The new appointments strengthen an already impressive WSP line-up of technical experts who work with clients to help solve Aotearoa New Zealand’s most pressing design and infrastructure challenges.
Gary Chalmers has been appointed Technical Director for Ports:
Christchurch-based Gary is a chartered professional engineer with decades of experience in marine, heavy civil, structural engineering, seismic risk and resilience, and infrastructure-related insurance claims. This has included bridging, dams, mining, underground railways and power distribution assets.
In 2015, Gary was the first New Zealander to be awarded the International Medal from the Institution of Civil Engineers UK. In 2014, Gary was awarded the biennial Engineering New Zealand Dobson Supreme Technical Award for Engineering Achievers in road, rail air and port transportation infrastructure.
Fariz Rahman has been appointed Major Projects Director:
Auckland-based Fariz brings more than twenty years' experience leading teams for large, complex transport infrastructure projects.
Over the past five years, the chartered professional engineer has worked on some of the country's most high-profile roading projects and civil, including Tauriko West Enabling Works, Cambridge to Piarere Long Term Improvements, and River Link Early Works.
He is active in providing mentoring and coaching to his junior peers and is an active volunteer with Engineering NZ.
James Cassidy has been appointed Technical Principal for 3 Waters Network Planning:
Hamilton-based James is an experienced engineer with over 20 years’ experience. He provides technical leadership and oversight in hydraulic modelling and water-related infrastructure planning. Some of his recent projects include the Brooklyn (Wellington) and Napier water supply master plans, and the Herne Bay Tunnel wastewater and stormwater integrated catchment study.
Sabina Piras has been appointed Technical Principal for Bridge Engineering:
Christchurch-based Sabina excels in delivering complex bridge structure projects. She is a thought leader in seismic design and actively publishes and collaborates with clients on innovative, cutting-edge research. With close to 14 years' experience, she has previously received an ACE Gold Award for her contributions to the Northern Corridor Improvement project.
Alisdair Simpson has been appointed Technical Principal for Planning:
Auckland-based Alisdair is one of the country's most promising emerging planners. Career highlights to-date include work on Brynderwyn Hills Recovery Works, Waitemata Harbour Connections, Watercare's Queen Street Programme, AT’s Westgate Station, and City Rail Link. An associate member of the NZ Planning Institute, he regularly attends networking and training events and is open with his knowledge.
Glenn McSporran has been appointed Senior Principal Project Manager for Water:
Christchurch-based Glenn’s project management experience encompasses 26 years’ working in New Zealand, Australia & China. He's been involved in the delivery of projects ranging in capital value between NZD$2 million and $3.5 billion, leading diverse multi-national project teams of up to 20 engineers and managers.