About Āpōpō
Āpōpō – Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals Incorporated
is the lead professional association for Aotearoa New Zealand’s
infrastructure asset management community.
Āpōpō - Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals Inc
Āpōpō is our Why and our Where
Literally, Āpōpō is the night after tomorrow, inferring a balance of both the day and the night, Papatūānuku and Ranginui, the earth and the sky.
Āpōpō acknowledges our past, the present, and inspires us to raise our gaze to the future.
We do what we do today for the benefit of our present and future communities, often relying on the mahi of our predecessors.
Āpōpō is Te Reo Māori, and defines us as distinctly from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Professionals is our Who and our How
The classic definition of a professional is a member of a group with particular knowledge and skills that are necessary to perform a specific role.
Professionals are expected to maintain exemplary standards of both conduct and competency and to share a selfless common concern for the well-being of others.
We are the professionals who choose to take on the responsibility for infrastructure asset management and to gain our work satisfaction from fulfilling this responsibility to the highest level we can achieve.
Infrastructure Asset Management is our What
Infrastructure assets are the foundations of our communities – the physical things and systems most of us take for granted but which enable our quality of life, our well-being, our community purpose.
They are the things that connect us, that provide both the essentials and the pleasures of life. They serve not just the individual, but the neighbourhood, the town, the city, the region, the nation. They are enablers of equity and social cohesion, community worth and prosperity. Their nature is multi-generational, an investment made with the foresight of not only benefiting us today, but for building a better future for our children, and their children, and beyond.
Infrastructure assets have been created by our predecessors – the city engineers, county councils, the Ministry of Works, iwi, commercial enterprise, Crown entities, local government, public and private – and are being created and operated and maintained now and in the future, by the passionate experts of infrastructure asset management.
Our management of infrastructure assets is all about applying the competencies and experiences of our discipline to deliver valuable community outcomes. It is inclusive of a full lifecycle from beginning to end – from recognition of a community need, to fulfilling that need for generations to come.
Āpōpō Org Chart
More About Āpōpō
The Road to Āpōpō
Our identity has evolved over time to respond to the needs of our members. Read more about Our History.
Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals Inc
2023 onwards
Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia - New Zealand Division Inc (IPWEA NZ)
2013 - 2023
INGENIUM
2002 - 2013
ALGENZ
1988 - 2002
(NZ) Institute of County Engineers
1948 - 1987
Our Purpose
Enhancing the capability of infrastructure asset management professionals for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Purpose and Values
Our Purpose focuses on what we are passionate about, what we can do really well, and who we do it for. We will relentlessly pursue this purpose to create long term sustainable success.
Supporting the pursuit of our purpose are our Values. Our Āpōpō Values reflect the way we go about our work – they guide behaviours and provide a decision support framework for both strategic and tactical considerations. Our Āpōpō values are:
• Inspire – we inspire people in infrastructure asset management
• Connect – we connect and weave together communities from the sector, local and central government, consultants, contractors, suppliers, asset owners, asset managers, and asset investors
• Enable – we enable the sector to develop and enhance capability by improving competency and increasing capacity
• …with Integrity – we carry out our activity with integrity, demonstrating professionalism in all that we do.
The Āpōpō Constitution was last updated in October 2024 and can be downloaded below. Āpōpō’s legal name is Infrastructure Asset Management Professionals Incorporated and is an Incorporated Society registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
Our Objectives
- Upholding and improving the status of infrastructure asset management in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Promoting and encouraging appropriate asset management standards for all infrastructure assets.
- Advocating, on behalf of Members, to strive for asset management excellence.
- Administering professional practice accreditation for individuals and organisations.
- Fostering the sharing of knowledge among:
- Members
- those working with infrastructure assets
- local government elected members and officials, and central government officials and others with accountability for infrastructure assets
- associations and organisations with similar objectives within Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas.
- Encouraging, sponsoring and promoting research into all aspects of infrastructure asset management.
- Providing benefits for Members, including opportunities for continuing professional development and networking.
- Taking any other action which in the opinion of the Board will be to the benefit of the public of Aotearoa New Zealand, Members, local or central government, or infrastructure asset management generally.
Annual Report
Check out our progress in pursuing our purpose and objectives by reading our Annual Report.
Prior year Annual Reports:
Āpōpō Board
The Board is a dedicated and experienced group well regarded in our industry, who lead and advise on matters relevant to infrastructure asset management.
Nicola Chisnall
Āpōpō President
Asset Manager Three Waters
Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections
Nicola Chisnall is the Asset Manager Three Waters at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections).
Nicola has over 20 years’ experience in asset management across central and local government and bring a strong foundation of knowledge about the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.
