We Belong: Panel Discussion - Then, Now & Next
"How are we helping women belong in construction today?"
Join NAWIC Canterbury for an honest and engaging conversation about women in construction - where we’ve come from, where we are now, and where we want to go next.
Bringing together four industry voices from different backgrounds and experiences, our panel will explore the barriers women have faced, the progress we’ve made, and the changes still needed to create a construction industry where everyone can thrive.
From breaking barriers, to building futures and shaping what comes next, we’ll hear personal perspectives, challenge the status quo and share ideas for creating a more inclusive industry.
Expect a relaxed, conversational evening at Warren & Mahoney, with plenty of opportunity to connect, share your own experiences and be part of the discussion. Whether you’re new to the industry, well established, or simply interested in helping shape the future of construction - you belong in this conversation.
Meet the Panel
We’re bringing together four industry voices from different career stages and areas of construction, each with a unique perspective to share. Guiding the conversation will be our MC for the evening, Amanda Williams, who was recently awarded Highly Commended for the Helen Tippett Changemaker Award at the NAWIC Excellence Awards.
Acacia’s journey into site management has taken a less traditional path, beginning in project administration before moving into health and safety and then site management. Her hands-on approach and willingness to keep learning have seen her work across a range of challenging and high-profile projects, including luxury apartments, Project Ark and high-end car dealerships. Passionate about the practical side of construction, Acacia is a strong advocate for women recognising the many different pathways available within the industry - including opportunities on the tools, in site management, health and safety and beyond. She will bring a personal perspective on forging your own path and creating opportunities that may not have been visible to previous generations.
With a 30-year career across New Zealand and the UK, Sonia is a highly respected leader in the construction industry. She began her career as a Project Management graduate on the Te Papa project before working on landmark developments in London, including Canary Wharf, Heathrow Terminal 5 and Battersea Power Station. Since returning to New Zealand, Sonia has held senior project and development roles across Wellington and Christchurch and now works nationally with Naylor Love. A longstanding NAWIC member, award recipient and Fellow of the Building Institute, Sonia is passionate about inclusion, industry development and building high-performing teams.
Ella is an experienced Ready Mix Concrete Plant Manager whose career has taken her from concrete production, testing and dispatch through to plant operations and people leadership. A Tradeswoman of the Year Award recipient, Ella has built her career by backing herself, taking on new challenges and continually stepping outside her comfort zone. She is passionate about developing people, creating inclusive workplaces and encouraging the next generation of women to consider careers in construction and the trades.
Scott is a senior leader in the civil construction and infrastructure industry, currently Chief Operating Officer at Isaac Group and previously General Manager of Isaac Construction. With a background in civil engineering and more than 20 years’ experience across the infrastructure sector, Scott has held leadership roles spanning project delivery, operations, commercial management and governance. He brings a strong focus on challenging the status quo, improving the way the industry works and building high-performing teams. Scott will bring a leadership perspective to the conversation, sharing his experience of how the construction industry has evolved and the role businesses and leaders can play in creating better workplaces and opportunities for everyone.
Then, Now & Next
Together, our panel will explore the experiences that have shaped their careers, the changes they’ve seen across the industry and what still needs to change. Come along, ask questions, share your own experiences and be part of the conversation about where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we go next.
Cost: Free for NAWIC Members, $5 for Non-Members. Not a NAWIC Member? Join today.
Parking: Street parking
NAWIC Contact: Sam Calvert – NAWIC Canterbury Chair – 027 274 5586
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