Introducing the wāhine behind the audio. From seasoned professionals to recent graduates, interviewees shared their diverse personal experiences of being women in engineering.
Gretchen Kivell
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1967: Otago University, Engineering Intermediate
- 1971: University of Canterbury, BE – Chemical (Hons)
- 1989: University of Auckland, MBA
Role at time of interview
Retired
Significant past roles
- 2007–2013: Head of College, Abbey College, University of Otago
- 1997–2007: Head of Residence, Toroa International House, University of Otago
- 1991–1996: Director, Education Services, UNITEC Institute of Technology, Auckland
- 1989–1990: Head of the Department of Business Computing, Carrington Polytechnic (now UNITEC), Auckland
- 1980–1988: Senior Chemical Engineer, Project Manager, Q A Manager KRTA Limited, Auckland
- 1976–1980: Project Engineer, Chemical Engineering Dept Courtaulds Ltd, Coventry, UK
- 1975: Scientist, Chemical Engineering Section Chemistry Division, DSIR, Wellington
- 1974–1975: Assistant Engineer, Plyco Products Division, Fletcher Timber Company, Taupo
- 1971–1973: Assistant Programmer/Analyst, University of Canterbury Computer Centre
- 2007–2013: Member, and later, Chair of the IPENZ Foundation
- 2005: Distinguished Fellow, IPENZ
- 1998: President, IPENZ
- 1993: Fellow, IPENZ
- 1984–1988: Chair, Auckland Branch, IPENZ
- 1982–1984: Convenor, Schools Liaison Committee, IPENZ
Janis Swan
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1965–1968: Massey University, BTech – Biotechnology
- 1969–1971: Massey University, MTech – Biotechnology (Hons)
- 1974–1977: University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, PhD – Chemical Engineering
Role at time of interview
Emeritus Professor, University of Waikato
Significant past roles
- 1997–2022: University of Waikato. Janis led the development of the engineering school at the University of Waikato. She had a number of roles at Waikato, including Associate Dean of Engineering.
- 1981–1997: Biochemical Engineer, Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand Inc. (MIRINZ), Hamilton. Janis’ roles included Head of the Byproducts Section (1983-1991) and Head of Processed Meats (1994–1997).
- 1978–1981: National Research Advisory Council Post Doctoral Fellow, Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton.
- 2016–2023: Board member, Standards & Accreditation Board, Engineering New Zealand
- 2018: Distinguished Fellow, Engineering New Zealand
- 2009: Member, Order of New Zealand
- 2005: Fellow, IPENZ
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
Engineering is a great career. It just has so many different things you can do… engineering has allowed me to travel, to experience other countries, other cultures and to work in different industries but still use those basic skills I learnt.
Jan Evans-Freeman
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1982–1985: University of Manchester, BSc – Physics (Hons)
- 1986–1989: University of Manchester, PhD – Electronic Engineering and Electronics
Role at time of interview
Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sustainability, University of Canterbury
Significant past roles
- 2009–2021: Pro-Vice-Chancellor, College of Engineering, University of Canterbury
- 2004–2009: Professor and Head of Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
- 1990–2004: Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Reader at UMIST (Now the University of Manchester, UK) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- 2021: Distinguished Fellow, Engineering New Zealand
- 2012–2019: Transpower Board of Directors
- 2002: Fellow of the Institute of Physics
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
In role of pro-vice chancellor – being exposed to the shear breadth and depth of engineering… engineering goes from nano-electronics, that you can’t even begin to understand without understanding quantum mechanics, to forests, and everything in between – to roads to rails to ships to electricity.
Kaye Clark
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1981: New Zealand Certificate in Civil Engineering
- 1998: University of Auckland, BE – Civil Resource (Hons)
- 2003: University of Waikato, MBA (Distinction)
Role at time of interview
Retired
Significant past roles
- 2009–2020: roles with NZ Transport Agency. As State Highways Manager, Kaye delivered the Waikato Expressway project and later as a Principal Advisor, advised and developed strategy and policy for teams working on road safety.
- 2006–2009: roles with Transit New Zealand, from 2008 as Regional Manager.
