RISING STAR AWARD FINALIST: Ellie Huang – Construction Delivery Manager - Programmes, Auckland Transport
For Ellie Huang, delivering transport infrastructure involves bringing people together as much as managing construction.
At Auckland Transport, that approach helped its bus programme achieve its strongest delivery year to date in 2025/26.
Leading 10 project managers, Huang oversaw work that delivered 146 new bus stops, 100 upgraded stops, 43 pedestrian crossings, and more than three kilometres of special vehicle lanes.
Behind those visible improvements was a sustained effort to strengthen how projects were planned, funded, and coordinated.
Interest
Her interest in transport began while growing up in Chongqing, China, where she became fascinated by how networks connect communities.
Moving to New Zealand in 2010 meant adapting to a different education system and learning English through ESOL classes.
She went on to graduate from the University of Auckland with first-class honours in electrical and electronics engineering in 2019.
Roles across water, state highways and public transport followed, giving her experience in consulting and client organisations.
When she stepped into the bus programme delivery lead role in 2024, she inherited a complex portfolio with numerous stakeholders and substantial delivery expectations.
Challenge
The challenge was to build reliable systems while keeping construction moving.
Huang introduced standardised reporting templates to reduce duplicated information and give decision-makers clearer visibility of progress and risks.
Monthly financial tracking improved forecasting, while regular risk reviews helped the team identify and escalate emerging issues.
She also addressed procurement processes that required repeated administrative work.
Standing supplier arrangements and contracts allowing several contractors to work concurrently expanded delivery capacity.
On Vincent Street and Fred Taylor Drive, coordinating bus improvements with other infrastructure works reduced disruption and improved value.
These changes supported a programme that delivered 122 per cent of its annual capital budget allocation, against AT's 90 per cent investment target.
It was one of only three of the organisation's 18 programmes to exceed 100 per cent, with additional funding approvals enabling accelerated delivery.
Pressure
Public deadlines added another layer of pressure.
Network changes at Pine Harbour and Māngere, Albert Street, South Auckland, and West Auckland required close coordination between contractors, operators, utilities, communications specialists, and communities. Every major milestone was met.
For Fulton Hogan executive divisional manager Tanji Ahsan, Huang's approach reflects an understanding of whom the infrastructure serves.
"She understands that transport infrastructure is ultimately about people and takes pride in contributing to safer, better-connected journeys," he says in his endorsement.
Leadership
That focus also shapes her team leadership.
Huang rotates meeting-chair responsibilities and encourages junior colleagues to lead discussions and engage with stakeholders.
Dedicated brainstorming time gives project managers opportunities to raise concerns and develop solutions together.
Her work now reaches into the programme's longer-term investment pipeline.
Alongside delivery responsibilities, she led the bus programme's bids for AT's 10-year Land Transport Plan, coordinating stakeholders to develop a long-term investment strategy.
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