Mark Weber is Regional Manager at Kirk Roberts and the newly appointed ACE New Zealand Regional Champion for Bay of Plenty. He aims to surface meaningful insights within the region and ensure they are clearly communicated back to ACE to help inform priorities and action. We asked Mark about his career and what he brings to the role.
Tell us about your career
I grew up in a farming family and studied at Canterbury University before starting my career as a field engineer in Queensland’s oil and gas sector. I’ve built a broad mix of project and leadership experience across organisations of varying sizes throughout New Zealand and Australia.
I’m passionate about empowering teams to reach their full potential and deliver outstanding results. I believe high-performing teams are built on clear communication, collaboration, innovation and a commitment to quality, and I work deliberately to embed these in everyday practice. I’m also interested in how emerging technologies can be applied in practical ways to improve how we work and deliver.
I’m excited by how rapidly technology is transforming engineering and by the opportunity to nurture the next generation of professionals.
What are the consulting and engineering strengths of your region?
Geotechnical expertise is a particular regional strength, given the Bay of Plenty’s varied and often challenging ground conditions, from coastal and volcanic soils to steep terrain requiring slope stability and retaining solutions. This has pushed local firms to build genuine depth in geotechnical engineering that punches above the region’s size.
The region also benefits from close, collaborative relationships between engineers, architects and builders, particularly in the residential and group home building sector, which supports efficient, integrated project delivery. Combined with proximity to the Port of Tauranga and ongoing industrial and commercial investment, the Bay of Plenty offers consulting engineers a diverse and steadily growing market to work in.
What strengths do you bring to the Regional Champion role?
I offer a practical, well-rounded perspective shaped by experience across different sectors, regions and organisation sizes. I value straightforward communication, collaboration and doing things well, and I genuinely enjoy working with people and teams.
I also bring a forward-looking mindset, with an interest in how new technologies and approaches can strengthen the industry.
Overall, I’ll contribute energy, balance and a genuine commitment to supporting both the region and the wider profession.
How will you support ACE’s mahi in your region?
My focus will be on bringing people together, creating space for open and constructive conversations, and identifying the key challenges and opportunities within the region. By listening to members and the wider network, I aim to surface meaningful insights and ensure they are clearly communicated back to ACE New Zealand to help inform priorities and action.
Tell us something interesting about yourself
I’m a haemophiliac who spent years playing rugby, which in hindsight wasn’t the smartest call. I picked up a few knocks along the way that still remind me about it. These days I’ve swapped the rugby field for the gym, keeping fit and healthy without the bleeding, and an early morning session has become a non-negotiable part of how I start the day.
What’s the best way for members to get in touch with you?
You can contact me via Our people page.