Conference 2025: Speaker profiles
We are pleased to be welcoming back our popular 2023 conference MC, Te Radar, to this year's event, along with an impressive lineup of industry experts and presenters. Read on to see who you will be hearing from.
[Return to conference homepage]
[Return to conference homepage]
|
TE RADAR
Master of ceremonies (MC) Te Radar is one of the most recognised entertainers and personalities in New Zealand, whether as a stand-up comedian, a documentary maker or an event speaker. Having won just about every New Zealand comedy award from the Fred Award to the Billy T Award, he has also received numerous accolades in documentary making, ranging from the Qantas Awards in Film and Television to the NZ Television Awards. In 2018 he received an honorary Master of Arts degree from Wintec for his contribution to the fields of media and entertainment. Witty, engaging and well-informed, Te Radar is a sought-after MC and speaker with an ability to host diverse events. |
PART 1
The Big Picture – external factors that influence our success
|
BRAD OLSEN, Infometrics
9:05am – 9:35am Brad Olsen is the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics and is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. Brad is passionate about using economics to make better informed decisions and is able to communicate complex and detailed trends in a simple, relatable and useful manner. With extensive networks across New Zealand’s business, media, community and social sectors, Brad brings together a variety of views, data and emerging trends to inform the advice and analysis he shares with key decision makers across New Zealand. |
Brad's topic: The economic outlook for NZ with a focus on building & construction
The brighter economic outlook in 2025 has been chilled by increased global uncertainty, as Trump Tariffs raise concerns about further inflationary pressures and global trading activity. Here at home, the economy is still shifting gears after a tough few years, amid a mix of trends. The primary sector starts in a robust position, but is threatened by slower trading conditions. Households are refixing onto lower interest rates throughout 2025, which will support spending, but still-high unemployment and caution from businesses means the outlook for recovery is still uncertain. Brad will discuss how economic activity is expected to shape up in 2025 and beyond, and the changing trends in front of us, including the outlook for the building and construction sector.
The brighter economic outlook in 2025 has been chilled by increased global uncertainty, as Trump Tariffs raise concerns about further inflationary pressures and global trading activity. Here at home, the economy is still shifting gears after a tough few years, amid a mix of trends. The primary sector starts in a robust position, but is threatened by slower trading conditions. Households are refixing onto lower interest rates throughout 2025, which will support spending, but still-high unemployment and caution from businesses means the outlook for recovery is still uncertain. Brad will discuss how economic activity is expected to shape up in 2025 and beyond, and the changing trends in front of us, including the outlook for the building and construction sector.
|
DAVID HALL, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)
9:35am – 10:05am David Hall is the General Manager of Building System Performance at the MBIE – New Zealand's building regulator. Building System Performance provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs. David has a strong background working in local Government, including as CEO of Otorohanga and South Waikato District Councils. |
More recently, David worked as the General Manager of Policy at the Infrastructure Commission, and as Technical Director at Mott MacDonald, a multi-national civil engineering consultancy.
David's topic: Building Code & regulatory changes & policies looking forward
David will provide a high-level overview of key priorities, the long-term vision, and current developments in the consenting system. His presentation will cover initiatives to reduce costs and increase efficiency, including streamlining of the BCA consenting processes, self-certification, granny flats and faster inspections. He will cover the system-wide changes to the building consent framework, including enhancements to the BCA structure, risk, and liability considerations. The session will also touch on seismic review updates and the likely future direction of regulatory requirements.
David's topic: Building Code & regulatory changes & policies looking forward
David will provide a high-level overview of key priorities, the long-term vision, and current developments in the consenting system. His presentation will cover initiatives to reduce costs and increase efficiency, including streamlining of the BCA consenting processes, self-certification, granny flats and faster inspections. He will cover the system-wide changes to the building consent framework, including enhancements to the BCA structure, risk, and liability considerations. The session will also touch on seismic review updates and the likely future direction of regulatory requirements.
|
ANKIT SHARMA, Registered Master Builders
10:05am – 10:30am Ankit Sharma is the CEO of Registered Master Builders in New Zealand, where he oversees the organisation’s strategic direction, long-term growth, and the development of strategic capabilities. Previously, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at Master Builders. An executive with diverse experience across multiple sectors, Ankit has a strong background in corporate governance, strategy, and business transformation. Prior to joining Master Builders, he held senior positions at Todd Corporation, including CEO of Todd Digital, where he spearheaded digital innovation and transformation. |
Ankit is passionate about driving innovation in the construction industry and believes that the right technology and partnerships can enable the sector to innovate and grow sustainably.
