L’Rey Renata is Process Engineer at GHD and one of our newly appointed ACE New Zealand Board members. Her appointment follows completion of her year as Emerging Director Board Observer, a Board-appointed role offering aspiring leaders a valuable opportunity to develop governance skills, actively contribute to Board discussions, and bring diverse, contemporary perspectives to support its strategic goal. We’re delighted to welcome L’Rey to the ACE Board and asked her about her career and what she brings to the role.
Tell us about your career
I became an engineer because I wanted to make a tangible difference for my whānau, hapū, community and te taiao. I saw engineering as a profession with the reach to influence some of the biggest challenges facing Aotearoa.
Early in my career, I recognised a strength in being able to navigate both Te Ao Māori and the engineering profession. Rather than keeping those parts of myself separate, I became curious about what becomes possible when they are brought together.
That has shaped my journey, from delivering water and wastewater projects at GHD to contributing across governance, industry and community kaupapa. It also led me to undertake a PhD exploring engineering capability and professional responsibility through a Te Ao Māori lens.
At the heart of all my mahi is a commitment to expanding how our profession understands excellence and the responsibilities that come with shaping the communities and environments around us.
What strengths do you bring to the ACE Board?
My experience spans engineering practice, governance, industry leadership and research, giving me insight into both the day-to-day realities facing our sector and the longer-term questions shaping its future.
My engineering practice keeps me grounded in the realities facing consultants, clients and communities. My governance and industry roles have strengthened my ability to look beyond individual projects and consider the systems, decisions and capabilities shaping our profession. My research has given me the opportunity to explore the broader forces shaping engineering, including how we build capability, define excellence and prepare for the challenges ahead.
I believe some of the most important conversations happen at the interface between different perspectives, disciplines and worldviews. Much of my work has involved navigating those spaces and helping translate ideas into outcomes that create value for both people and place.
What is your strategic vision for ACE New Zealand?
ACE New Zealand already plays an important role as a trusted and influential voice for consulting and engineering and I am excited to contribute to this kaupapa.
Looking ahead, I would like to see ACE continue investing in the future of our industry by supporting emerging leaders, strengthening consulting capability and helping our members navigate the significant environmental, technological and societal changes ahead. These conversations are becoming increasingly important as expectations of engineers and consultants continue to evolve.
I am particularly interested in how ACE can help ensure consulting and engineering remains relevant to the changing needs of Aotearoa. That includes creating space for different perspectives, investing in future capability and leadership, and ensuring the conversations shaping our industry reflect the communities we serve. I believe this will help consulting and engineering remain resilient, relevant and well positioned for generations to come.
Tell us something interesting about yourself
Sport has shaped a lot of who I am. I’ve represented New Zealand in sprinting, played basketball and netball at a regional level, and still hold an Auckland Junior Championship long jump record that’s more than 20 years old. These days you’ll usually find me on a golf course trying to convince myself I’m getting better. The evidence remains inconclusive. Thankfully, golf is a game that keeps you humble.