Over the past six years, Nicola has served on the Āpōpō Board, contributing to the Training Working Group, NAMS and Wai Kotahi SIGs, supporting the development of the Āpōpō Guide, and helping organise both Forum and Congress events. Being part of the evolution of Āpōpō has been a privilege, and Nicola is committed to continuing growth and increasing influence.
As President Nicola aims to apply the insights she has gained through her Board experience to help our profession adapt and grow in an increasingly complex environment.
Nicola believes in empowering our members with the skills and support needed to thrive and lead in their communities and workplaces.
Outside of work, Nicola enjoys staying active, going to the gym, walking her dog, and spending time with whānau and friends.
Darren de Klerk
Āpōpō Vice President
Deputy GM Infrastructure
Hastings District Council
Darren has over 20 years working infrastructure experience, across the energy sector – managing assets across the North Island for 13 years through to 2018.
From 2018 to 2023, Darren worked in local government in a small rural district leading people and infrastructure programmes across water, transport and environmental projects – with a huge focus on community level outcomes.
He consulted with Beca from 2023 to 2025, heavily involved with cyclone recovery, and is now back in local government, as the Deputy GM Infrastructure at Hastings DC, with prime responsibility for the $200m annual capital programme.
In 2021, Darren was awarded the coveted emerging leader in local government award through Taituarā.
Darren has been actively involved in Civil Defence, holding roles of Operations Manager and Local Controller in Hawke’s Bay – with experience across numerous local and regional events including COVID, Napier Floods in 2020, Waipawa Water Outage in 2022, and more recently Cyclone Gabrielle.
Aotearoa has significant challenges across the infrastructure sector, and Darren is keen to play a significant part in how we, as an infrastructure community, navigate these uncertain times.
Raj Suppiah, AMA
Āpōpō Board Member
Chief Financial Officer
Waikato Regional Council
Raj Suppiah has been actively involved with Āpōpō since 2019 as Branch Chair for Wellington–Taranaki, and aims to continue supporting the growth of our profession.
Raj’s focus is on lifting asset management capability, taking a systems approach to strengthen the link between infrastructure and financial strategies, and ensuring our mahi reflects Te Ao Māori values.
Raj brings over 14 years of executive leadership in local government, with a strong track record in financial sustainability, asset management maturity, and embedding Te Tiriti-aligned governance. Raj has contributed to the Asset Management Centre of Excellence within REG Te Ringa Maimoa, fostering organisational capability, embedding best practice, and supporting alignment of Infrastructure and Financial Strategies.
Raj’s work reflects Āpōpō principles of Whakapapa, Manaakitanga, and Kaitiakitanga — building trust, stewarding assets for future generations, and recognising interconnections across systems.
Raj brings to the Board executive experience, governance maturity, and a collaborative, future-focused perspective to help Āpōpō advance its mission – lifting asset management practice, embedding Te Ao Māori values, and strengthening trust and confidence across the sector.
E: Raj Suppiah
Elke Beca, AMCP
Āpōpō Board Member
Technical Director Asset Management
WSP NZ Ltd
Elke Beca, Technical Director for Asset Management at WSP, is an Asset Management Chartered Professional (AMCP) and Chartered Professional Engineer with over 20 years in the infrastructure sector.
Her career has focused on advancing lifecycle planning, investment decision-making, and national standards - most notably through her decade-long role as Technical Manager for Infrastructure Decision Support (IDS), a charitable arm of Āpōpō.
Elke has also served on the RIMS Committee for the past three years, helping shape sector guidance and consistency.
This community has been foundational to Elke's professional journey. She believes in the power of shared knowledge, ethical leadership, and inclusive collaboration to uplift our sector. Āpōpō has created a space where asset management professionals connect, grow, and shape the future - and Elke is honoured to help guide that kaupapa.
Elke brings governance experience, technical depth, fresh energy, and a passion for capability uplift and knowledge-sharing. Having worked across international contexts, Elke offers a broadened perspective and a deep appreciation for practical, effective solutions.
Elke is energised by the momentum in our sector and excited about the opportunities ahead to shape infrastructure in Aotearoa NZ for today and generations to come.
E: Elke Beca
Tony Urquhart
Āpōpō Board Member
Technical Direction, Infrastructure Advisory
Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP)
Āpōpō Life Member
With over 35 years in infrastructure asset management, including 16 years living and working overseas, Tony Urquhart brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to lifting capability in Aotearoa.
Tony's career spans senior roles in New Zealand, Australia, and North America, advising utilities and governments on asset management. Tony has been privileged to work for a diverse set of clients from defence forces to some of the globes largest organisations. Tony believes that we can learn a lot by lifting our sights and looking at overseas experience.
