Building Nations 2025
06–07 August 2025
Tākina Wellington Convention + Exhibition Centre
New Zealand’s infrastructure is more than the projects we deliver — it is the foundation for how we live, move, connect, and thrive. As the demands on our systems evolve, so too must our ambition. To create an infrastructure landscape that truly reflects who we are and what we value, we must plan not only for delivery, but for long-term resilience, equity, and impact.
Building Nations brings together leaders from across government, industry, iwi and community to shape a shared vision for future infrastructure in Aotearoa. This year’s programme challenges us to lift our sights, look beyond the next build, and think critically about how we enable enduring outcomes for people and places — including a keynote from Tonkin + Taylor Chief Executive Dr Penny Kneebone on building the infrastructure workforce of the future. Building Nations will explore the strategies, partnerships and workforce needed to realise this vision.
Join us as we work together to shape the infrastructure New Zealand needs for generations to come.
Tonkin + Taylor Attendees:
- Penny Kneebone, Chief Executive – Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand | Keynote Speaker
- Manea Sweeney, Pou Arahi – Planning, Engagement + Partnerships | Panelist
- Angela Young, Corporate Marketing + Indigenous Director
- Tim Fisher, Managing Director
- Vanessa Stoddart, Tonkin + Taylor Board Chair
- Rhys Clark, Commercial Director/Government Advisor
- Chris Perks, Sector Director – Transport + Delivery Partners
- Ken Macdonald, Sector Director – Water
- Shiraz Soysa, Sector Director – Land + Buildings
- Glen Nicholson, Sector Director – Energy + Industry
- James Russell, Sector Director – Finance + Insurance
- Bruce Symmans, Design Manager
- Louise Hardman, Discipline Manager – Project Delivery
- Jan Noering, Discipline Manager – Civil
- Andrew Kennedy, Geotechnical Engineer
- Raye Powell, Project Delivery Specialist
- Mark Hooker, Principal Water Engineer
- Emma Christie, Design Manager, Principal Civil Engineer
- Kate Searle, Technical Director – Planning
- Chivaughn Webster, Marketing Events Manager
Clean Energy New Zealand
07 August 2025
Hamilton Locke Office, Auckland
We’re heading to the Clean Energy New Zealand: Built for Net‑Zero, taking place on 7 August 2025 in Auckland along with clean energy experts. This premier event unites government, industry, investors, and innovators to explore New Zealand’s pathway to a net‑zero energy future. Attendees will dive into strategies across solar, storage, electric vehicles, hydrogen, and energy efficiency to support a resilient, low-emissions energy system. Expect dynamic panel discussions, technical case studies, and powerful networking opportunities designed to propel cross-sector collaboration. Don’t miss this essential event to help shape Aotearoa’s clean energy transition and fuel the nation’s journey to net zero.
Tonkin + Taylor Attendees:
- Simon Harvey, Principal Consultant – Strategic Sustainability | Panelist
Pacific Infrastructure Conference
18–20 August
Brisbane Convention + Exhibition Centre
Join us at the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference, held from 18–20 August at the Brisbane Convention + Exhibition Centre, where Richard Reinen-Hamill will present a compelling case study on long-term adaptive planning and short-term adaptive designs in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). This session will explore how low-lying atoll nations like RMI are navigating climate resilience and coastal hazard challenges through innovative infrastructure strategies. Richard’s presentation will highlight the Urban Resilience Project’s approach to safeguarding critical public assets, integrating immediate protective measures with scalable long-term planning to extend asset life and deliver sustainable value.
This premier event, themed “Shifting the Dial on Pacific Infrastructure: Quality, Resilience, Connection,” will bring together over 500 leaders from government, finance, development, and multilateral agencies across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Attendees will gain insights into climate-smart infrastructure, adaptive design, and regional planning through keynotes, investor briefings, and case-study panels. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with decision-makers and explore resilient infrastructure solutions that support inclusive growth and sustainable development across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Tonkin + Taylor Attendees:
- Richard Reinen-Hamill, Principal Consultant | Presenting
- Chris Freer, Senior Principal Geotechnical Engineer
- Nathan Hickman, Senior Geotechnical Engineer
- Tim Chadwick, Chief Executive, Tonkin + Taylor Australia
Australasian Coasts + Ports Conference
18–21 August 2025
Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia
We’re looking forward to collaborating with coastal and maritime professionals at the Australasian Coasts + Ports Conference 2025, taking place 18–21 August 2025 at the Adelaide Convention Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. As the premier biennial gathering in the region, this event—under the theme “Navigating the Future: Climate‑Ready Coasts and Ports”—will unite engineers, planners, scientists, researchers, port operators, and policy‑makers to address coastal resilience, sustainable port infrastructure, and climate adaptation strategies. The conference will feature technical presentations, half‑day field trips, keynote sessions, and a vibrant social programme designed to foster collaboration and innovation across disciplines. Don’t miss this essential opportunity to explore cutting‑edge solutions and shape the future of Australia and New Zealand’s coast and port environments.
Tonkin + Taylor Attendees:
- Grant Pearce, Civil Consultant
- Jak McCarroll, Senior Coastal Scientist
- Michael Paine, Senior Coastal Engineer
- Tom Shand, Practice Lead – Coasts + Water
- Patrick Knook, Senior Coastal Engineer
- Marcus Cameron, Senior Aquatic Scientist
SETAC
25–28 August 2025
Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-tara
This is a landmark event in environmental science at the 2025 SETAC Australasia and ACTRA Joint Conference, held 25–28 August in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. For the first time, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC AU) and the Australasian College of Toxicology & Risk Assessment (ACTRA) will come together under the theme “Building a Lasting Legacy: Our Choice, Their Future.” We’re looking forward to exploring the long-term impact of toxicology, risk assessment, and environmental science, bringing together experts dedicated to protecting ecosystems and public health for generations to come.
What legacy will our work leave for future generations?
Tonkin + Taylor Attendees:
- Andrew Pearson, Senior Environmental Consultant | Presenting
- Sarah Guy, Environmental Geoscience Consultant
New Zealand Wind Energy Summit
26–28 August 2025
Te Papa, Wellington
Join us and other industry leaders at the 2025 New Zealand Wind Energy Summit. With the theme “Energy Security: The Power of Diversification,” this premier event will explore how onshore and offshore wind energy can strengthen New Zealand’s renewable energy future. The summit will cover flexible generation strategies, supply chain development, investor confidence, regulatory certainty, and cutting-edge wind technology. As the nation moves toward a more resilient and low-carbon electricity grid, this is a key opportunity to shape the future of wind energy in Aotearoa.
Tonkin + Taylor Attendees:
- Regan King, Senior Geotechnical Engineer | Speaker
- Nick Peters, Principal Engineering Geologist
- Jan Noering, Discipline Manager – Civil
- Grant Lovel, Principal Consultant – Commercial
