Welcome to PIANC Aotearoa NZ’s new YP Deputy Chair, Jess Wood.
Jess is a proud ports and marine engineer based in Christchurch and has been working in WSP’s Ports and Marine Team, (design, condition assessments, asset management, valuations) since graduating with a BE Civil (Hons) from the University of Canterbury in 2020.
As a keen H&S rep, she has an in-depth understanding of Port-related CSRs and risk management strategies, as well as Maritime NZ requirements for commercial vessel-based work.
In recent years, Jess has returned to the University of Canterbury as a regular speaker at Women in Engineering events and as a mentor for 180Degrees Consulting, a tertiary based consultancy for non-profits and socially-conscious organisations.
Born and raised in sunny Marlborough, Jess practically grew up on a boat in the Sounds and loves being out on the water. When not at work, she says you’ll find her racing ‘Sticky Fingers’ in Lyttelton Harbour, or off on an adventure with friends. She also loves hanging out with her dog (child) Frankie, and enjoying a tall glass of red!
Jess says she is ‘absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of the PIANC NZ Committee as the Young Professional Deputy Chair.’
‘I’m incredibly passionate about this industry and the amazing people who work within it. We’re stronger together when we share our knowledge and experiences, and that’s why PIANC plays an essential role in our diverse but tightly-knit ports community here in Aotearoa.’
Jess takes over from the previous Aotearoa NZ YP Deputy Chair Andrew Brown, Senior Coastal & Maritime Engineer at Taylor & Tonkin, who has been appointed to the PIANC YP-Commission Board as the Vice Chair for Asia Pacific. 
Andy says he is ‘excited to start this international role and looking forward to connecting with Young Professionals (generously defined as <40 years old by PIANC) across this wide reaching region covering the Middle East, Asia and Oceania to help increase engagement and be the conduit with PIANC HQ in Brussels.’
Congratulations to Andy and welcome to Jess from all of us at PIANC AU-NZ!