservoir and a $29M subdivision. As CEO of Ngāti Awa Group Holdings, Tyrone continues to integrate engineering with Māori knowledge for community success.

Warwick Prebble

Warwick Prebble has been a passionate teacher and communicator of engineering geology for over 50 years, with his graduates now holding senior positions globally. He has received all of the premier accolades of the NZGS, including the NZ Geomechanics Lecture, the Geomechanics Award, Life Membership, and the Australian Geomechanics Society’s Poulos Lecture. Warwick was Vice-President representing Australasia on the Executive of the IAEG from 1995 to 1998 and has contributed to the profession through roles on various boards and committees, including the IAEG Bulletin Editorial Board, the Geohazards Working Party of the Geological Society of London, and the IAEG Commission on Teaching and Training in Engineering Geology. He was instrumental in the establishment of PEngGeol and has contributed to the profession through nearly 120 research publications. Warwick was awarded a Distinguished Teaching Award from the Faculty of Science at the University of Auckland, for sustained teaching, field teaching and graduate supervision in Engineering Geology.

Wei Qi Yan

Wei Qi Yan has made a long-standing impact on AI through his academic research and engineering education. Dr Yan has published over 300 refereed publications, including monographs, and created new university courses, training computer engineers for New Zealand. He has significantly contributed to New Zealand by organizing international conferences and advancing deep learning and computer vision.

Zaid Essa

Zaid Essa, originally from Iraq, has over 25 years of experience as a Civil and Transportation engineer. He has worked across various sectors, including consulting, contracting, government, and military, delivering major infrastructure projects. He has been volunteering with SIGIE and supporting international engineers in New Zealand since 2009, becoming one of the first two Lifetime members of the group. Currently, he is the Senior Programme Manager for Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities – Urban Development and Delivery, supporting large-scale projects in the Infrastructure Programme and Funding team.