Driving better consultant and client engagement
Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch - August 14, 2025 at 4:30pm - 8:30pm
About
The Government has responded to the sector’s call for stronger infrastructure planning frameworks – now it’s our turn to step up.
Join ACE New Zealand as we launch our six engagement principles for consultants and clients, which have been developed by professionals working in planning, design and delivery, alongside their clients.
These principles will inspire all players in our sector to embrace the value of collaboration for more efficient and effective infrastructure planning and delivery.
The kaupapa is clear: how can we use our influence to collectively build a more cost-effective and high-performing infrastructure system for Aotearoa?
This is a call to action
This event is more than a launch – it’s a call to action. It brings together leaders and practitioners from across the infrastructure and construction ecosystem to explore how collaboration can drive more efficient, effective and future-ready project delivery.
As the sector shifts toward more enduring and consensus-driven frameworks, this work positions us to lead the conversation on what enables good decision-making and efficient delivery – regardless of political cycles.
It reflects a shared responsibility across the system to speak up, step forward and shape the conditions for success.
Bring your clients
To ensure the conversation reflects the full spectrum of project delivery, we’re encouraging you to bring a client or partner with you – so we’re not just consultants talking to consultants. Tickets will be offered as packages to support this shared experience and foster deeper dialogue.
Format
We’ll kick-off with sharing ACE New Zealand’s new report, followed by a panel discussion on how we can all live these values through our leadership. Then we will share a case study on Beca and Ashburton District Council’s value-driven approach to safe drinking water.
Programme
- 4.30pm: Drinks, nibbles and networking
- 5.15pm: Welcome
- 5.20pm: Presentation and Q&A – Principles to guide client and consultant engagement practices
- 5.35pm: Panel discussion
- 6.30pm: Case study
- 6.55pm: Next steps
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7pm: Drinks, nibbles and networking
Panel speakers
- Charlotte Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Abley
- Doug Johnson, Principal Consultant Strategic Consulting, Tonkin + Taylor
- Gavin Hutchison, Head of Three Waters, Christchurch City Council
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Tammy Henderson, National Manager Business Alignment, NZTA
Case study speakers
- Danika Ferguson, Senior Environmental Engineer and Project Manager, Beca
- Samantha Taylor, Process Engineer, Beca
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Chris Stanley, Project Manager, Ashburton District Council
Details
- Date: Thursday 14 August 2025
- Time: 4.30-8.30pm
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Venue: Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch 8011
Cost
- ACE members $90 + GST
- Non-members $120 + GST
We're offering discounted client tickets to support this shared experience and foster deeper dialogue. Once you buy your ticket, you'll receive a discount code you can use to buy client tickets.