Meet the 2026 ACE Awards judges

Convenor of Judges – David Bridges 
Principal, Kaiuru Consulting 

David has more than 40 years’ experience as a civil and environmental engineer, with a career largely focused on public sector infrastructure and strategic advisory work. His background spans infrastructure planning, policy and procurement, and working with clients on complex water and environmental challenges. He has held senior leadership roles within consulting, including as a founding director and principal engineer, and is well regarded for his ability to connect technical expertise with sound strategic and commercial judgement. 

A long‑standing and generous contributor to ACE, David is known for his thoughtful insights, willingness to share experience, and deep care for the profession. His leadership as Convenor helps ensure the ACE Awards not only recognise outstanding work, but also reinforce the values of professionalism, integrity and continuous improvement across the sector. 

Aimee Matiu 
Pou Tokomanawa – Māori Advisor, Pattle Delamore Partners 

Ngāti Here, Ngāi Tūpoto ki Motukaraka, Ngāti Mōroki, Te Rarawa ki Hokianga, Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu. Aimee works alongside mana i te whenua, clients and project teams through relationship building and collaborative approaches across environmental and infrastructure projects. Her approach is grounded in He Whakaputanga me Te Tiriti and guided by mokopuna decision making that upholds the mana me te mauri of te ao tūroa. 

Alex Burgess 
Director, Simple Clarity 

Alex is an independent consultant specialising in the delivery and risk management of major infrastructure projects and programmes. She has worked across transportation, buildings and land development in both public and private sectors. Her project experience includes the City Rail Link, America’s Cup infrastructure, and Kāinga Ora developments. Alex helped shape the refreshed ACE Awards format and is passionate about celebrating excellence in consulting. 

Amy Patterson-Horner 
Design and Delivery Organisation New Zealand Leader, GHD 

Amy has 20 years’ experience delivering complex projects and leads the implementation of GHD’s multidisciplinary delivery model. Known for her collaborative, calm and outcome-focused leadership style, she aligns teams and capability to improve consistency, efficiency and client outcomes. Amy is respected for breaking complex challenges into achievable phases while maintaining momentum and focus throughout project delivery. 

Ben Holland 
Chief Financial Officer, WSP 

Ben has more than 30 years’ experience delivering major infrastructure projects in New Zealand and internationally. He has held leadership roles in project governance, commercial management and risk management, and now serves as CFO of WSP New Zealand. A Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and former Engineering New Zealand board chair, Ben brings a strong commercial perspective and deep understanding of the consulting profession. 

Brent Meekan 
Business Director, Beca 

Brent is a Business Director at Beca with over 45 years of experience delivering infrastructure projects in New Zealand and the Pacific. He is a Past President of ACE NZ and has extensive experience in running consulting businesses in New Zealand and Asia. Brent is a keen ocean swimmer and enjoys working on engineering heritage activities. 

Cameron Chapman 
Business Manager – Regional, ElectroNet Group 

Cameron is a senior leader within the ElectroNet Group with more than 15 years’ experience in the electricity industry. He is passionate about mentoring and coaching emerging leaders and engineers, and contributes to the profession through industry bodies including Engineering New Zealand and the Electricity Engineers’ Association. Cameron was previously recognised as an ACE Emerging Leader Award finalist. 

Doug Johnson 
Principal Consultant, Tonkin + Taylor 

Doug has more than 40 years’ experience working across complex civil infrastructure, quarrying and mining projects in New Zealand and internationally. Recognised for his technical leadership by both Engineering New Zealand and ACE New Zealand, Doug has held senior governance and executive roles, including 11 years as Managing Director of Tonkin + Taylor. He brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the judging panel. 

Elsamari Botha 
Associate Professor, University of Canterbury 

Elsamari specialises in AI governance, implementation and responsible digital transformation. She has co-authored leading frameworks for AI adoption and governance and works closely with boards and senior leaders on the responsible use of emerging technologies. Drawing on 15 years of consulting experience, Elsamari helps organisations bridge technical innovation, strategy and human-centred change. 

Eric Whitfield 
Area Manager – Wellington, AECOM 

Eric leads AECOM’s Wellington operations across transportation, water, energy, environmental, building engineering, and project and cost management markets. He brings extensive experience in strategic, operational and people leadership, with a strong track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex infrastructure projects. Eric is recognised for his collaborative approach and commitment to successful project outcomes. 