Ankit's topic: Residential building moving to 2030 & beyond – what suppliers & contractors need to do
As we look toward 2030 and beyond, the residential construction sector faces both disruption and opportunity. Ankit's presentation will explore key trends shaping the future of building in New Zealand, from regulatory shifts to digital transformation, and highlight what suppliers and contractors need to do today to stay relevant, resilient, and ready for what’s next.
Ankit's topic: Residential building moving to 2030 & beyond – what suppliers & contractors need to do
As we look toward 2030 and beyond, the residential construction sector faces both disruption and opportunity. Ankit's presentation will explore key trends shaping the future of building in New Zealand, from regulatory shifts to digital transformation, and highlight what suppliers and contractors need to do today to stay relevant, resilient, and ready for what’s next.
PART 2
Nuts & bolts – how we can do better what we are doing now
|
IAN WALSH, Argon & Co
11:00am – 11:25am Ian Walsh is a partner at improvement consultants Argon & Co. He is a seasoned expert in operational improvement with extensive experience driving efficiency, quality and performance across diverse industries. With a deep understanding of 'Lean' methodologies, he has led numerous transformation initiatives: streamlining processes, reducing waste and fostering continuous improvement cultures. Known for strategic thinking and hands-on problem-solving, Ian combines data-driven analysis with frontline engagement to deliver sustainable results. |
He has a proven track record of operational excellence, leadership, and the ability to turn complexity into clarity.
Ian's topic: Manufacturing excellence in frame & truss – raising the bar
In an industry driven by precision, efficiency and quality, manufacturing excellence isn’t just a goal – it’s a necessity. This presentation by Ian Walsh will explore the critical factors that separate good operations from great ones: from lean production and process innovation to workforce engagement. We will discuss real-world strategies for reducing waste, improving lead times, and staying competitive in an evolving market. This session will challenge you to rethink the way you approach excellence.
Ian's topic: Manufacturing excellence in frame & truss – raising the bar
In an industry driven by precision, efficiency and quality, manufacturing excellence isn’t just a goal – it’s a necessity. This presentation by Ian Walsh will explore the critical factors that separate good operations from great ones: from lean production and process innovation to workforce engagement. We will discuss real-world strategies for reducing waste, improving lead times, and staying competitive in an evolving market. This session will challenge you to rethink the way you approach excellence.
|
JON DAVIES, Pro Clima
11:25am – 11:50am Jon Davies oversees Pro Clima’s education offering across Australia and New Zealand. With his knowledge of on-tools building combined with his experience in product analysis, he is able to clearly identify the areas of our building code and practices that need improvement. Jon's recent research into retrofitting external insulation onto occupied buildings is starting to generate interest and to focus attention on where the typical cost, disruption, high complexity and low performance of renovation needs to be changed for buildings and people. |
Jon's topic: What your sector competitors are doing that you might not know about
More details coming soon ...
More details coming soon ...
|
JOSH CHAPMAN, Your Place Building, #nzbuilder
11:50am – 12:15pm Josh Chapman is a Qualified Builder who completed a traditional, hands-on apprenticeship with an old-school builder 10 years ago. As well as working as a builder in the Wellington region, Josh started the YouTube channel @nzbuilder while building his own home in 2023. The @nzbuilder channel now has more than 100,000 subscribers and features hundreds of videos. Josh's aim is to both educate and entertain as he gives his audience a peek behind the curtains of the building industry, sharing the minor and major victories and dramas that make up the life of a New Zealand builder. |
With his honesty, humour and ability to explain complex building terms in a way that anybody can follow, Josh brings a fresh perspective for our frame and truss manufacturing community.
Josh's topic: What I love & hate about frame and truss – opportunities for improvement
More details coming soon ...
Josh's topic: What I love & hate about frame and truss – opportunities for improvement
More details coming soon ...