As a contributor to global AM standards including the IIMM and its predecessors, Tony understands the value of knowledge sharing and thought leadership. Currently, Tony leads infrastructure advisory services at Pattle Delamore Partners, and has held previous governance roles as Non-Executive Director at SPM Assets and Executive Director at Meritec during periods of strategic growth and change.
Tony commends the superb work Āpōpō has done in professionalising asset management through the CPEng practice field and globally aligned professional practice accreditation. He was elected as a Life Member of Āpōpō at the 2025 AGM.
As an Āpōpō Board Member, Tony aims to champion research & innovation and embracing the AI revolution to ensure Aotearoa once again is amongst the leaders in asset management practice.
Kristina Hermens
Āpōpō Board Member
Business Director
Three Waters
Beca
Kristina is a Business Director (Three Waters) at Beca. She has worked in asset and project management roles in consultancy and local government for the past 20 years.
Kristina is passionate about helping our communities to prosper and thrive by providing public infrastructure which is tailored to meet their needs.
Kristina finds this an exciting time to be working in the government sector and as the sector transforms over the next few years. Sound asset management practice by well-trained and experienced practitioners will be of utmost importance. Āpōpō has the opportunity to lead and support the industry to take asset management practice to the next level and she looks forward to being part of this journey.
Kushla Tapper
Āpōpō Board Member
Strategic Asset Manager South Island
Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
Kushla Tapper brings over 20 years of experience in public infrastructure and is passionate about fostering life-long learning to advance the industry. Her career path is a testament to non-traditional success, as she didn't originally study engineering but has become a strong advocate for public infrastructure and education. Kushla currently serves as the Secretary of the Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia (REAAA) New Zealand and is on a journey to become a chartered member of New Zealand’s Institute of Directors.
Parvati Patel
Āpōpō Board Member, Branch Chair Representative
Asset Management Principal
Hamilton City Council
Parvati Patel is the Asset Management Principal at Hamilton City Council, looking after asset management of the Three Waters.
She has worked in the local government space for over 20 years, primarily in Three Waters with experience in operations, compliance, project management and asset management over the last 10 years.
Recently she has been involved with the DIA in developing AMPs for the Waikato area. She’s enjoying being in the industry and sees the changes as opportunities to grow and make sure asset management is forefront to the success of any changes that do occur in the Waters Industry.
Āpōpō Branches
and Branch Chairs
Our five regionally-based Āpōpō branches are your local connection to our asset management profession. Each branch hosts regular knowledge-sharing events and networking opportunities to meet with peers and colleagues, and share the challenges and opportunities as we strive for infrastructure asset management excellence for all our communities.
Parvati Patel
Northern
Āpōpō Branch Chair
Asset Management Principal
Hamilton City Council
Alun James
Bay of Plenty / East Coast
Āpōpō Branch Chair
Technical Director - Water
Linda Cook
Wellington / Taranaki
Āpōpō Branch Chair
Associate Director
Morrison Low Advisory
Paul McKeefry
Upper South Island
Āpōpō Branch Chair
Team Leader, Asset Management
Christchurch City Council
Mark Baker
Otago / Southland
Āpōpō Branch Chair
Principal Engineer
Morphum Environmental
Āpōpō Staff
We’re a team of six, based in Wellington.
Francesca Baan
Marketing and Communications Manager
e: francesca.baan@apopo.co.nz
m: +64 (0) 27 215 6555
Membership Administration
Finance and Accounts
e: accounts@apopo.co.nz
m: +64 22 428 5896
Training Administration
Āpōpō Community
The Āpōpō community consists of four Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and our independent subsidiary company (IDS). Āpōpō is also a member of ELF, the Engineering Leadership Forum.
Each SIG’s committee of asset management practitioners is talented and passionately focused on their specialist areas of interest. Our SIGs provide Āpōpō with technical, operational and strategic expertise and experience to guide and contribute to the development of our professional development programmes, products and events.
LDEG
The Land Development Engineering Group (LDEG) provides leadership and strategic advice on best practice to the New Zealand Land Development Engineering industry.
RIMS
Roading Infrastructure Management Support Group (RIMS) is New Zealand’s authoritative voice on road asset and information management.
NAMS
National Asset Management Support (NAMS) provides technical guidance and support for anyone managing community and infrastructure assets in NZ and worldwide.
Wai Kotahi
Wai Kotahi (embracing water as one) focuses on best practice asset management for water infrastructure and services, and on supporting practitioners through the water reform transition.
IDS
Infrastructure Decision Support (IDS) provides evidence-based strategic support to asset infrastructure management professionals and councils around the country.
ELF
The Engineering Leadership Forum (ELF) provides an opportunity for the CEO and senior executives of member organisations to discuss current issues and where possible coordinate activities and assist one another.
