Gary has had a long association with the organisation, having served as a Board member, Vice President, and part of its Roading Infrastructure Steering (RIMS) committee over the last seven years.
As President, he’ll serve a two-year term.
Formerly known as IPWEA NZ, the 900-strong membership association was recently rebranded to Āpōpō. Translating to ‘night after tomorrow’, Gary says it’s a future focussed, culturally significant name that fits perfectly with asset management's goal of preserving and extending the life of long-term infrastructure assets.
With most asset management happening behind the scenes, asset management professionals are truly the unsung heroes of the infrastructure industry, he says.
"Assets such as roads, bridges, water treatment plants, and energy facilities, are critical for the functioning of society and the economy. Asset management professionals play a key role in ensuring these are run efficiently and reliably, contributing to the well-being of communities.
“One of the fundamentals that’s changed in our industry the last decade is that there’s now a true international asset management standard (ISO:55000). As well as bedding in the new Āpōpō brand, one of the things I want to achieve as President is growing the capability and capacity of asset management in New Zealand through, for example, our digital badge programme, online training, and events.
“2024 is shaping up to be a busy one with the major Āpōpō Congress confirmed for next May. Collaborating with our international counterparts to bring the latest in global asset management best practice to New Zealand shores will be another strong focus.”
Find out more about the work of Āpōpō and recent changes to its Board here.