PART 3
Innovation & change – how to adapt & thrive in a rapidly changing world
|
BRUCE WALLACE, The Truss Joint
1:30pm – 1:55pm Bruce Wallace has more than 30 years of experience in the construction and truss industry. Raised on a 2,000-acre farm, he developed a strong work ethic early on. Bruce started as a junior estimator in 1988, gaining extensive industry knowledge as he worked in Bendigo and later for a builder in Darwin. In 2008, he founded The Truss Joint, cementing his dedication to the trade. |
Beyond work, Bruce enjoys life on his 36-acre hobby farm, coaching and playing cricket and footy, and pursuing his passions for cooking, fishing and travel. He is a devoted family man, taking pride in his three adult sons. With his down-to-earth approach and love for the outdoors, Bruce brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does.
Bruce's topic: New products from right under your nose
More details coming soon ...
Bruce's topic: New products from right under your nose
More details coming soon ...
|
ANDREW DUNN, Timber Development Association
1:55pm – 2:20pm Andrew has 40 years of experience in the building industry, including the past 34 years within the timber sector and 24 years as CEO of the Timber Development Association (TDA). His work within the timber industry has been at the market end of supply, focusing on the needs of the construction sector and matching the capacity or ability of the timber industry to meet these needs. With a strong technical base, Andrew has represented the industry on numerous committees including Australian Standard, Building Industry, Government and timber industry boards and panels. |
He has co-chaired two international timber industry networks on the promotion of fire-safe timber buildings. Andrew has extensive fire and sound timber technology knowledge and has recently introduced cross-laminated and mid-rise timber-framed building systems to Australia.
Andrew's topic: The Future Framing Initiative – taking back ownership and control of our destiny
The Future Framing Initiative (FFI) is a collaborative programme launched by leading Australian timber construction companies, designed to revolutionise the lightweight timber-framed construction industry by modernising outdated design standards and strengthening the sector's competitive position against steel and concrete alternatives. With thirteen major industry organisations providing funding support and with backing from the University of Tasmania, the initiative focuses on four key areas: research, extension, communications and technical capacity building. Immediate priorities include updating the 25-year-old AS1684 Residential Timber Framed Construction standard and developing a new FWPA Industry Standard for mid-rise buildings aimed at inclusion in the National Construction Code 2028.
Recognising that each percentage point of market share represents $27.5 million in annual revenue, the FFI addresses critical industry challenges while also tackling succession planning through recruiting and training new technical representatives to preserve valuable industry knowledge. The programme targets various building types from detached homes to apartments, schools and aged-care facilities.
Andrew's topic: The Future Framing Initiative – taking back ownership and control of our destiny
The Future Framing Initiative (FFI) is a collaborative programme launched by leading Australian timber construction companies, designed to revolutionise the lightweight timber-framed construction industry by modernising outdated design standards and strengthening the sector's competitive position against steel and concrete alternatives. With thirteen major industry organisations providing funding support and with backing from the University of Tasmania, the initiative focuses on four key areas: research, extension, communications and technical capacity building. Immediate priorities include updating the 25-year-old AS1684 Residential Timber Framed Construction standard and developing a new FWPA Industry Standard for mid-rise buildings aimed at inclusion in the National Construction Code 2028.
Recognising that each percentage point of market share represents $27.5 million in annual revenue, the FFI addresses critical industry challenges while also tackling succession planning through recruiting and training new technical representatives to preserve valuable industry knowledge. The programme targets various building types from detached homes to apartments, schools and aged-care facilities.
|
PETER WARD, Drouin West Timber & Truss
2:20pm – 2:45pm Peter Ward has been the owner and Managing Director of Drouin West Timber & Truss (DWTT) since 2007. Peter was responsible for restructuring DWTT from a small frame and truss operation into a pioneering ‘Off-Site’ manufacturing business (FutureFit™) at the forefront of the Australian frame and truss industry. Prior to establishing DWTT, Peter accumulated more than 16 years of experience as owner of Drouin West Sawmill, transforming that business into a leading value-adding hardwood sawmill within the Australian timber Industry. |
Earlier in his career, Peter held roles in finance, marketing and general management for GWA Ltd in Australia, including a period as General Manager of the Tapware and Bathware division of Caroma Industries (a division of GWA).
