RISING STAR AWARD FINALIST: Teinaki Marsters – Team Leader Trades and Works Services – Infrastructure, Auckland Airport

For Teinaki Marsters, maintaining Auckland Airport's infrastructure means balancing technical demands with the needs of the people doing the work.

Leading the Civil and Underground Services trades team within Civil Reliability Engineering, he helps keep pavements and underground networks functioning in a demanding, round-the-clock environment.

After more than 10 years at the airport, Marsters has built an extensive knowledge of its infrastructure, particularly its wastewater network.

His recent contributions show how that experience translates into practical improvements - easier pavement inspections, more streamlined maintenance, and stronger safety procedures.

His grounding came through earlier work at Total Infrastructure Limited, where he was a concrete layer and civil leading hand on roading projects.

That experience developed both his construction skills and his ability to guide others in the field.

Approach

At the airport, his approach to improvement starts with the challenges staff encounter on site.

During the past year, he helped develop changes to hammer drop testing tools used for pavement inspections.

The improvements made the equipment easier to use and reduced the physical strain on staff, supporting safer and more effective fieldwork.

He has also supported the airport's three waters reliability engineers in refining its computerised maintenance management system.

Together, they streamlined schedules by adjusting task frequencies where appropriate, including moving daily pump station checks to weekly inspections and incorporating six-monthly checks into existing monthly work orders.

Those changes reduced unnecessary maintenance tickets and helped make better use of resources.

Marsters also assisted with corrective maintenance work packages that can follow planned inspections, supporting asset reliability and maintenance efficiency.

Teamwork

Safety remains central to this work. He recently updated hotbox operating procedures and introduced new processes for underground services teams, particularly around confined space entry. By reviewing procedures alongside field staff, he helps keep instructions current, as new controls are introduced.

The operational pressures are considerable. Airport work must fit strict timeframes while minimising disruption, and unexpected events demand quick, informed responses.

During flooding in January 2023, Marsters used his knowledge of the stormwater network to help minimise impacts on terminal operations. Since then, he has contributed to better planning and response processes for future flooding.

Colleagues also point to the way he develops his team. In his endorsement, Shane Hei Hei says: "What sets Teinaki apart is his commitment to developing others."

That commitment includes explaining why tasks matter, sharing technical knowledge, and encouraging staff to contribute ideas. His leadership combines clear expectations with practical support, reinforcing safety, quality, and accountability.

Support

It also extends to supporting colleagues through difficult personal circumstances. Working with human resources and internal stakeholders, he has helped affected employees while maintaining day-to-day operations.

Beyond his immediate responsibilities, he has assisted motorists with breakdowns and helped police manage traffic following accidents.

His ongoing contribution centres on reviewing procedures, improving maintenance processes, and preparing the team for future operational challenges.

Through practical problem-solving and consistent support for others, Marsters continues to strengthen the reliability of the infrastructure in his care.

The Rising Star Award is for the standout person aged under 40 in the New Zealand roading sector, defined by their achievements during their career to-date. It is awarded annually. There are four finalists for 2026. See more here: https://futureroads.co.nz/845620/rising-star-award

The New Zealand roading industry Rising Star Award, sponsored by Jacobs, will be presented at the Future Roads conference dinner following day one. Buy tickets for the conference and dinner here: https://futureroads.co.nz/847009/tickets