Building Nations 2025
6–7 August | Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington
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.
Shaping the Future of New Zealand’s Infrastructure Workforce
Tonkin + Taylor is proud to participate in Building Nations 2025, New Zealand’s premier infrastructure conference, where our Chief Executive, Dr Penny Kneebone, will deliver a keynote address titled: Kia tū pakari mō āpōpō: Building an infrastructure workforce for our future.
With a strong foundation in environmental engineering and leadership experience across both Aotearoa New Zealand and the United States, Penny brings a people-centred, future-focused approach to the challenges facing our infrastructure sector. She is a passionate advocate for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.
Penny’s keynote will explore practical strategies to grow and sustain a workforce that reflects the diversity of New Zealand, embraces Te Ao Māori, and champions innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. This vision is grounded in values that put people and communities at the heart of everything we build.
Investing in Workforce Capability
As infrastructure investment builds across New Zealand, developing a skilled, adaptable and diverse infrastructure workforce is critical to long-term success. Penny will highlight how strategic asset management, proactive planning and radical collaboration can help the sector respond to growing demands while advancing social and environmental outcomes.
Building our future workforce is about laying the foundation for an infrastructure sector that is resilient, inclusive, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
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Te Ara Tupua: Systems thinking in infrastructure for multi-benefit outcomes
What if one project could deliver climate resilience, cultural revitalisation, and safer transport all at once?
Te Ara Tupua, the shared path between Ngā Ūranga and Pito-One, is more than infrastructure, it’s a legacy. Tonkin + Taylor is proud to be part of the Alliance delivering this future-focused, climate-ready project in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.
“We’re not just building a pathway – we’re building a legacy of resilience. Te Ara Tupua shows how infrastructure can adapt to climate realities while honouring the whenua and its stories.” — Andrew Kennedy, Design Manager
Anchored in Te Ao Māori and guided by iwi partners, Te Ara Tupua brings together:
- Climate adaptation and coastal defence
- Health outcomes through active transport (walking + cycling)
- Cultural expression and local economic growth
- Systems thinking
- School engagement
It’s the first in the world to use XBlocPlus with seismic modelling, designed to withstand 0.6m sea level rise by 2075 — protecting key routes while enhancing biodiversity.
This is future-focused systems thinking in action.
Read more about how this coastal pathway became a legacy of resilience and innovation
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Image: Te Ara Tupua in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington. Tonkin + Taylor is part of the Te Ara Tupua Alliance delivering the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One section of Te Ara Tupua, alongside Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Downer NZ, and HEB Construction. This project recently won International Transportation Project of the Year.
Stay tuned for more updates on Building Nations 2025.