- 2001–2006: Group Manager, Roading, Waikato District Council
- 1999–2001: Operations Engineer, Roads and Traffic Unit, Hamilton City Council
- Prior to 1998: Technical engineering positions at Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council and Hamilton City Council
- 2020–2025: Distinguished Fellows Panel member, Engineering New Zealand
- 2019–2024: Standards and Accreditation Board member, Engineering New Zealand
- 2019: Fellow, Engineering New Zealand
- 2019– Civil Engineering Advisory Board, University of Auckland
- 2016–2019: Board member, Engineering New Zealand
- 2003–2015: Civil Engineering Advisory Board member, University of Canterbury
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
The engineering – the big bridges, building the big roads, getting out there in the dirt and watching the machinery and seeing the result of what we’ve built. Some of the contract disputes have been challenging but there is nothing like going head-to-head with a contractor to sharpen your abilities. I’ve learnt a lot from them, I’ve learnt a lot from listening to contractors and consultants.
Dealing with the public, being in that public sphere of doing public works. And while that interaction with the public can be difficult at times, it can be rewarding. The privilege I’ve had of working with iwi, of the tangata whenua groups that we’ve had on projects. And again, what we’ve learnt from iwi. They are most generous with their knowledge. So, yeah, the big projects and all the fun that comes with it. Engineering is a great career.
Kim Rutter
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1982–1984: University of Auckland, BE – Civil
- 1985: University of Auckland, ME – Roading (Awarded a National Roads Board scholarship)
- 1989: University of Auckland, Diploma in Business
Role at time of interview
Lecturer, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury
Significant past roles
- 1996–2017: Management consultant, self-employed
- 1995–2010: Freelance magazine contributor and columnist
- 1994–1996: Engineering Economist (specialising in energy management analysis), Research Triangle Institute Center for Economics Research (USA)
- 1991–1993: Business Development Manager, BHP NZ Steel
- 1986–1991: Kim had a number of roles with Fletcher Challenge – including Design Engineer with Fletcher Development and Construction; Site Engineer with Fletcher Construction; Manager with Challenge Properties
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
The variety – really there’s so many things I’ve had the opportunity to do. You just keep on learning. There is exciting stuff happening all the time. You get the opportunity to go places, to meet interesting people.
Rebecca Ronald
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1988–1993: University of Auckland, BE – Chemical and Materials
- 2006: Massey University, Grad Dip Teaching
Role at time of interview
DT & HM Online for NCEA. Creating NCEA Chemistry and Digital Technologies learning content for the STEM Online project. This is based at the University of Auckland. The team build interactive NCEA learning modules, free to New Zealand schools.
Significant past roles
- 2007–2019: Digital Technologies Teacher, teaching Years 7–13.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
I loved my time as a teacher. It was a really good option for someone in my situation, of being really into maths and science, but living in the country, having kids at the time.
I think having a background understanding of science seems to be relevant to any field – at home as well as at work. All the roles I’ve done have definitely made use of the knowledge as well as the attitude and the ability to solve problems that I got from engineering school. Just that attitude of giving things a go – of seeing a problem and automatically looking for ways to solve it, rather than seeing a problem and giving up.
Sharee McNab
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1990–1993: University of Canterbury, BE – Electrical
- 1997–2001: University of Canterbury, PhD – Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Role at time of interview
Research Engineer, Electric Power Engineering Centre, Christchurch.
Significant past roles
- 2012–2014: Business Analyst, University of Canterbury
- 2005–2008: Senior Systems Requirements Engineer, Christchurch
- 2005: Visiting Lecturer/Researcher, University of Canterbury
- 2001–2004: Researcher, IMB (New York, USA)
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
I went into engineering because I enjoy problem solving. I’ve also enjoyed working as a team with other people, coming up with solutions, brainstorming together.
Shelley Wharton
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1998–2001: Unitec, Auckland, BE – Environmental
Role at time of interview
Manager Infrastructure Programmes, Whangarei District Council
Shelley manages the Infrastructure Programmes Department including the Landscape Architecture and Major Projects Teams (and previously Infrastructure Planning) delivering a variety of exciting projects across the district.
Significant past roles
- 2016–2017: Manager Development Programmes, Auckland Council
- 2014–2016: Stormwater Growth & Renewal Projects Team Manager, Auckland Council
- 2010–2014: Stormwater Infrastructure & Development Manager, Auckland Council
- 2002–2010: Shelley worked in a number of roles at Waitakere City Council, including as Development Services Manager; Principal Subdivision & Consents Engineer; and Water & Drainage Engineer.
