An Evening of Insights and Networking with NZCBIA

Discussions centred on how today’s planning rules and intensification changes translate into real-world development across New Zealand.

Frank Xu, Chair of the NZCBIA, opened the evening with his address that emphasised the importance of industry collaboration.

We are grateful to our colleagues Ken Hu (Structural Engineering Director at Babbage, and Executive Committee Member of NZCBIA) who emceed the occasion, and Caroline Sui (Senior Project Architect at Babbage) who introduced our company’s multi-disciplinary expertise in architecture, planning, ecology and contamination management.

Attendees heard practical takes on:

• Navigating planning frameworks (including intensification shifts) – Richard Black, Planning Manager.

• Tackling environmental and contamination challenges (the PEAR approach: People, Environment, Assets, Reputation) – Hiram Garcia, Contamination Investigation & Management Manager.

• The value of early advice, cross-disciplinary coordination, and actionable ecology solutions – Chris Wedding, Ecology Manager.

Thanks again to NZCBIA and all our guests for the thoughtful questions and great kōrero. If you’d like to continue the conversation, connect with our team – we’re keen to help turn policy into practice.