Graham Collie & Dr James Mackechnie - Honorary Life Memberships 2025

Concrete NZ’s Honorary Life Membership is the association’s highest accolade, awarded to individuals whose careers demonstrate exceptional service, leadership and commitment to advancing the use and understanding of concrete in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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

At the 2025 Conference Awards in Auckland, two respected professionals were welcomed into this select group: Graham Collie of Atlas Concrete and Dr James Mackechnie of Allied Concrete.

Their careers span different paths - one grounded in operations, the other in research - but both have contributed immeasurably to the progress of New Zealand’s concrete industry.

Graham Collie - A Life in Concrete
Few people know the ready-mixed sector as thoroughly as Graham Collie.

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

From plant operations through to senior leadership at Atlas Concrete, he has contributed decades of service marked by innovation, practicality and a genuine passion for people as well as product.

Graham has been at the forefront of introducing sustainable solutions for concrete waste management in Auckland and ensuring long-term sand supply for the region.

Through his commitment to the Plant Audit Scheme and long service on the NZRMCA Council, he has reinforced the sector’s focus on quality, compliance and continuous improvement.

As Auckland regional chair and a driving force in the refresh of the Readymix Sector Group, he encouraged greater member engagement and regional representation.

Beyond business, Graham has devoted considerable time to mentoring young colleagues, supporting schools through the Gateway programme, and contributing to community sport and music.

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

Dr James Mackechnie - Scholar and Standard-Bearer
Where Graham’s contribution has been grounded in operational excellence, Dr James Mackechnie’s influence has centred on technical leadership, research and education.

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

Over more than 30 years, he has bridged the gap between academia and industry with rigour, insight and generosity.

As a Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury and Fellow of the Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand, James taught and mentored hundreds of engineers, while leading research into durability, supplementary cementitious materials and engineered sands - work that continues to underpin today’s sustainability advances.

In commercial practice, his scientific discipline and practical understanding have strengthened concrete production and quality control nationwide.

James chaired the Standards Committee responsible for the 2021 revision of NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production, served as President of the New Zealand Concrete Society, and contributed widely to Concrete NZ’s education and research initiatives.

As the association’s Education, Training and Research Manager, he championed closer collaboration between universities and industry, reinforcing lifelong learning as a cornerstone of professional development.

Shared Commitment to Service and Progress
Both recipients exemplify the qualities that define Concrete NZ’s Honorary Life Membership: integrity, dedication and the desire to leave the industry stronger than they found it.

Their leadership - whether on the plant floor or in the lecture theatre - has advanced quality, safety, sustainability and professional standards across the value chain.

Presenting the honours, Chief Executive Rob Gaimster observed that “the success of our industry rests on the foundations laid by people like Graham and James - leaders who share knowledge, build capability and foster progress.”

Their achievements remind us that the concrete industry’s true strength lies not only in its materials and structures, but in the commitment and character of those who serve it.