Meet our Nelson/Blenheim Regional Chair Erin McNary

Erin McNary is a senior civil water engineer and project manager at Stantec and the new ACE New Zealand Regional Chair for the Nelson/Blenheim region. She brings extensive experience across a variety of water infrastructure projects, as well as a desire to inspire the engineers and consultants of tomorrow.  

Tell us about yourself and the work you do. 

I work as a senior civil water engineer and project manager at Stantec, Nelson. I'm a Professional Engineer (USA) and a Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand.

Throughout my career, I’ve managed and worked on a variety of wastewater, stormwater, and water projects. These have been with local, regional and national clients in both the private and public sectors – both here in New Zealand and back in the States.

What are the consulting and engineering strengths of your region?

The top of the South Island has a highly innovative community that includes everything from small-to-medium-sized firms to large global organisations.

This means we’re able to support our local clients while maintaining close ties to the rest of the country – we have the ability to take on projects from across New Zealand and the world. Nelson is a key port connection to the North Island, which gives us a huge presence in a variety of industries – including agriculture, forestry, development and design to name just a few.

Not an engineering or consulting strength, but the region’s great weather deserves a shout out too.

What do you bring to the Regional Chair role?

My experience as branch manager in the Stantec Nelson office, as well my time spent connecting with the wider New Zealand team and our global internal network. I enjoy bringing people together and am keen to support and upskill ACE New Zealand members in the Nelson Tasman region.

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

Throughout my career, I have always looked for opportunities to work with students of all ages, to promote infrastructure and engineering as a career pathway. I really enjoy helping build their confidence to identify opportunities for their future.

When I’m not working, I’m out enjoying the outdoors, skiing or rowing.

What’s the best way for members to get in touch with you?

By email at [email protected]