The judging panel for the inaugural New Zealand Roading Industry Rising Star Award has agreed on the finalists for 2024. Following a marathon judging effort, the team settled on four exceptional individuals representing the breadth of talent driving operational excellence and innovation across the roading industry.
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.
Judging chair for 2024, Lynette Ellis – head of transport & waste management at Christchurch City Council – commented on the diversity of roles represented by the applicants this year and the outstanding levels of achievement and engagement demonstrated by the individuals to date.
“We were impressed with the calibre of entries received and the exceptional leadership and achievements demonstrated across a range of disciplines. It was humbling to read the character endorsements and get a sense of the impact the individuals are having on those around them and the respective organisations,” says Ellis.
The 2024 finalists are:
Angela Parsonage – associate director – pavements, AECOM
Parsonage is a chartered professional engineer with a master’s in civil engineering. For the last 14 years, she has specialised in pavement roading construction and design, led key projects, and championed sustainability and diversity.
Fatima Leung-Wai – construction delivery manager – Central, Auckland Transport
Leung-Wai joined Auckland Transport as a senior project manager in early 2023 and has rapidly progressed her career. She now manages a team responsible for implementing significant transportation infrastructure projects in Central Auckland.
Mohit Vyas – national technical lead – digital engineering, Downer
Vyas is an experienced civil designer with 10 years in the field, currently leading digital engineering at Downer. He holds a major in road and geometric design and has extensive experience working on numerous NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi projects.
Willem de Bod – managing director and owner, Rolco
De Bod is the founder and managing director of Rolco, a company specialising in roller compacted concrete (RCC) pavements. With a background in civil engineering and pavement design, de Bod has successfully led Rolco to complete major projects for ports, councils, sawmills, and industrial clients.
The New Zealand Roading Industry Rising Star Award was established by Freeman in consultation with the sector to promote and support emerging talent, showcase diversity, and inclusion, and provide role models for the attraction and retention of the future workforce.
Joining Ellis on the judging panel this year were, Neil McLoughlin – consultant at NMC Consulting, and Scott Ford – general manager at Isaac Construction.
The award ceremony is being held at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton, Wednesday 20 November at the Future Roads conference dinner. Tickets are available for the dinner only, or with a conference registration (early bird closes 25 September) from the Future Roads website.