On Thursday, 27th June, Raj Suppiah, Wellington Taranaki Āpōpō Branch Chair MCed an engaging and informative event in Feilding, bringing together industry leaders, local council representatives, and emerging professionals to discuss key projects and innovations in asset management.
The day began with a warm welcome and morning tea, setting the stage for a day of learning and networking. Raj opened the event with a karakia and essential health and safety information, before introducing the Manawatu District Council Mayor, Helen Worboys.
Highlights from the Event
Mayor’s Address
Mayor Helen from the Manawatū District Council kicked off the presentations, sharing her insights and vision for the region and the pivotal role asset management plays. Key themes highlighted were the strong relationship between getting infrastructure done well and lifting community wellbeing; critical to decision making is building confidence and trust, considering risk and options, working collaboratively and being honest and transparent in data/information provided; and addressing affordability as Manawatu is “a collection of villages” – essentially low population numbers living in small communities spread over the land. The theme of “a collection of villages” continued throughout the day.
Āpōpō Update
Emily provided an update on Āpōpō’s accreditation and international alignment, celebrating recent award winners and available resources.
Route 52 Project and Tararua District Council update
Andrew and Blake from the Tararua District Council presented the Route 52 project, an impressive initiative five years in the making. This project won Kaumata o te Rangi – the supreme award at the Āpōpō Excellence awards in 2025. They also presented on another project – the significance of the Marainanga Gorge and the value of stakeholder collaboration in managing this critical lifeline and the wider large roading network. Kaumata was brought in for the event and on display during lunch.
Asset Management Innovations
Tony Parsons and Barrie Wallington from the Horowhenua District Council shared their journey from poor asset management practices to implementing a GIS system and a digital Power BI asset management plan. Their story of transformation and innovation was truly inspiring.
Training Bite
Kathy Dever-Tod from the Palmerston North City Council delivered a concise and impactful training session, taking us back to basics in looking at determining service levels statements from the plain English, rate-payer perspective.
Whanganui Prison Stormwater Project
Ewen Robertson and Dave Hoskins discussed the challenges and successes of the Whanganui Prison stormwater improvements. Their project, guided by a Matirangi Māori framework, emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach, approach nature as “living” ie put the health of the lake first; building trusted relationships (both Iwi and community trust) and that engaging with Iwi and taking a Matirangi Māori approach adds value.
Emerging Leader Presentation
Marie, our emerging leader presentation winner, captivated the audience with her award-winning insights from Congress 2025. She encouraged asset managers to take a holistic approach, sparking new ideas and innovation.
Open Floor discussion: Built to last report recommendations
The event concluded with an open floor discussion, facilitated by Raj allowing attendees to share their thoughts and experiences in relation to the Helen Clark Foundation report “Bilt to Last” recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: The Route 52 project, as well as the Whanganui Corrections Facility, demonstrated the power of collaboration in managing a change project and co-designing with key stakeholders including iwi to get to a solution.
- Innovation in Asset Management: Horowhenua District Council’s transition to digital asset management showcases the benefits of embracing technology.
- Community-Centric Projects: The Whanganui Prison stormwater project highlighted the importance of community trust and what a focus on environmental health can achieve.
- Inspiring Leadership: Mayor Helen’s, Kathy Dever-Todd’s and Marie’s presentation reminded us of the importance of visionary and impactful leadership and the lasting value our work in asset management can create.
The Āpōpō Branch event in Feilding was a successful opportunity on many fronts, offering valuable insights, fostering connections, and inspiring innovation in asset management. We look forward to the next event and continuing our journey of growth and collaboration.
Stay tuned for more updates and join us at our upcoming events!