Peter's topic: From frame & truss to full building panels – our journey
More details coming soon ...
Peter's topic: From frame & truss to full building panels – our journey
More details coming soon ...
NICK STERLING, Innovation Activator
2:45pm – 3:10pm
Nick Sterling is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Innovation Activator, an offshoot of Callaghan Innovation, where he was recently the Head of Construction Innovation for more than 8 years. Nick continues to lead a multidisciplinary team of experts to deliver mission-led initiatives that promote a thriving and innovative construction sector for a better Aotearoa New Zealand. In his role, Nick supports businesses to scale their growth through innovation. He currently leads the ‘Innovate’ Workstream of the ‘AI in AEC’ Working Group of the ‘AI Blueprint for Aotearoa’.
Nick has extensive private sector senior leadership experience from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. He is a Board Member of Massey University’s School of Built Environment and has been an active pro-bono Business Mentor for 16 years, supporting purpose-led organisations to increase their impact regionally, nationally and internationally.
Nick's topic: Leveraging AI to enhance safety, productivity & commercial growth in the building & construction sector
Innovation as a discipline enables businesses to identify and target new opportunities to be more productive and to create scalable growth in rapidly shifting market conditions.
To get to 100 million users, it took Netflix 10 years, Facebook 4.5 years and Instagram 2.5 years; it took ChatGPT only 2 months. AI is evolving at incredible pace, while also converging with multiple other transformative technologies in the construction sector – such as Industry 5.0, robotics and automation, architecture and design, high-value wood product manufacturing, and sensor technologies. Being aware of and adopting AI can provide significant productivity uplifts for businesses. Innovating in AI can create a competitive advantage that drives scalable commercial growth.
2:45pm – 3:10pm
Nick Sterling is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Innovation Activator, an offshoot of Callaghan Innovation, where he was recently the Head of Construction Innovation for more than 8 years. Nick continues to lead a multidisciplinary team of experts to deliver mission-led initiatives that promote a thriving and innovative construction sector for a better Aotearoa New Zealand. In his role, Nick supports businesses to scale their growth through innovation. He currently leads the ‘Innovate’ Workstream of the ‘AI in AEC’ Working Group of the ‘AI Blueprint for Aotearoa’.
Nick has extensive private sector senior leadership experience from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. He is a Board Member of Massey University’s School of Built Environment and has been an active pro-bono Business Mentor for 16 years, supporting purpose-led organisations to increase their impact regionally, nationally and internationally.
Nick's topic: Leveraging AI to enhance safety, productivity & commercial growth in the building & construction sector
Innovation as a discipline enables businesses to identify and target new opportunities to be more productive and to create scalable growth in rapidly shifting market conditions.
To get to 100 million users, it took Netflix 10 years, Facebook 4.5 years and Instagram 2.5 years; it took ChatGPT only 2 months. AI is evolving at incredible pace, while also converging with multiple other transformative technologies in the construction sector – such as Industry 5.0, robotics and automation, architecture and design, high-value wood product manufacturing, and sensor technologies. Being aware of and adopting AI can provide significant productivity uplifts for businesses. Innovating in AI can create a competitive advantage that drives scalable commercial growth.
PART 4
The wrap up – what have we learned and how do we apply it?
|
SOPHIA VAN ZIJL, Lead & Governance NZ
3:50pm – 4:15pm Sophia van Zijl is a senior executive and board director with a track record of driving business transformation, cultural change and operational excellence across companies in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. With a background in human resources, strategy, finance and transformation, she helps businesses navigate disruption, optimise performance, and drive strategy that delivers strong commercial outcomes. |
As a Chief People Officer and senior leader at companies such as NZX, JBWere and National Australia Bank, Sophia has led large-scale transformation initiatives for enterprises of up to 38,000 people. She specialises in designing and implementing strategies that strengthen culture, improve engagement and enhance productivity – ensuring that businesses can attract, retain, and maximise the potential of their workforce. Her work reinforces the critical link between leadership, culture and business performance, helping organisations build resilience and drive long-term success.
