Sharon Parackal is Sector Lead – Transport at Frequency and one of our newly appointed ACE New Zealand Board members. Sharon has been appointed for a one-year term following her win of our Emerging Leader Award last year. We’re delighted to welcome Sharon to the ACE Board and asked her about her career and what she brings to the role.
Tell us about your career
I have spent nearly 15 years working across the design and construction of major infrastructure projects, and more recently in client advisory and governance roles. I lead teams at Frequency working across major infrastructure programmes in the Wellington region. I was also honoured to receive the ACE New Zealand Emerging Leader Award in 2025.
My beginnings were nothing extraordinary. I was an idealistic civil engineering graduate with a head full of formulas and a desire to make an impact beyond myself. The formulas may not have stuck, but the desire to make an impact certainly has. With the support of some great leaders and mentors – and a curiosity to keep learning and growing – I have gone from designing, to leading design teams, to leading projects, and now helping organisations navigate complex delivery environments through commercial strategy, risk, assurance and governance.
What strengths do you bring to the ACE Board?
I bring a practical, delivery-informed perspective and an ability to ask the right questions.
My experience spans consultants, contractors, clients and governance groups, so I understand the different pressures across our sector and how to bring people together around win-win outcomes.
I have a strong commercial and risk foundation, experience building trust in complex organisations, and a willingness to challenge and be challenged constructively.
As an emerging leader, I can contribute a current view of the opportunities and pressures facing the next generation of our profession.
What is your strategic vision for ACE New Zealand?
I want ACE New Zealand to continue strengthening the influence and value of the engineering sector – not just with decision-makers, but with the communities, ratepayers and taxpayers who fund New Zealand’s growth. For me, that means being clear about the outcomes our members help enable, supporting clients and government to procure for value rather than lowest cost, and creating the conditions for businesses, people and communities to thrive.
Tell us something interesting about yourself
I have a growing passion for competitive yacht racing. I love the agility, the team communication and the constant need to respond to the wind and waves – all while pushing yourself through discomfort. It continues to teach me lessons about doing hard things, both in life and at work.
I am also a complete data nerd. While my YouTube feed is full of AI conspiracy theories, I remain convinced that the human role is long and enduring. Technology can help us see patterns, test ideas and make better decisions, but curiosity, judgement, trust and the ability to work together will continue to matter most.