Eruera Lee-Morgan
Pou Ārahi Māori Cultural Leader, Stantec

Eruera (Te Arawa, Waikato, Pare Hauraki) is a respected cultural leader with more than 30 years’ experience supporting Māori development, environmental stewardship, and cultural understanding. As Pou Ārahi Māori at Stantec, he helps embed Te Ao Māori perspectives and strengthen partnerships across the organisation’s work. Eru is a passionate advocate for Te Mana o Te Wai and fostering meaningful connections between people, place, culture and the environment.

Esther Croft 
Senior Project Manager – Sustainable and Social Outcomes, Height PM 

Esther is a senior project manager specialising in social procurement. She has extensive experience supporting clients with strategic planning, procurement, and the delivery of broader outcomes and economic benefits across infrastructure and public-sector projects. Drawing on her research background, she applies an evidence-based approach to help organisations deliver meaningful economic, social and environmental outcomes for communities across Aotearoa. 

Gavin Shaw 
Director, Navig8 Construction Advisory 

Gavin is the founder of Navig8 Construction Advisory and brings more than 30 years’ experience in capital project delivery and business leadership. He serves on the ACE Board and chairs the Society of Construction Contract Practitioners management committee. Known for helping clients navigate complex infrastructure and construction environments, Gavin is passionate about building capability and recognising excellence across the consulting sector. 

Helen Davidson 
Chief Executive, ACE New Zealand 

Helen leads ACE New Zealand, the member association representing around 270 firms delivering engineering, technology, construction, infrastructure and environmental services across Aotearoa. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she is a driving force behind The Diversity Agenda, the award-winning programme helping engineering and architecture firms create more inclusive workplaces and unlock the benefits of diverse talent. 

Ida Dowling 
Principal Transport Planner, Commute 

Ida is a nationally recognised transport planning leader with extensive experience delivering major infrastructure programmes across New Zealand. She combines technical expertise with strong leadership and governance experience. A former ACE New Zealand president, Ida has also served as a regional chair and board member. She is widely respected for her contribution to mentoring, diversity advocacy, and the development of future industry leaders. 

Jason Shoebridge 
Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research 

Jason has led the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research since 2021, following senior leadership roles in market research and analytics across New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. He brings extensive experience in business leadership and governance, including work with public sector organisations and the sports sector. Jason is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Institute of Directors. 

Jonny Papa 
Buildings and Infrastructure Advisory Leader, Aurecon 

Jonny has more than 20 years’ experience in structural engineering and project management. A member of the Diversity Agenda Steering Committee, he is passionate about creating pathways for Māori and Pasifika people in engineering. Jonny brings a strong focus on leadership, inclusion and helping create opportunities for future generations. 

Jordan Reynolds 
Director, Tactical Group 

Jordan has extensive experience leading and procuring major infrastructure projects and programmes across New Zealand and Australia. As General Manager of Tactical New Zealand, he works with government and private sector clients to support the successful delivery of complex, high-value projects. Jordan brings strong expertise in project leadership, procurement and programme delivery across a wide range of infrastructure environments. 

Junaid Rupani 
Regional Business Partners Auckland Manager, Auckland Business Chamber 

Junaid is a senior management consultant and business growth advisor with more than 20 years’ experience supporting organisations, entrepreneurs and community-led enterprises. He leads the Regional Business Partners programme at the Auckland Business Chamber and is passionate about building capability, strengthening governance and enabling sustainable growth. A former business owner and active mentor, he is known for his practical insight, integrity and focus on meaningful outcomes. 

Marie McCarthy
Senior Advisor Māori Development, Resilience and Communities, Tonkin + Taylor

Marie is a specialist in Māori development, community resilience, and climate adaptation. Drawing on expertise in environmental social science and strategic consulting, she helps organisations and communities navigate complex environmental challenges while supporting positive outcomes for tangata whenua. A respected leader in Māori engagement and contributor to He Rau Aroha, Marie is passionate about building enduring partnerships and creating meaningful, lasting impact.

Matt Bishop 
Founder and Principal, Brevity 

Matt is founder and principal of interiors engineering consultancy Brevity and creator of PRENGUIN, a digital platform for building system specification and compliance. Combining expertise in engineering and software development, he brings a practical innovation perspective to the judging panel. Matt is particularly interested in solutions that simplify complexity and improve outcomes for clients and end users. 

Monique Davidson 
Chief Executive Officer, Horowhenua District Council 

Monique is Chief Executive of Horowhenua District Council and a highly regarded leader within local government. With a background in law and senior executive leadership, she is recognised for setting a clear vision, building strong relationships and delivering results. Monique currently serves as Vice President of Taituarā and is passionate about creating positive wellbeing outcomes for communities, organisations and the wider local government sector. 

