Auckland Transport construction delivery manager Fatima Leung-Wai’s attitude and achievements have led to her nomination for the New Zealand roading industry Rising Star Award at this year’s Future Roads conference.
Fatima joined GHD in December 2021 as an electrical engineer and project manager. Her rapid progression saw her move to Auckland Transport as a senior project manager, then principal project manager, and now construction delivery manager for the CBD and central area of Auckland. Fatima’s achievements in the past three years are remarkable, especially as a young Pasifika woman in a male-dominated industry.
Fatima’s leadership journey at Auckland Transport began during a challenging organisational restructure. She successfully managed the politically sensitive Point Chevalier to Westmere improvements project. In June 2023, she worked on the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path project.
Amongst Fatima's many skills is her leadership, helping team members achieve and broadening their understanding of the industry, advocating for continuous learning and development.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Fatima is deeply committed to community empowerment. She is a founding board member of the Vinnies Tāmaki Makaurau Trust and was involved with Counties Manukau District Health Board (now Te Whatu Ora) for three years and part of the Manukau Health Park Consumer Advisory Group.
Her dedication to the engineering field is evident through her role as chair of the IPENZ Taranaki Branch in 2013, where she helped set up Taranaki Connect, an initiative for women in engineering and construction aimed at fostering a supportive network for female professionals.
Fatima’s story is one of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to positive change, inspiring those around her to make a difference.
Challenging times at Auckland Transport
Fatima managed the Point Chevalier to Westmere (PtC2W) improvements project during AT's 2023 restructure. This major project, valued at more than $40 million, was behind schedule, over budget, and under intense political scrutiny.
Her leadership, dedication and concerted effort brought the project back on track. Fatima reviewed the project timeline and implemented changes to ensure it was delivered on schedule, a key concern for the community, stakeholders, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.
As part of her management of the PtC2W project, Fatima prioritised health and safety, reinforcing strict policies on drugs and alcohol, and the importance of personal protective equipment through regular site audits.
On the Pt Chevalier to Westmere project, Fatima led the procurement plan, tender process, risk workshops, and Active Risk Manager system updates. She engaged a communication specialist early to manage stakeholder communications and lead engagement with Mana Whenua, securing their support.
Fatima also improved and simplified the project website, conducted workshops, and renewed ties with local boards, ensuring strong community backing.
Insights and lessons learned on PtC2W were carefully documented and then applied on the final section of the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive Shared Path.
Despite facing numerous challenges and a daily routine filled with problem-solving, Fatima maintains a positive attitude, a smile and joyful laugh. Her strength and calm resilience are evident in her consistent work ethic, enabling her to handle challenging situations, particularly in her role at Auckland Transport.
The roading industry 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 at the Future Roads conference dinner. There are four finalists for 2024. See more here.