ACENZ and Aon Risk and Insurance Webinar – Christchurch
Risk & Insurance Webinar in Christchurch
Join your Christchurch Regional Chair Representative, Maryam Razz, for the upcoming Risk and Insurance webinar with Ross Meijer of Aon and Arthur Park of CEAS. ACENZ is also hosting a physical meet-up for this event in Wellington (click here to RSVP for that event).
This FREE event will be held on Tuesday, 9th October from 4:30-6:30pm at the GHD Offices in Christchurch (Level 3, 138 Victoria Street, CBD) in Christchurch or via the webinar platform if joining from another location – internet connection required. The webinar presentation will begin promptly at 5:00pm, so don’t be late!
Ross and Arthur will address common issues regarding risk and insurance for consultants in the engineering and consulting industry. During the presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions (use the “Q&A” feature if joining by webinar).
If you want to attend the event via webinar (not at GHD Christchurch) then please use this link to register.
Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and nibbles will be available for participants joining Maryam at the GHD Christchurch offices. You can also submit questions in advance by emailing hmorchat@acenz.org.nz. Simply email your questions and use “ACENZ and Aon event Q&A” in the subject line. Questions will be filtered (if duplicate questions are submitted) and answered live during the event.This event will also be recorded and made available to Members on the Members Only Library Page – Other when complete.
Again, register on this page if you wish to attend the physical meet-up in Christchurch.
ACE New Zealand SME Summit
The 2025 SME Summit is an action-packed day of presentations, workshops and discussions on topics that matter most to small and medium sized businesses in Aotearoa.
This one-day event is designed to drive industry conversations and decisions, equipping you to navigate current challenges and look ahead to future trends.
Join us as we empower you to lead with trust, strive for excellence and make impactful connections.
Details
Date: Wednesday 21 May
Time: 8.15am to 5.30pm with an optional dinner to follow
Location: B:Hive at Smales Farm, Takapuna, Auckland
Who should attend this event?
This event is designed for business owners, directors, managers, business development professionals, practice managers, client relationship managers, emerging leaders, marketing managers and other professionals who work to drive the business forward.
Key topics
You can customise your day by choosing between two topics:
Business resilience
In our ‘business resilience’ stream, you’ll find sessions on business resilience, digital resilience, insurance and risk, quality management, and enhancing your customer experience and offerings. These sessions will provide you with strategies to help your business withstand and thrive through challenges, build robust digital infrastructures, manage risks, and ensure high standards in your operations.
The future of business
‘The future of business’ stream will cover emerging technology, communicating with clients, growing a business, and advanced strategies for competitive positioning. These sessions are designed to help you leverage new technology for business growth, develop the next generation of business leaders, and expand your business with practical advice and strategies.
Programme
8.15am: Networking breakfast
9am: Mihi whakatau and welcome
9.20am: Resilience and reaching to the future with Josh KomenWe all have the power to consciously choose our attitude and how we approach adversity, but sometimes we need guidance to find the courage to move forward and grab opportunities when they emerge, especially in tough times. Hear from athlete and cancer survivor Josh Komen for an inspirational keynote session where he’ll share his personal story and teach you how to take control of personal or professional challenges. Read more
10.15am: Morning tea
10.35am: Concurrent sessions (choose one)
Organisational resilience with Ana Ivanovic-Tongue, academyEx (Business resilience)Explore strategies to strengthen your organisational resilience to help your business thrive through challenges. Read more
Emerging technologies with Theresa Wells, GHD (The future of business) Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the latest technologies that can drive your business forward. Learn how to integrate cutting-edge innovations such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT (Internet of Things) into your operations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create new opportunities for growth.
11.40am: Concurrent sessions (choose one)
Understanding insurance and risk with Duncan McGill, Duncan Cotterill (Business resilience)Gain insights into identifying and mitigating business risks through effective insurance and risk management practices. Learn how to assess your coverage, understand new policy options, and develop a risk management plan to safeguard your business against unforeseen events.
Build a more valuable business with Logan Wedgwood, Advisory.Works (The future of business)Delve into developing your business strategy and learn how to create a strategy that truly differentiates you in the market.
12.40pm: Lunch
1.20pm: Concurrent sessions (choose one)
Quality management with Majid Zahoor, BSI (Business resilience) Discover the importance of maintaining high standards in your operations and products to build a resilient business. Walk away with actionable strategies for quality control, process improvement and achieving industry certifications that enhance your reputation and customer trust. Read more
Effective communication strategies with Liz Wotherspoon, The Icehouse (The future of business)Learn techniques for clear and concise messaging, active listening, and adapting communication styles to different audiences. Get equipped with the tools you need to navigate complex conversations, share important information effectively and build stronger professional relationships. Read more
2.25pm: Concurrent sessions (choose one)
It all comes down to culture with Lee Turner and Kim Dovey, Skillpod (Business resilience) Understand the importance of organisational culture in driving success, often surpassing the impact of strategic planning. Explore how fostering a strong, positive culture can lead to higher employee engagement, innovation and overall performance, ultimately making strategy execution more effective.