Now serving as a Non-Executive Director at Armillary Private Capital and as an Advisory Board Member of the Leadership & Governance Collective, Sophia helps organisations develop future-fit teams, embed strong leadership, and implement transformation that delivers tangible business impact.
Sophia's topic: Culture, governance and leadership in the construction sector
In construction, performance hinges on more than operational efficiency. Culture is emerging as a decisive lever – influencing safety, productivity, retention and risk. Insights from a national CEO study, including nearly 40 construction leaders, reveal a sector acutely aware of culture’s impact, but struggling to align it with strategy.
The study found that 95% of construction CEOs rank culture among their top three value drivers – yet only 7% reported genuine alignment between culture and strategy. Weak culture is seen as a risk factor: 91% believe it increases the likelihood of unethical or illegal behaviour, a figure notably higher than in other sectors.
The data signals where leadership focus is shifting – towards embedding cultural expectations into formal mechanisms like pay, promotion and performance management. Construction CEOs were also more likely to identify underinvestment in learning and inflexible leadership models as barriers to cultural progress, particularly around inclusion and capability building.
AI is expected to play a growing role as a cultural enabler, with construction leaders predicting greater impacts on data-driven measurement and innovation than their peers in other industries.
The message is clear: in this sector, culture isn’t a soft issue – it’s a strategic imperative.
Now serving as a Non-Executive Director at Armillary Private Capital and as an Advisory Board Member of the Leadership & Governance Collective, Sophia helps organisations develop future-fit teams, embed strong leadership, and implement transformation that delivers tangible business impact.
Sophia's topic: Culture, governance and leadership in the construction sector
In construction, performance hinges on more than operational efficiency. Culture is emerging as a decisive lever – influencing safety, productivity, retention and risk. Insights from a national CEO study, including nearly 40 construction leaders, reveal a sector acutely aware of culture’s impact, but struggling to align it with strategy.
The study found that 95% of construction CEOs rank culture among their top three value drivers – yet only 7% reported genuine alignment between culture and strategy. Weak culture is seen as a risk factor: 91% believe it increases the likelihood of unethical or illegal behaviour, a figure notably higher than in other sectors.
The data signals where leadership focus is shifting – towards embedding cultural expectations into formal mechanisms like pay, promotion and performance management. Construction CEOs were also more likely to identify underinvestment in learning and inflexible leadership models as barriers to cultural progress, particularly around inclusion and capability building.
AI is expected to play a growing role as a cultural enabler, with construction leaders predicting greater impacts on data-driven measurement and innovation than their peers in other industries.
The message is clear: in this sector, culture isn’t a soft issue – it’s a strategic imperative.
|
JAMES LAUGHLIN, Laughlin Leadership
4:15pm – 4:55pm James Laughlin is a seven-time world champion drummer, sought-after keynote speaker and high-performance leadership consultant. As the host of the chart-topping Lead on Purpose podcast, James guides listeners toward a life of purpose, progress and personal growth. Through transformative conversations with extraordinary guests – prime ministers, Olympic gold medallists, billionaires, and visionary leaders –James shares practical tools and inspiring stories to help people unlock their potential, lead themselves, and create meaningful change in their lives. A fun part of James’ work involves running mental skills programmes for Canterbury Rugby as well as a wide range of athletes and corporate leaders. |
James' topic: How to build a high-performance edge
More details coming soon ...
More details coming soon ...
GALA DINNER
|
ALIA BOJILOVA
After-dinner speaker Former SAS psychologist Dr Alia Bojilova is a prolific expert in leadership, resilience and curiosity. She has been described as insightful, inspiring, energetic, and relentlessly committed to guiding people into how much better they can be. Alia has served as an enabler to thousands of leaders, teams and organisations in some of the most testing environments in New Zealand and around the world. She has been a peak performance psychologist to Government and has worked with Olympians and a wide variety of people across sectors ranging from the health, education and creative industries to the not-for-profit sector. |
Alia shares this wealth of experience in her book, The Resilience Toolkit: A proven four-step process to unlock your true potential, and in her work as a globally sought keynote speaker. She is a recipient of the United Nations Commendation and the inaugural Meritorious Service Medal for successfully negotiating critical incidents in the Middle East. Alia currently works as a partner in two venture firms in New Zealand and North America.
