About this event:

Women in Project Management at PMINZ, the Northland Branch at PMINZ, the Ministry of Education, Northland Chapter of the Women’s Infrastructure Network (WIN), and CANAM Commercial Limited invite you to join us for an exclusive revisit of the Kamo High School redevelopment.

This event offers a unique opportunity to tour the newly completed buildings, recently occupied by the school, alongside the ongoing construction and demolition activities.

Our expert panel will share diverse perspectives on the project, highlighting design, construction, stakeholder engagement, community impact, and the role of women in construction and project management.

Following the presentations, enjoy light refreshments and network with professionals across the education, construction, and project management sectors.

About the presenters:

Dr. Olga Lozova - Project Delivery Manager, Ministry of Education New Zealand

Dr. Olga Lozova is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. Currently, she is a Project Delivery Manager at the Ministry of Education, specialising in educational facilities. Olga has managed multimillion-dollar capital works portfolios and major projects including Albany Primary School, Target Road School, and Pinehill School. Her expertise spans strategic project oversight, sustainability initiatives, and stakeholder management across both public and private sectors. She is also a part-time lecturer at AUT in Construction Economics and Construction Engineering Management and a passionate advocate for women in the construction industry. Recently, she was named a finalist for the 2024 Outstanding Leader of the Year Award.

Damien Strogen - Team Leader, Ministry of Education

Damien Strogen is the team leader overseeing a portfolio of capital works projects for the Ministry of Education, with a focus on the Kamo High School redevelopment since 2020. With a diverse career across multiple sectors worldwide, including mining, telecommunications, renewable energy, and now education construction, Damien brings a wealth of transferable skills to the table. He’s passionate about leading high-performing teams and believes in the power of collaboration, communication, and a touch of humor. Damien is also a proud parent to a fur baby named Belle and enjoys running, aviation, travel, and ocean swimming.

Lesley McCardle - Executive Officer, Kamo High School

Lesley McCardle has been involved in the education sector for nearly 30 years, including teaching Business Studies and working in finance. As the Executive Officer at Kamo High School, Lesley has been closely involved in the school’s new build project for the past four years. She was previously part of the team responsible for the building of He Matariki Teen Parent School. Lesley’s extensive experience in the finance and property sectors has been invaluable in overseeing the Kamo High School project, which has now culminated in a state-of-the-art facility thoroughly enjoyed by students and staff alike.

Natasha Hemara - Senior Leader, Kamo High School

Natasha Hemara has worked across a range of schools with diverse communities and backgrounds, bringing a deep commitment to cultural sustainability and community engagement. She has led the establishment of a brand-new high school and been involved in three design and build processes, including the Kamo High School project. Natasha is dedicated to ensuring that the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi are upheld in the education system, ensuring that all students' voices, including those of students, whanau, and mana whenua, are heard and valued in decision-making processes.

Annika Te Wheoro - Project Manager, McMahon Services
Annika Te Wheoro has been working in the construction and facilities industry since 2014, with experience across a variety of projects, including military bases, asbestos removal, and demolition. She has been a Project Manager at McMahon Services since 2019, where she oversees complex construction, hazardous material remediation, and demolition projects. Annika’s ability to manage multiple workflows, subcontractors, and ensure the financial performance of her projects has earned her a reputation for effective project delivery. She is also committed to the highest standards of health and safety on all her sites.

PDU's available: 1

Ways of Working - 0.25 PDU
Power Skills - 0.5
Business Acumen - 0.25

This event is hosted by PMINZ Women in Project Management and WIN/INZ, and kindly sponsored by CANAM Commercial Limited.