Kia ora koutou katoa,
Ngā manaakitanga mō te tau 2025!
We’ve had a great year in the PIANC NZ Chapter, with the hosting of 6 events with a total of over 450 participants! Twenty industry presenters shared their knowledge and experience with our community in person and online, we contributed two webinars to PIANC AU-NZ’s YouTube, hosted a great YP breakfast in Christchurch, worked with NZ Coastal Society and Port Engineers NZ, and we still have one 2025 event still pending – announcement will come in the next few weeks!
For now we have changes in our leadership team to share.
A New Chapter for PIANC NZ
Farewell and thank you to Matt McKee.
After 2.5 years of outstanding leadership, we’d like to share that Matt McKee from CentrePort will be stepping down as Chair of PIANC NZ as he embarks on an exciting new role as General Manager of Infrastructure at CPL.
We want to sincerely thank Matt for his dedication, energy, and guidance in leading the growth and revitalisation of the NZ Chapter. Under his leadership, the committee has gone from strength to strength, setting a solid foundation for continued growth and engagement across the sector.
We wish Matt all the very best in his new role and we’re pleased to say he’s not going far! You’ll still be seeing Matt at future PIANC NZ events and activities.
Welcome to our new Chair Jonathan (Jono) Stewart & Deputy Andrew Brown!
To help lead us forward, Jono Stewart, previously Deputy Chair, and Andy Brown have accepted new roles as Chair and Deputy Chair, respectively, effective immediately.
With these changes, we’re excited to head into next year with a refreshed team, ready to continue growing the PIANC NZ community and supporting our network through events, technical discussions, site visits, and social and networking opportunities.
We’re here to help support everyone across the sector and continue building on the strong foundations already in place.
Changes in NZ YPs
Farewell Jess Wood
We’d also like to acknowledge Jess Wood from WSP, who will be stepping down from her role as she embarks on new adventures across the Tasman in Australia (and we hear she’s keen to get involved with PIANC Australia too!).
Jess has brought fantastic energy and enthusiasm over the past year, helping to inject new life and vibe into our Young Professionals Committee and events.
Jess, you’ll be sorely missed, thank you for all your contributions, support, and positivity. Wishing you all the very best for your next chapter in Australia!
Welcome Matt Shepherd & Danielle Pilcher
We’re thrilled to welcome two new members to the PIANC Aotearoa NZ committee:
- Matt Sheppard (Beca) – stepping into the YP Chair role
- Danielle Pilcher (WSP) – taking on the YP Deputy Chair role
We’re excited to have Matt and Danielle on board, planning for 2026 is already underway, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next!
Introduction bios for our new YP leaders below:
Matt Sheppard, BECA, Chartered Professional Engineer
My experience:
Matt Sheppard is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) specialising in the ports, marine and coastal discipline and currently working for Beca in the Christchurch office.
With over 15 years of experience solely within the ports, marine and coastal industry, Matt has worked across the UK, Middle East, New Zealand and the south Pacific as both a contractor and consultant. This diverse experience has provided an effective and collaborative environment managing design, Early Contractor’s Involvement, procurement, contract administration and construction.
My life outside of work:
Outside of work, Matt spends time with his wife and 2 year old daughter mountain biking, swimming and at the beach. Having relocated from Auckland to Christchurch recently, Matt is looking forward to the camping and exploring in the south island.
A few words from me:
Matt is looking forward to continuing to strengthen the NZ PIANC YP community and help others to build valuable connections within the NZ ports, marine and coastal industry.
Danielle Pilcher, WSP, Graduate Ports and Marine Engineer
My experience:
- Graduated from the University of Canterbury with a BE Civil (Hons) in 2023
- 2 years in the Ports and Marine Team at WSP, Christchurch, specifically involved in asset management, wharf condition assessments and some design work
- 1 year on the social club committee organising fun office social events
- Currently studying part-time towards a post-grad certificate in Architectural Engineering
My life outside of work:
- Snowboarding at Mt Hutt (during the winter) or…
- Exploring various cycling and running routes around Christchurch in the warmer months
- Catching up with friends over coffee (or a wine!)
- Spending time with my family back home in the sunny Hawkes Bay
A few words from me:
I’m delighted to be stepping into the role of Young Professional Deputy Chair for the PIANC NZ Committee. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with others in the ports and maritime space, share knowledge and ideas, and help bring people together across the industry.
Ngā mihi nui
PIANC NZ Chapter