Meet our 2024 Emerging Leader Award finalist Dilys Fong
The ACE New Zealand Emerging Leader Award, sponsored by Tonkin + Taylor, recognises people who have a passion for leadership in the consulting sector, show a commitment to developing themselves, and demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities in their work and communities. Meet one of our three 2024 finalists, Dilys Fong.
Dilys Fong is a Transport Planner and Engineer at Tonkin + Taylor. She joined the consulting industry in 2021 with aspirations to work in people-centred infrastructure.
Her passion for transport and its impact on local communities emerged from an unconventional past in classical singing, followed by three years of teaching high school science in a low-decile environment.
With projects all over Aotearoa, Dilys’ work includes pioneering climate change adaptation planning for transport assets with Auckland Transport, design for cycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the award-winning Te Ara Tupua Alliance, business cases and consenting inputs, and mana whenua and stakeholder engagement.
Dilys also has key roles in internal company initiatives including those promoting te ao Māori, where she has been a leading rangatahi and tauiwi voice in discussions to develop business strategy, foster understanding, and provide learning opportunities across the business.
Dilys’ leadership potential has previously been recognised and cultivated through the Ako Mātātupu Teach First NZ Leadership Development Programme in 2015, and as a Sir Colin Maiden Scholar in the University of Auckland’s Engineering Dean’s Leadership Programme in 2018.
Her exceptional contributions to the consulting industry are a continuation of this development journey, where she shows remarkable promise in leading at the intersection of transport, climate change adaptation, and kaupapa Māori.
Dilys is an empathetic and collaborative leader, seeing leadership as an opportunity to bring people together for better outcomes, to champion others in their strengths, and to grow collective capability.
What the judges said
The Emerging Leader Award judges said Dilys stood out for her passion and experience – her dedication to working with young people and communities reflected a true calling rather than just a career choice. They were impressed by her core values of integrity, recognising strengths in others, understanding responsibilities and accountability, and building trust.
The judges said they were particularly impressed by Dilys’ awareness of the importance of personal safety and wellbeing. Her proactive approach to seeking support when needed is a powerful example of self-leadership and something others can learn from.
Her aspiration to lead rather than manage, with the goal of making a meaningful difference and inspiring those around her, is both admirable and inspiring.
Winner to be announced at 2024 ACE Awards Gala
The winner of the 2024 Emerging Leader Award will be announced at the ACE Awards Gala in Christchurch on Thursday 24 October.