- 2024: Fellow, Engineering New Zealand
- 2021– Board Member, Water New Zealand
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
One project Shelley is most proud of is Pūtahi Park in Whangārei, which opened March 2022. The project received an Excellence Award in 2024 from the NZ Institute of Landscape Architects, and was a finalist in the 2023 Taituarā Excellence Awards in the Placemaking category.
It’s a fantastic urban designed park right on the water’s edge, and right by the city centre. My role there was a project sponsor. That project has delivered something outstanding for the community that was a real transformation and a real shift in people’s thinking about what urban spaces can actually deliver for people…it can be a struggle to get there, but when you see something as amazing as that transform a community it’s really worthwhile.
Philippa Martin
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1993–1996: University of Canterbury, BE – Electrical
- 1997–2001: University of Canterbury, PhD – Electrical
- 2015: University of Canterbury, Postgraduate Certificate – Tertiary Teaching
- 2018: University of Canterbury, Postgraduate Certificate – Strategic Leadership
- 2021: University of Canterbury, Postgraduate Certificate – Counselling Studies
- 2023: University of Canterbury, Certificate in Arts – Te Reo Māori, and Māori and Indigenous Studies
Role at time of interview
2001– Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, specialising in wireless communications, University of Canterbury
Significant past roles
- 2018–2021: Dean of Engineering (first year), University of Canterbury
- 2023: Fellow, Engineering New Zealand
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
I just love the problem-solving and I love trying to achieve the seemingly impossible. We are fearless up against problems that most people would go ‘oh, you can’t do that’, we’re like ‘Ooh, they say we can’t do that, let’s work out how to do this, let’s break this down into little manageable chunks and let’s do something really meaningful…'
Engineers do really cool stuff and we get to solve really important problems and we get to make a real difference in society as well as people’s lives. And it’s always changing, so we’re never going to run out of things to work on. And we get to work in teams and be really collaborative and I love that dynamic of bringing in different expertise together to do something really cool. Engineering is a really exciting place to be in.
Kate Macdonald
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1997–2000: University of Canterbury, BE – Electrical
Role at time of interview
Senior Electrical Engineer, Pedersen Read, Christchurch
Significant past roles
- 2015–2020: Electrical Engineer, GHD, Christchurch
- 2010–2015: Maternity leave
- 2009–2010: Senior Electrical Engineer, Powell Fenwick, Christchurch
- 2008–2009: Senior Electrical Engineer, Norman, Disney & Young, Melbourne
- 2006–2009: Senior Electrical Engineer, Murchie Consulting, Melbourne
- 2004–2006: Electrical Engineer, Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne
- 2003–2004: Electrical Engineer, Sinclair Knight Merz, Melbourne
- 2001–2003: Electrical Engineer, Powell Fenwick, Christchurch
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
I love driving down the road and being able to point out the window and say to my kids ‘mum designed those lights’. The fact that the work we do, and the designs that we do, get turned into the world we live in, makes me feel proud.
Sina Cotter Tait
When and where did you study engineering?
- 1996–2000: University of Canterbury, BE – Civil
- 2015: University of Canterbury, MBA
- 2016–2021: University of Canterbury, PhD – Construction Management
Roles at time of interview
- 2018– Director, Collective Success
- 2019– Independent Director, North Otago Irrigation Company
- 2021– Director, Whitestone Contracting Limited
- 2021– Board member, CEAS
- 2021– Board member, Te Waihanga (the Infrastructure Commission)
- 2022– Trustee, Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
- 2023– Director, KiwiRail Holdings
- 2023– Director, I&G Ltd
Significant past roles
- 2016–2018: Intern Director, Eco Central
- 2016–2017: Infrastructure Team Leader, Harrison Grierson
- 2006–2015: Senior Design Manager, Civil/Infrastructure Engineer CPEng, Opus
- 2023: Chartered Member, Institute of Directors
- 2022: Fellow, Engineering New Zealand
- 2018–2020: Board member, Engineering New Zealand
- 2012: IPENZ President's Award (Fulton Downer Gold Medal) recipient
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
The first thing is that as an engineer you get to turn something from an idea into something tangible. But the second part is that no engineer does anything alone, so you work with people. Most of the time, if you are lucky, you get to work with really smart people to do something that usually results in a public good. And that’s not something that just anyone can say. I think that’s something that’s specific to engineers. Sometimes it’s not a big sexy building, sometimes it’s a wastewater treatment plant but they’re important too, very important. I think the quiet humble work of keeping the country running, of enabling the lifestyle that we all enjoy, that’s important mahi. It’s a privilege to be part of it.
