Rising Star Award recipients

The New Zealand roading industry Rising Star Award recognises the standout individual under 40 in the New Zealand roading sector, based on their career achievements to date. This prestigious award is presented annually.

2024

Winner

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.

Finalist

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.

Finalist

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.

Finalist

Angela Parsonage – associate director – pavements, AECOM
Parsonage is a charted 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.