The RIMS Emerging Leaders Presentation Competition, brought to you by WSP, provides a platform for Āpōpō Emerging Members to take the stage and speak to a topic of interest from their unique perspective. This year we have four presenters, with the session taking place from 10:15am – 11:15am on 17 September.

 

10:15am – 10:30am

Michelle Bong, Fulton Hogan – Breaking Traditional Thinking in Road Maintenance

Michelle Bong has been on the Dunedin City Council Transport Maintenance contract since May 2020, exposed to both Cyclic/ Routine and Ordered Works manager roles. She has gained a strong understanding of roading maintenance but has found her passion in optimising asset management, aiming to break the traditional maintenance cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

10:30am – 10:45am

Karun Kalesh, Downer – Juno Bridges: Elevating Bridge Asset Management

Karun Kalesh is an accomplished asset engineer at Tararua Alliance, holding a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering and a Master of Construction Law from Massey University. He leverages his technical expertise and advanced asset management skills to optimize maintenance strategies, enhancing infrastructure performance and sustainability.

 

 

 

 

10:45am – 11:00am

Michael Liu, HEB – Changing for the Better: Lifting Asset Data and Work Quality through Innovation and Collaboration with Taupō District Council

Michael Liu is an Asset Info & Systems Engineer at HEB Construction, specialising in road maintenance asset management across New Zealand. With deep expertise in the RAMM system, Michael supports multiple maintenance contracts nationwide, including Selwyn, Ashburton, Marlborough, and the Timberlands Forestry network. He is an NZTA RAMM Level 1 accredited SuperUser and experienced trainer, having led sessions for both internal teams and local councils. Michael plays a key role in contract mobilisation, data integrity, and the development of forward works programmes. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Hons), a Diploma in Business Administration, and is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Computing.

 

 

 

11:00am – 11:15am

Manvir Singh, Downer – Exploring Alternative Pavement Preservation Techniques for Sustainable Road Maintenance: Addressing Environmental, Economic, and Public Concerns

Mavir Singh is currently working on resurfacing contracts across both local and national networks and Airports. He takes a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to project delivery and is passionate about driving innovation in pavement preservation. Manvir’s goal is to improve long-term outcomes and create more efficient, sustainable practices across the industry.

&

Josh Appleton, Road Science

 

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