Ingrid Snyman
Company: Index Engineering
Job title: Director/Business Manager
About Ingrid
I grew up in a STEM-oriented family and have a lot of respect for the value that engineering brings. My husband Jan and I founded Index Engineering (a consulting mechanical engineering practice and accredited inspection body) some 14 years ago and I work as the business manager. My job involves governance as well as quality management, HR, systems, marketing, policy and finances.
Last year, I commenced studies towards an MBA at Waikato University. The teaching has provided a theoretical framework for some of what I do, and led to new learnings, particularly around marketing, supply chain management and leadership.
Before Index, I worked for more than ten years as a resource management planner in Australia and New Zealand, as well as various other jobs. My son is a second-year engineering student, so this gives me a stake in creating good workplaces for our GenZers. I have prior governance experience on a board of a not-for-profit and, outside of work, I am passionate about art.
Pepeha or whakapapa/family history
Kia ora tātou
Ko Tarawera te maunga
Ko Rotorua te awa
No Rotorua ahau
Ko Snyman tōku whanau
Ko Ingrid tōku ingoa
I grew up in Wellington: my father is a Dutchman, and my mother is a third generation New Zealander with UK ancestry. I have lived in Rotorua for more than 20 years.
What is your strategic vision for ACE New Zealand?
ACE New Zealand needs to be forward-looking and aspirational. We are in the midst of big changes that affect us all – AI, climate change, major demographic shifts, cybersecurity threats, ecological grief, distrust of institutions, and global strategic realignments. In New Zealand we are dealing with aging infrastructure, regulatory changes and STEM skill shortages. Recent census data has identified the high level of immigration into New Zealand and the increasing number of New Zealanders who identify as Māori. As consultants, we need to have awareness, courage and positivity to face up to these challenges. ACE plays an important role as an encourager, a resource-provider and as an association that we can feel “has our back”.
I am impressed with the work that ACE is currently doing around advocacy and resources. The conferences are outstanding, and the comprehensive salary information and recent work on a competency framework are valuable. ACE could focus on expanding its membership base - the extra funds generated would enable ACE to do even more than it is currently doing. The SME summit and practice manager’s forum are great initiatives, and I would like to see the opportunities for member participation and contribution continue to develop.
What strengths would you bring to the ACE Board?
I believe in creating a great workplace environment where people can thrive, and I have access to fresh ideas and business thinking through my MBA studies. Starting a consultancy and growing it to a team of 15 (along with others) means that I have acquired experience that could be relevant to the work of ACE, particularly as related to the needs of SMEs. According to my recent Gallup’s CliftonStrengths analysis, four of my top five strengths are related to strategic thinking.
What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
Feeling included and having a sense of belonging is such a basic human need. To me, diversity and inclusion means being willing to do things differently so that neurodiverse people and those of differing ethnicities, home countries, age and gender can feel comfortable and welcome in the workplace. Inclusion is about ensuring that we “make space” for different workplace practices and ideas.
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