Dr Penny Kneebone 
Chief Executive, Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand 

Penny has more than 25 years’ experience across New Zealand, Australia and the United States and is recognised for her values-based leadership and commitment to the profession. She serves on the ACE New Zealand Board and actively champions emerging leaders, diversity and inclusion. Penny is passionate about fostering collaboration and creating positive outcomes for both the consulting sector and communities. 

Ross Buckley 
Chair of the Board, New Zealand Institute of Directors 

Ross is an experienced professional director and former Executive Chairman of KPMG New Zealand. During his 38-year career with KPMG, he held leadership roles in New Zealand and internationally, including serving on the Asia Pacific Board and Global Council. Since transitioning to governance, Ross has held board positions across a range of organisations and is committed to supporting strong governance and leadership in New Zealand. 

Sandra O’Brien-Kelly 
Principal Environmental Scientist and Technical Director Environmental Auditing and Sustainability, Tonkin + Taylor 

Sandra is an environmental scientist and sustainability specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in environmental risk management, regulatory compliance and auditing. She is an accredited lead auditor and contributes to the development of environmental and sustainability standards in New Zealand and internationally. Sandra is passionate about advancing best practice and helping organisations deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes. 

Sarah Baxter 
Senior Principal Transportation Engineer, Stantec 

Sarah is a Senior Principal Transportation Engineer with nearly 20 years of experience across New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She brings expertise in transport infrastructure delivery, pavements and surfacing, and network and asset management, with experience spanning design, construction, and advisory roles. Sarah holds a master’s degree in pavement technology and actively contributes to technical leadership and mentoring within the transport sector. 

Sarah Lang 
Business Director – Government Advisory and Strategic Relationships, Beca 

Sarah is a senior executive with more than 25 years’ experience across government, business and the not-for-profit sector. She is the founder of New Zealand’s Women’s Infrastructure Network and a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in infrastructure. Sarah is committed to using her leadership, networks and expertise to drive positive change and contribute to a stronger New Zealand. 

Simon Fenton 
Associate Director, AECOM 

Simon leads AECOM’s Transport Group in Auckland and has 15 years of international experience across the UK, New Zealand and the South Pacific. A civil and structural engineer, he specialises in the design and delivery of major road and rail projects and currently serves on the City Rail Link. Simon is recognised for his collaborative leadership and was named ACE New Zealand Emerging Leader in 2020. 

Simon Taylor 
Regional Director – Buildings, Stantec New Zealand 

Simon has extensive experience in building services design and engineering consultancy. A proven leader, he has held directorships and management roles across consulting engineering businesses and is passionate about developing people and growing high-performing teams. Well connected throughout New Zealand’s property sector, Simon brings a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. 

Simonne Eldridge 
Executive Advisor and Technical Director – Environmental Engineering, Tonkin + Taylor 

Simonne has more than 35 years’ experience delivering environmental and civil infrastructure projects across New Zealand and around the world. Her career spans leadership roles in consulting, construction and client organisations. As Executive Advisor and Technical Director at Tonkin + Taylor, she provides strategic advice, supports key client relationships and champions technical excellence, organisational resilience and sustainable infrastructure outcomes. 

Sina Cotter Tait 
Director, Collective Success 

A proud daughter of Ōtautahi Christchurch and a professional director, Sina serves on the boards of several infrastructure organisations including Te Waihanga, KiwiRail and Christchurch City Holdings. With more than 20 years’ experience as a civil engineer, she is passionate about creating community impact through infrastructure and supporting Māori and Pasifika engineering students through the Cotter Tait Scholarship. 

Soltice Morrison 
Pou Rautaki Māori – Māori Strategy Lead, Aurecon 

Soltice is Aurecon’s Māori Strategy Lead and has extensive experience integrating te ao Māori perspectives into infrastructure, environmental and advisory projects. She leads the ongoing delivery of Aurecon’s Māori Action Plan and works closely with Māori partners and communities to improve outcomes. Soltice also serves on governance and advisory boards and is recognised for her contribution to advancing Māori perspectives in leadership and decision-making. 

Yuliya Schamrel 
People and Culture Lead, Morphum Environmental 

Yuliya is a leadership, coaching and organisational development specialist with international experience spanning Scotland, the United States, South Africa and Aotearoa New Zealand. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, and creating psychologically safe workplaces where people can thrive. Yuliya believes diverse perspectives and inclusive cultures are essential for strong organisational performance and sustainable success.