Āpōpō has a long-standing history of supporting both today’s and tomorrow’s infrastructure asset management leaders through its annual scholarship programme. Each year, up to $30,000 in scholarships are awarded to Āpōpō members to advance their careers and strengthen the profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.
These scholarships are more than just financial support – they represent Āpōpō’s purpose in action: to enhance the capability of infrastructure asset management professionals across the motu.
This year, four scholarships were awarded following a highly competitive selection process, with 12 applications assessed by a panel comprising Āpōpō President Gary Porteous, Immediate Past President Priyani de Silva-Currie, and Chief Executive Murray Pugh. The judges noted the calibre of applications was outstanding, making their decisions particularly challenging.
Congratulations to the 2025 scholarship recipients, who were recognised at the Āpōpō Asset Management Excellence Awards.
Young Leader Scholarship
Recipient: James Lear, Consultant – Infrastructure Advisory, Pattle Delamore Partners
Sponsored by AECOM and IMNZ
The Young Leader Scholarship provides formal leadership coaching through IMNZ, including travel and accommodation support, up to the value of $8,000. It is designed to grow leadership capability among emerging professionals in the sector.
This year’s recipient, James Lear, is recognised by his peers as a future leader in asset management. His passion for the profession and commitment to developing his leadership capability made him a standout applicant.
Priyani de Silva-Currie Emerging Asset Management Professional Scholarship
Recipient: Kyle Coles – Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Named after Āpōpō Immediate Past President, this scholarship provides up to $5,000 to complete approved asset management-related courses through providers such as Āpōpō, Otago Polytechnic, Connexis, the University of Auckland, IAM, WPiAM, or APWA. It also places emphasis on supporting applicants from underrepresented groups in the asset management profession.
This year’s recipient, Kyle Coles, demonstrated a strong commitment to sharing knowledge and embedding best practice within his organisation. As Kyle put it:
“In my role, I hope to deliver and distribute knowledge about best practice and the benefits of asset management to staff at all levels of the organisation. I believe this will enable council to improve together.”
Emerging Governance Scholarship
Recipient: Ross Roberts – Chief Engineer, Auckland Council
The Emerging Governance Scholarship provides up to $11,000 for the recipient to complete the Institute of Directors Company Directors’ Course, equipping them for current and future governance roles.
This year’s competition was particularly strong, with several applicants presenting compelling cases. Ultimately, Ross Roberts stood out for his extensive governance involvement across professional, community, and international organisations. In addition to his role as Chief Engineer at Auckland Council, Ross volunteers with Auckland Emergency Management, the New Zealand Geotechnical Society, the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment, and the Tamaki Yacht Club.
Ross shared:
“I will apply the lessons learned from this course immediately to strengthen the strategic direction and risk management of the paid and voluntary organisations I am involved in.”
Senior Professional Scholarship
Recipient: Simon Hunt – Strategic Asset Engineer, Fulton Hogan
The Senior Professional Scholarship provides up to $5,000 to support attendance at an international public works or asset management conference. It is designed to help senior members expand their networks and bring global best practice back to Aotearoa.
Simon Hunt impressed the panel with his commitment to driving innovation and sharing knowledge across the sector. In his application, he noted:
“By supporting my continued education and industry involvement, you will be investing in a leader committed to improving infrastructure asset management practices, bringing global best practice back to New Zealand, fostering innovation and sharing this knowledge with industry bodies, tertiary institutions and communities throughout NZ.”
Investing in the Future of the Profession
The 2025 Āpōpō Scholarship recipients represent the depth of talent and commitment within our membership. Each brings unique strengths, aspirations, and contributions that will help strengthen infrastructure asset management for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Congratulations to James, Kyle, Ross, and Simon – and to all applicants who put themselves forward. Through these scholarships, Āpōpō continues to invest in the people who will lead and shape the future of our profession.
