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First Summit brings industry and educators together.

We’re excited to bring you the highlights and insights from our recent Thriving People, Thriving Industry Summit 2023. Attendees’ engagement and participation made this event was a huge success. Over 300 professionals from more than 40 organisations in the construction and infrastructure sector came together to connect, learn, and share insights.

Watch the videos below and get access to a toolkit of best practice, tools, lessons and tips shared by experts in the field.

Grow your people and productivity with these helpful insights

Real reactions from real people

"The summit was amazing, we are privileged to have been given the opportunity by Waihanga Ara Rau to attend and was it an excellent chance for us to connect to a few other employers and PTEs."

"The people at the coalface, the real-life examples were hugely interesting and valuable. Ian Taylor's and Dr Denise Quinlan's presentations very interesting and engaging. Thank you for an excellent day."

"Inspiration is a marvellous thing!"

"It was wonderful showcase of inclusive employment practice with good stories/case studies and think it'd be great to continue to do this."

"One thing I took away from the Summit was - if they can do it (speakers/presenters) then so can we."

Ngā mihi nui to all presenters

SessionFeaturing
Journalist, author and mental health advocateJehan Casinader
Bugger the boxing, pour the concrete anywaySir Ian Taylor
Impact of tikanga Māori in construction and infrastructureHelmut Modlik -Tumu Whakarae CEO, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
A people-centric business model for transforming your organisationDavid & Nicki Crowley - Managing Directors, Scafit
Mind the skills gap - a strategic and holistic approachJeremy Mikoz - HR and Development Manager, MJH Engineering
Widening diversity and its positive ripple effect on productivity and cultureCeinwen McNeil - Head of Strategy & Clients, Harrison Grierson & President, Ace New Zealand
Nancy McConnell - Strategic Advisor, Hawkins
Nicky Forsyth - Human Resources Coordinator and co-owner, Industrial Site Services Ltd (ISS)
Nate Alley - Franchise Owner and Managing Director, Sentinel Homes
Strengths-based leadership in an uncertain and changing worldDr Denise Quinlan
Looking to the future of a skilled workforce - smooth transitions and skills development Patrick McKibbin - Chief Executive, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce
Liz Watson - Board Member, Women in Roofing
Krishan Kumar- Community Development Partner, Outward Bound
LA Matapuku-Kitiseni - student at Mana College
Unlocking the potential, improving productivity with a strong culture and effective leadershipCody Pepere - Director, Multi Civil Contractors
Andy Garvie - Managing Director, Tidy Slabs
Alapati (Bux) Manuseuga – Managing Director, Precise Traffic Solutions
Ben Law - Project Manager - McMillian & Lockwood
Cultivating inclusive leadershipRichard Templer - Chief Executive, Engineering NZ
Jarrod Telford - Kaihautū, Programme Manager and Cultural Advisor, Downer NZ
Anna Jane Edwards - General Manager, Amotai
Onno Mulder - Chief Operating Officer, Northpower

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