The appointments add further depth to WSP’s national network of technical specialists who partner with clients to deliver some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most complex and future ready infrastructure projects.
Christchurch-based Jan Stanway is now Senior Technical Director for Marine and Building Structures
With thirty-two years' experience, Jan is a widely respected seismic and resilience specialist. Her leadership across national guidance, industry committees, research collaborations and major infrastructure projects has helped lift understanding and practice of non‑structural seismic performance and strengthened resilience outcomes across the built environment.
Hamilton-based Chris Hardy has been appointed Technical Director for Water
With twenty‑seven years’ experience, Chris is a three‑waters engineering and design leader. He has a broad technical background, is a long‑standing trusted‑advisor with Hamilton City Council, takes a leadership role in wastewater master planning for councils, and has provided delivery support across hundreds of WSP projects.
Christchurch-based Paul Westaway has been appointed Technical Director for Ports and Marine
With twenty-four years’ experience, Paul is a nationally respected marine engineer. His leadership on major projects, including iREX, the Waitohi Future Ferries upgrade and Te Awaparahi Bay Wharf, combined with his role as Ports and Marine Service Line Leader and WSP’s global marine representative, has cemented his reputation for delivering technically robust, strategically influential solutions across the port sector.
Christchurch-based Brent Hamilton has been appointed Technical Principal for Planning and Environment
Brent is a regional consenting and planning specialist with a proven record of leading major environmental and infrastructure projects - such as Christchurch's Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor fast‑track approvals and Timaru District’s township stormwater consenting.
Auckland-based Paklam Chan has been appointed Technical Principal for Geotechnical Engineering
Paklam is a geotechnical specialist whose leadership on major programmes - including the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi WeighRight sites, Watercare OMS emergency works, KiwiRail North Auckland Line recovery and Tauriko Enabling Works - reflects his ability to deliver pragmatic, buildable solutions, and provide clear technical guidance and support.
Auckland-based Laurie Cook has been appointed Technical Principal for Lighting
Laurie has built a reputation as a leading lighting designer, delivering standout work such as the Auckland University Recreation Centre, New Plymouth Airport Terminal, and Waterview Ventilation Stacks. As leader of the Auckland Lighting Team, he blends technical precision with creative, human‑centered design for clients like ASM, Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
Auckland-based Heather Wilkins has been appointed Technical Principal for Landscape Architecture
Heather has deep expertise in landscape design and visual assessment. She has led nationally significant projects including Ōtaki to north of Levin highway and SH29 Tauriko - delivering culturally responsive, technically robust and cost‑efficient outcomes while maintaining trusted relationships with clients, mana whenua and project partners.
Alexandra-based Lisa Bond has been appointed Technical Principal for Contaminated Land
Lisa is a contaminated land and environmental specialist. She leads the Central Otago Environment & Planning team while providing trusted technical guidance across major projects. She's a go‑to advisor for public‑sector clients and fosters collaboration, capability and consistent environmental practice across WSP.
Napier-based Nicole Francis has been appointed Technical Principal for Property and Survey
Nicole is a cadastral and property specialist whose leadership on NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi national Survey and Legalisation programme, the award‑winning Digital Parcel Improvement project, and major LINZ and Ministry of Education disposals has strengthened survey accuracy, streamlined legalisation processes and delivered reliable, technically robust outcomes for Crown clients.
Auckland-based Mark Newsome has been appointed Technical Principal for Road Safety
Mark's blend of analytical rigour and practical design experience has shaped major projects such as the Northland Speed Programme, the Cambridge–Piarere Expressway, and New Zealand’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Centres (CVSCs). He brings strong technical leadership and a data‑driven focus on improving the country's transport safety and resilience.
Christchurch-based Leonard Basanti has been appointed Technical Principal for Ports
Leonard is a specialist in complex structural assessment and seismic design, leading high‑stakes work for clients like Lyttelton Port Company and PrimePort. He combines deep technical precision with a practical, risk‑based approach that keeps ageing assets safe, functional, and fit for purpose.
Christchurch-based Tom Angus has been appointed Technical Principal for Contract Management
Tom is a contract and commercial specialist whose leadership on major projects - from Tauriko Enabling Works to the Hawke’s Bay Expressway and supporting bridge and resilience projects nationwide - has earned him a reputation for clear judgement, steady delivery and practical, solutions‑focused contract management across sectors.