Establishing a market entry point into Australia with Warner Cowin, Height, and Kathryn Jones, NZTE (The future of business)The Australian infrastructure market offers New Zealand businesses a viable opportunity to diversify revenue and grow a new market. Find out how to enter Australia and the support available from NZTE, the government’s business development agency. Read more
3.25pm: Afternoon tea
3.45pm: Panel discussion: What’s the future of work?What does the future of work look like for your local government clients, what are the market trends, and how can consultants support local authorities to make things easier? This panel discussion features:
Craig Hobbs (Waikato District Council)
Monique Davidson (Horowhenua District Council)
Barry Potter (Auckland Council)
Facilitated by Sanchia Jacobs (Beca, formerly Central Otago District Council)
Read more
4.45pm: Wrap up
5pm: Networking drinks and nibbles
6pm: Optional networking dinner
Format
The presentations will be followed by interactive workshops to help you apply the learning in your business immediately. Dedicated facilitators will guide you through the process, ensuring you leave with actionable strategies and tools.
The event also offers valuable networking opportunities to connect, learn and grow with industry leaders and peers.
To get a glimpse of what to expect, check out the 2024 SME Summit video and hear about the value you’ll get out of it.
Cost
$395 +GST for ACE members
$595 +GST for non-members
Optional networking dinner
Additional $100 per person
Register
Registrations for the event have now closed.
Wellington Networking BINGO – ACENZ
Want to build your network but tired of the same old boring networking events?
Join us on Tuesday, April 9th in Wellington at Leroy’s Bar (bottom of Plimmer Steps) for Networking BINGO! This event is centered around meeting new people and expanding your networks but in a fun and interactive way. Drinks and nibbles will be provided along with the opportunity to win some career-boosting prizes.
This is a FREE event, open to any employee of an ACENZ Member firm.
We hope to see you there on Tuesday, 9th April from 5:00 to 7:00pm!
Wellington YP Pub Quiz Networking Event – ACENZ
Join us in Wellington on Thursday, 20th September from 5:30-7:30pm at Leroys Bar for a networking Pub Quiz event. We invite all Young Professionals (or the “young at heart”) to join us for an engineering themed pub quiz.
We’ll be hosting six rounds of quiz questions along with some nibbles and drinks. We’d like to thank DTCE for sponsoring this event and supporting the Young Professionals initiative.
So come join us on 20th September for some networking with your peers and a good time exercising your brain in a fun and laid-back way.
RSVP below to reserve your place. Note that all RSVPs will be added to our database to be included in future YP event emails and other ACENZ news. You can always update your communication preferences if they change in the future.
We hope to see you there!
Cheers,
The Wellington ACENZ Young Professionals Committee
Lessons from NZTA’s ‘decision led project development approach’ – ACE New Zealand
The Government has tasked the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) with building a more efficient business case process – one that leads to better investment choices, and more efficient and timely infrastructure delivery.
Work is continuing at pace and a prototype of the decision-led project development approach has been applied to a range of projects, including Te Ara Hauāuru – Northwest Busway.
Come along to hear more about the new NZTA approach, what was learned from applying it to the development of the investment case for Te Ara Hauāuru – Northwest Busway, what it means for you in the infrastructure sector, and next steps for this approach including embedding it into project development for all NZTA projects from mid-2025.
Drinks and nibbles will be provided and there will be plenty of time for networking before and after the event. Doors open at 4pm and the presentations start at 4.45pm.
Details
Date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Time: 4-6pm
Venue: Jacobs, Level 2, 12-16 Nicholls Lane, Parnell, Auckland
Cost: Free
Speakers
NZTA
Robyn Elston, National Manager System Design
Emma Fisk, Director – Rapid Transit System Design
Craig Mitchell, Manager Portfolio Definition
Jacobs
Matt Hawkes, AMJ Joint Venture Project Lead
Register
This is an in-person event and places are limited. Please register by Thursday 8 May 2025.
Register now
ACENZ Professional Services Contracts Webinar – ACENZ
Tune in to this free webinar on April 2nd from 4:30 to 6:00pm to hear about Professional Services contracts.
You will learn how a contract is formed, the different ACENZ Agreements, what to look out for in Client contracts and how you can manage risk.
Whilst the presentation will be targeted to young professionals with little experience or knowledge of contracts, it will also be of interest to the seasoned professionals who would like a refresher.
This will also be a great opportunity for you to share particular trends with conditions that you are seeing.
The presentation will be given by Graham Chapman who chaired the recent review of Conditions of Contract for Consultancy Services (CCCS) and led the review of the Short Form Agreement.
