Meet our Nelson/Blenheim Regional Chair Marcus Grierson

Marcus Grierson is now a Structural Engineer at Stantec in Nelson after gaining valuable experience in Shanghai and Hong Kong. He’s the new ACE New Zealand Regional Chair for the Nelson/Blenheim region and is keen to hear from local members. We talk to Marcus about his career and what he brings to the role. 

Marcus Grierson

Tell us about your career so far?     

I’ve been working in engineering and construction firms since finishing my studies at the University of Canterbury in 2013.  

My first role was as a structural engineer in Nelson, which opened my eyes to what regional New Zealand has to offer in terms of my career and work/life balance.  

I wanted to see what else was out there, so moved to Auckland for a year, then continued to Shanghai. I spent a year there before transferring to Hong Kong. I joined a team delivering the Disneyland Castle expansion and spent two years there working to complete the project. I really enjoyed my time and exploring a different culture and lifestyle.  

In part due to COVID-19, I returned to New Zealand and found work again in Nelson with Stantec, where I have been working on civil infrastructure projects.  

What strengths do you bring to the ACE New Zealand Regional Chair role?  

I have worked in professional engineering roles for a variety of firm sizes, having started my career in an SME, worked overseas for a multinational construction company, and now at the New Zealand branch of a multinational firm. This has given me a variety of views of what people expect from industry bodies and the type of resources, events and support they require.  

In Shanghai and Hong Kong I was working on large projects in a different culture to what I was used to. I really enjoyed this experience and has given me some hands-on experience in an overseas supply chain.  

How will you support ACE New Zealand's mahi in your region?  

I’m keen to support members locally and provide a link between the Te Tau Ihu region and the ACE New Zealand leadership team.  

I think the largest impact I can make is in creating connections. It takes effort to build local connections between engineers and consultants, and I think I’m well placed to help build those relationships and provide information and ideas to the ACE New Zealand leadership team.   

What’s the best way for members to get in touch with you?   

You can contact me via the ACE New Zealand people page.