Sheridan Fathers
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2003–2006: University of Canterbury, BE – Civil (Hons)
Role at time of interview
Director/ Co-Owner, EPL Construction Ltd
Significant past roles
- 2018–2020: Design and Project Manager, EPL Construction Ltd
- 2014–2018: Design Manager, HEB Precast HEB Construction, Tauranga
- 2012–2014: Project Manager and Engineering Support, HEB Structures, HEB Construction, Tauranga
- 2011–2012: Senior Project Engineer, HEB Structures HEB Construction Queensland, Australia
- 2011: Project Manager, HEB Structures HEB Construction, Raglan
- 2006–2011: Project Engineer, HEB Structures HEB Construction, Gisborne, Napier, Tauranga
- 2004–2006: Trainee Engineer, HEB Structures HEB Construction, Auckland, Greymouth
- 2011–2020: Wonder Project Ambassador, Engineering New Zealand
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
I would definitely say the people. Sometimes on a construction site it’s the last person you think you’re going to get along with is who you really click with. And the vast knowledge of the old-timers or the crane drivers – sometimes the most intimidating person and getting to know them personally and also professionally and knowing what makes them tick and working through problems together and hard times and the weather and when dire straits happen, and you have to think on the fly and work it all out. Those real character-building scenarios and the people that help you through those. If I think about sticky times, it's really those people that stick out to me, and that’s definitely a highlight.
Charlotte Toma
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2004–2007: University of Auckland: BE – Civil (Hons)
- 2008–2012: University of Auckland: PhD – Civil
Role at time of interview
Senior Lecturer, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland
Significant past roles
- 2012–2018: Structural Design Engineer, Holmes Consulting
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
The times when I have felt most confident being an engineer is when I have learnt something new, confronted a challenge and anchored a piece of knowledge. The experiences that stay with me are the project teams I have been a part of, the feelings of working together on achieving something amazing with all our different skills.
Jess Court Patience
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2011–2014: University of Canterbury, BE – Civil
- 2016–2018: University of Canterbury, ME – Earthquake Engineering
Role at time of interview
Senior Structural Engineer, WSP, Queenstown
Significant past roles
- 2014–2019: Structural engineer, Aurecon, Christchurch
- 2020– Engineers in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
The project teams and the relationships that we’ve formed. We’ve all come together wanting to get the same solution, which is delivering for the communities. Whether it’s a school or an apartment block or a community facility – they’re all for the end user. So, we are all there to do that and then we overlay our personal interests, or our businesses interests on top of that.
The people I’ve met, and the connections I’ve made and the things that we’ve produced has been fantastic.
Emily Collings
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2012–2016: Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK, BSc – Environmental Management (Hons)
- 2016–2017: Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK, MSc – Environmental Engineering
Role at time of interview
Senior Environmental Engineer, GWE Consulting Engineers Ltd, Auckland
Significant past roles
- 2018–2021: Environmental Engineer, Haigh Workman Ltd, Kerikeri
- 2017–2018: Research Assistant and Laboratory Technician, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- 2021– Engineering New Zealand Young Engineers Committee, Auckland (Chair, 2023– )
- 2018–2022: Wonder Project Ambassador, Engineering New Zealand
- 2018–2021: Engineering New Zealand Young Engineers Committee member, Northland (Chair, 2020–2021)
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
I want to keep growing and learning. I want to be the best that I can be – and that’s in both technical and now a leadership capacity as well… My goal, my big, big goal would be high up in a company providing some real change and drive. I want to be that person who someone looks up to and says ‘wow, that’s where I want to be.’ I’m excited to see where it goes. I want to push myself and see where I can get to.