Representatives of CEAS (Insurers and risk advisors) will be attendance to assist.
Queenstown CCCS and SFA Roadshow – ACENZ
ACENZ wants to invite you to attend one of our upcoming CCCS/SFA Roadshow events, including Graham Chapman of AECOM (Chair of the CCCS Review Committee) to comment on some of the changes and highlights to the newest addition of CCCS and Short Form Agreement, as well as be available to answer any questions.
Space is limited, so please RSVP for this FREE event to confirm your spot.
These documents have been prepared through a collaborative effort by numerous client organisations, Member Firm representatives, and has undergone extensive legal review to ensure compliance with recent changes to legislation. We also want to thank Graham Chapman of AECOM for his efforts as CCCS Review Committee Chair. ACENZ, on behalf of the industry, appreciates the volunteer effort and commitment to this project and giving back to the benefit of the industry. Thank you to all who contributed to this process.
We look forward to hosting you on Tuesday, 24th July from 4:00-6:00pm at the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Council Chambers (10 Gorge Road, Queenstown).
Tour the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha – ACE New Zealand
Join us for an ACE member-exclusive look inside the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, Christchurch’s new multi-purpose arena and the final anchor project in the city’s post-earthquake rebuilding.
We’ll kick off at Dux Central at 3pm for a discussion between ACE New Zealand, the Te Kaha stadium director, members of the Kōtui consortium lead contractor BESIX Watpac, and consulting design engineer Mott MacDonald on the lessons learned from this successful collaboration.
This session will provide insights into how ACE members can adapt their businesses for the future of consulting in New Zealand, particularly considering the Government’s desire to move towards a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
We’ll then visit the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha where we’ll split into four groups so you can learn more about the area you’re interested in. Each group will be lead by members of the project team, focusing on one aspect of the project:
Client-led
Contractor-led
Engineering-led
Architectural-led
This event is generously sponsored by Mott MacDonald and we’re looking forward to taking you behind the scenes of this exciting infrastructure project.
Programme
3pm: Afternoon tea
3.25pm: Welcome
3.30pm: Presentation and Q&A
4pm: Head to the stadium
4.10pm: Health and safety briefing
4.15pm: Site tour begins
5pm: Site tour ends, head back to Dux Central for networking
What to wear
You will need to wear a hard hat, high-vis and flat, closed-toe shoes (please wear steel caps if you have them). If you’re unable to bring your own, please let us know when you register so that we can support you.
Speakers
Jo Orr, ACE New Zealand Board member and Technical Director at Mott MacDonald
Kent Summerfield, Project Director at Te Kaha Project Delivery
Nick Gillespie, Business Development Management at Mott MacDonald
Adrian Jones, Project Director at BESIX Watpac
Cost
$75 + GST
Venues
Dux Central, 6 Poplar Street, Christchurch Central, 8011
One New Zealand Stadium, 218 Madras Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Register
This event is restricted to 25 people from within ACE member firms so register now to secure your spot.
Register here
ACENZ Professional Services Contracts Event – ACENZ
Join us on 2nd April from 4:30 to 6:00pm at Beca offices, Level 2, ANZ Centre 267 High St, Christchurch Central, for this free event, to hear about Professional Services contracts.
You will learn how a contract is formed, the different ACENZ Agreements, what to look out for in Client contracts and how you can manage risk.
Whilst the presentation will be targeted to young professionals with little experience or knowledge of contracts, it will also be of interest to the seasoned professionals who would like a refresher.
This will also be a great opportunity for you to share particular trends with conditions that you are seeing.
The presentation will be given by Graham Chapman who chaired the recent review of Conditions of Contract for Consultancy Services (CCCS) and led the review of the Short Form Agreement.
Representatives of CEAS (Insurers and risk advisors) will be attendance to assist.
Christchurch YP networking – from technical to management position
Join us for the Christchurch Young Professionals event on Wednesday, 18th July from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Chic Restaurant (64 Manchester St, Christchurch Central). You’ll enjoy networking time before and after the short presentation by Andrew Whaley from GHD and Max Waters from BVT.
Andrew is a GHD Principal, Technical Director – Civil Infrastructure and is the coordinatorfor GHD’s Client Relationship Management (CRM) programme. He is passionate about delivering value engineered solutions to meet client’s budget and programme expectations.
Max is BVT’s Senior Team Lead and is responsible for engineering quality and methodology. His focus is developing robust engineering systems targeted at fast delivery for our clients.
FREE first drinks and nibbles will be provided and this event counts towards your CPD records as well. Please RSVP so that appropriate catering and arrangements can be made.
This event is open to any Young Professional (aged 35 or younger) or the “young at heart” who want to support the next generation of leaders.
Limited seats! We hope you’ll join us for this relaxed networking evening!