Honouring Service and Leadership at the 2025 Concrete NZ Conference Awards

The 2025 Concrete NZ Conference Awards, held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre on 16 October, not only celebrated technical innovation, sustainability and industry excellence, but also paid tribute to individuals whose service, leadership and dedication have shaped New Zealand’s concrete industry.

Delegates await the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award and Honorary Life Memberships.

Chief Executive Rob Gaimster presented the evening’s final honours, noting:

“These awards recognise people whose service and dedication have shaped the concrete industry we are part of today. It is a true pleasure to acknowledge such exceptional individuals whose impact has strengthened and advanced our specific field of endeavour, along with the wider construction sector and, ultimately, New Zealand’s built environment.”

Outstanding Contribution Award – Brian Godfrey
The Outstanding Contribution Award recognises individuals whose sustained efforts have left a visible and lasting difference, shaping both practice and culture across the industry.

Brian Godfrey accepts his Outstanding Contribution Award.

This year’s recipient, Brian Godfrey, has been a dedicated and influential member of the Readymix Sector Group and its predecessor, the New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association, serving as both Committee member and President.

Renowned for his willingness to challenge the status quo, Brian’s thoughtful input on critical issues, particularly around health and safety, has helped shape safer, more responsible practices across the industry. His leadership and integrity have set higher standards, while his mentoring and collegial spirit have supported countless colleagues to grow their careers.

Concrete NZ recognised Brian Godfrey for his integrity, authenticity and enduring influence, describing him as a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Honorary Life Membership – Graham Collie
Honorary Life Membership is Concrete NZ’s highest recognition, reserved for individuals whose careers demonstrate exceptional service and commitment to the industry.

Rob Gaimster (Concrete NZ Chief Executive) presents Graham Collie of Atlas Concrete with his Honorary Life Membership.

Graham Collie was honoured for a lifelong contribution to the ready mixed sector that spans leadership, innovation, and a genuine passion for people as well as product. Over decades, he has undertaken every role imaginable across operations, driving practical innovations such as sustainable solutions for concrete waste in Auckland and ensuring secure sand supply for the sector.

He has championed the Plant Audit Scheme, served long-term on the New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NZRMCA) Council, chaired the Auckland region, and played a pivotal role in refreshing the Readymix Sector Group to better engage members nationwide.

Beyond business, Graham has mentored countless colleagues, supported schools through the Gateway programme, and contributed to his community through sport, music and local clubs.

Concrete NZ recognised Graham Collie as an industry leader who has built not only a strong business, but also opportunities and connections for others.

Honorary Life Membership – Dr James Mackechnie
Concrete NZ also welcomed Dr James Mackechnie as an Honorary Life Member, acknowledging a career that has profoundly influenced the technical, academic and professional foundations of New Zealand’s concrete industry.

Dr James Mackechnie acknowledges those that assisted him during his career.

Over more than three decades, James has combined scholarship, technical expertise and leadership across academia, industry and professional service. As a Senior Lecturer and CCANZ Fellow at the University of Canterbury, he educated a generation of engineers while producing research that continues to shape standards, specifications and durability practice.

In commercial practice, he has applied rigour and innovation to materials and mixes, with his research into supplementary cementitious materials and engineered sands advancing sustainability. His leadership includes chairing the Standards Committee responsible for the 2021 revision of NZS 3104 - Concrete Production, as well as contributions across ready mixed, precast and cement sectors.

James has served as President of the New Zealand Concrete Society, as Concrete NZ’s Education, Training and Research Manager, and as a mentor and advisor. His vision, generosity and integrity have left a strong and enduring imprint on colleagues and the wider profession.

Concrete NZ described Dr Mackechnie’s Honorary Life Membership as a recognition of his sustained leadership, influence and undeniable legacy.

The presentation of these honours capped a memorable 2025 Conference Awards evening, underscoring the depth of talent, commitment and leadership within New Zealand’s concrete industry.