Rosita Fiaola
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2013–2016: University of Auckland, BE – Electrical and Electronic (Hons)
Role at time of interview
Electrical Engineer, RSB Electrical, Auckland
Significant past roles
- 2016–2017: Electrical Assistant, Allendale Electrical, Auckland
- 2023–2024: Engineering New Zealand, Young Engineers Auckland Branch Committee Member
- 2019: Wonder Project Ambassador, Engineering New Zealand
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
I really enjoyed working on the Westfield mall in Newmarket – it’s a new mall that was built a few years ago. That was my first major project, and I was given a lot of responsibility – more than I thought I was capable of. But I managed to produce some really good work, so that helped build my confidence…We designed and built the electrical services for that whole mall – everything from the switchboards through to the lights and the power supplies.
Alice Xu
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2014–2017: University of Auckland, BE – Civil and Environmental (Hons)
Role at time of interview
Senior Structural Engineer, Arup, Auckland
Significant past roles
- 2018–2021: Professional Structural Engineer, AECOM, Auckland
- 2015–2017: Student internships with Beca and AECOM
- 2023– Auckland Branch Committee member, Engineering New Zealand
- 2019– Wonder Project Ambassador, Engineering New Zealand
- 2018–2023: Co-Founder, Youthmix New Zealand
Youthmix Charitable Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to support youth in New Zealand. It has a particular interest in mentoring young people to be successful in their career.
What have you enjoyed most about your career as an engineer?
I love the feeling when I design something that gets built in the real world and the opportunity to get to see what you designed – such as the Northern Network Transportation Project, where I designed five gantries that go along the road. Every time there are visitors from overseas coming to Auckland, I always tell them about those gantries. I think the feeling of accomplishment in a career as an engineer is very surreal and concrete. That’s what I enjoy the most as an engineer!
Te Rina Kotara
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2020–2023: University of Canterbury, BE – Electrical and Electronics
Role at time of interview
Student in Electrical Engineering at University of Canterbury
Significant past roles
- 2018–2023 (summer breaks): Summer Intern, Orion NZ Ltd
- 2021–2022: Summer Intern, Connetics
- 2016–2021: Volunteer youth worker, Youth Alive Trust
What are you looking forward to about your future career as an engineer?
One thing I’d like to get into is being in a civil defence role for electrical engineers. I think, especially with the [Canterbury] earthquakes, but also for Cyclone Gabrielle, there were so many small communities who were greatly impacted without the necessity of power. So, either to be on the ground or to design some sort of power system to aid in natural disasters – that would be really cool to be a part of.
Zoe Millar
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2019–2023: University of Auckland, BE – Civil and Environmental (Hons) and BCom –Finance and Management
Role at time of interview
Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Commerce, University of Auckland
Significant past roles
- 2023 (summer): Structural Intern, Holmes Consulting, Auckland
- 2022 (summer): Infrastructure Advisory Vacationer, PWC, Sydney
- 2020–2022: Undergraduate Engineer, Robert Bird Group, Auckland and Wellington
- 2022–2023: University of Auckland Civil Engineering Students’ Association (President 2023; Secretary 2022)
- 2020–2023: University of Auckland Women in Engineering Network (WEN) Leader (Assistant Treasurer, 2023; Treasurer, 2022)
What are you looking forward to about your future career as an engineer?
I think I would love to work on a landmark project that is impactful to everyone’s daily lives. It would be really cool to work on something that hasn’t been done before or is being done in a different way, and have my name on that. So, if it’s in Auckland, I can just drive past it and tell people that that’s what I did in my work day. I think that would be cool.
Lily Sanson
When and where did you study engineering?
- 2020–2024: University of Canterbury, BE – Civil
Role at time of interview
Student, Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury
Significant past roles
- 2021– Academic Tutor, Pūhoro STEM Academy
- 2020– Pūhoro Intern, AgResearch
- 2020–2021 (summer): Summer Intern, University of Otago
- 2021–2022 (summer): Civil Engineering Intern, AECOM
- 2022–2023 (summer): Transport Engineering Intern, AECOM
What are you looking forward to about your future career as an engineer?
I know that I want to do something that actually helps the people in my local communities. And I’d like to do some more work that is focused on Te Ao Māori and the Te Tiriti obligations. And I’m still looking at potential post-grad opportunities as well. So, many opportunities.
