Projects

Supplier Diversity & Social Procurement

Supplier diversity is more than a business strategy to me—it is my passion and life’s work.

In the early 90’s, as Director of Kaimoana Enterprises, a commercial fishing pakihi I run with my husband, I worked alongside whānau, hapū, iwi, and industry partners to create opportunities that strengthen local capability and support long-term International and National economic growth. This has given me deep experience in supplier diversity, relationship-building, and delivering meaningful Māori, Pasifika, and social outcomes.

Over the years, I have led social procurement initiatives focused on building capability within local businesses—connecting people to training, mentoring, and pathways into commercial success.

As an Amotai Ambassador, supported by strong pou and international engagement across Brisbane, Sydney, and Indigenous networks, I bring global insight into local practice in Aotearoa.

I work collaboratively with hapū, iwi, mana whenua, clients, and industry partners to align procurement with community aspirations and deliver real outcomes—stronger businesses, skilled people, and sustainable growth.

At the centre of my work is one focus: bringing whānau through into trades and opportunity, building capability for generations to come.

Meridian Solar Farm Project – Ruakākā

For the past three years, I have had the honour of working with Meridian Energy as Health and Safety Manager on one of the largest solar developments of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This transformative project spans 183 hectares, with over 260,000 solar panels being installed and a workforce of more than 300 people, with ongoing development through to 2027. My role has been to oversee health and safety systems across the project and to enable social procurement strategies in partnership with hapū, iwi, and our wider hapori.

Working alongside strong, skilled teams has been a privilege, ensuring that safety remains at the centre of every stage of construction while also creating meaningful opportunities for local participation and growth.

This project represents more than infrastructure—it represents collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility. Haumaru tangata, he waka eke noa — safety for all, we are all in this together.

Bream Bay Community Centre – Ruakākā

Being part of the Bream Bay Community project in Ruakākā was an absolute privilege. Working alongside the construction team, supporting health and safety while contributing to a project that will leave a lasting impact on the community.

Watching the vision come to life and seeing the hard work invested in creating a space that expands community wellbeing services for our hapori was incredibly rewarding. Projects like this remind me why I do what I do—working alongside people to build not only safe workplaces but places that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, and create opportunities for generations to come.

Patuharakeke Te Pou Taiao – Health & Safety Capability Building

Working alongside Patuharakeke Te Pou Taiao and hapū has been an incredibly inspiring journey. It has been powerful to see their commitment and passion for health and safety, particularly in environments where they work across the moana and ngahere, upholding both cultural and safety responsibilities.

Over time, we have worked together to build strong capability, develop cultural and operational competencies, and strengthen health and safety practices. Through consistent effort and collaboration, the team has achieved Site Safe Gold, an incredible milestone that reflects their dedication and growth.

It has taken several years to reach these goals, but the commitment, learning, and perseverance have been exceptional. Seeing the team now working confidently, safely, and competently in their environments is both rewarding and deeply uplifting.

This journey reflects what is possible when we invest in people, build capability over time, and walk alongside them every step of the way.

Otawere Dam Reservoir

Working alongside Map Projects and Progressive Earthworks on the Otawere Dam Reservoir project was a significant milestone in my career. It was my first experience supporting a project of this scale, and it provided invaluable learning and professional growth.

I worked collaboratively with the project team, local hapū, and the wider community to ensure health and safety remained the highest priority throughout construction. With large earthmoving machinery, complex site operations, and evolving risks, my role was to help oversee safe work practices, strengthen safety culture, and support effective risk management across the project.

Seeing the reservoir develop from the ground up while contributing to a project that will benefit the region for years to come was both rewarding and humbling. It reinforced my belief that successful projects are built on strong partnerships, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to keeping people safe.

Whangārei Bus Hub – A-Line Construction

Working alongside A-Line Construction on the Whangārei Bus Hub project was a great experience. It was good to see a capable commercial construction team deliver an important infrastructure project for Whangārei District Council.

The project showed what can be achieved through good collaboration, coordination, and a shared focus on quality. Seeing the bus hub completed was a proud moment and a reminder of the value of skilled teams working together with a clear purpose.

Projects like this show how important strong partnerships are in construction and how much good infrastructure can support our communities.

Tikipunga Primary School – A-Line Construction (Ministry of Education Project)

Working alongside A-Line Construction on the Tikipunga Primary School project for the Ministry of Education has been a meaningful part of my work in the education sector.

This project was not only about delivering quality school infrastructure, but also about supporting safe, inclusive, and well-managed construction environments that prioritise the wellbeing of everyone on site, especially our tamariki who will benefit from these spaces for years to come.

Through a social procurement lens, this project reflects the importance of creating opportunities for local capability, supporting safe work practices, and ensuring strong collaboration between contractors, the Ministry, and the wider community.

Seeing the project delivered successfully reinforces the value of strong partnerships in education infrastructure and the role construction plays in shaping safe, inspiring environments for learning and future generations.