Kimalana Moana Phelan – Founder, KIS
Ruakākā has long been home for Kimalana and her whānau. Following in the footsteps of her mum, who also worked in Health and Safety at the Marsden Point Refinery, Kimalana began her own journey there — and she hasn’t looked back since. The experience has shaped her passion, strengthened her purpose, and grounded her commitment to creating safer workplaces for her community.
With over 30 years of experience across health and safety, project management, and national infrastructure leadership, the commercial sector of Northland, Kimalana, brings together deep technical knowledge and heart‑led insight. Her career has been dedicated to creating workplaces where people are protected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
As the founder of Kimalana Inclusive Solutions and Chair of NAWIC Te Tai Tokerau, Chair for Northland Safety Liaison Group and Mates in Construction Connector, she is championing change across the construction sector — shaping an industry where diversity, equity, and implementing Te Ao Māori values are woven into everyday practice rather than treated as the exception. Her mahi strengthens organisational culture, lifts wellbeing, and contributes to better outcomes.
Kimalana’s work is anchored in the principles of whanaungatanga and mana wāhine, guiding leaders and organisations to build environments that honour people, uphold cultural integrity, and support safer, more connected workplaces.
Kimalana proudly graduated in October 2025 with a New Zealand Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management (Level 6) from the Southern Institute of Technology. After three years of dedication, study, and hands‑on learning from 2022 to 2025, this achievement marks a significant milestone in her professional journey. It reflects not only her commitment to excellence but also her passion for creating safer, stronger workplaces for her community.
NAWIC is a nationwide community of women championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector. NAWIC connects, educates, and advocates so women can thrive — from apprentices to executives. With 14 branches around the country, NAWIC offers opportunities to connect, learn, and grow alongside like-minded women. From local events and mentoring to national initiatives and advocacy, our community celebrates success, shares knowledge, and works together to build a stronger, more inclusive future for construction.
As Chair of the North Branch, "I’m delighted to celebrate more than twelve months of steady growth, commitment, and connection. Over the past year, our branch has come alive through site visits, gatherings, and shared experiences that have strengthened our relationships and deepened our purpose. It’s been inspiring to see our members show up with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine desire to contribute. This first year has laid a strong foundation, and I’m excited for everything we’ll continue to build together".
2025 NAWIC Excellence Awards
Celebrating Women Building New Zealand’s Future
Helen Tippett Award
Carrying the legacy of a pioneer—while paving new paths for others
The 2025 NAWIC Excellence Awards, held in partnership with Naylor Love, brought together over 600 people to celebrate the wāhine shaping the future of construction in Aotearoa. From apprentices and students to site leaders and industry trailblazers, the event honoured those breaking barriers, lifting others, and redefining what’s possible.
Kimalana Moana Phelan was named a national finalist for the Helen Tippett Award and received a Special Merit Award — a powerful recognition of her leadership, impact, and commitment to uplifting others in the industry.
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