Change for the Better was the theme of RIMS Forum 2025, held 16 – 18 September at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua. With rising expectations, tighter budgets, and shifting policy priorities, the roading and transport asset management sector is being challenged to think differently and act decisively.
Supported by the Road Efficiency Group (REG) and Infrastructure Decision Support (IDS), and hosted by Āpōpō, the Forum brought together delegates, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors from across Aotearoa to explore how to drive positive change in networks, systems, and everyday decision-making. Over three days, more than 35 technical presentations, panels, and workshops created space for learning, inspiration, and connection.
Setting the tone
A mihi whakatau opened the Forum, grounding the event in connection and respect. MC Pio Terei carried that spirit throughout with warmth, humour, and kōrero on the importance of te reo Māori during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Murray Pugh (Āpōpō), Gavin Rutherford (IDS NZ), and Andrew McKillop (REG). A special moment came as Āpōpō President Gary Porteous was acknowledged for his long service and leadership. Having been involved since 2014, this marked his final RIMS Forum and last major event as President.
Highlights and key themes
Keynotes that challenged and inspired
- Cate Quinn (NZTA Waka Kotahi): “Change for the Better isn’t a slogan – it’s a responsibility.” She set out NZTA’s five-year roadmap, highlighting collaboration, data, and technology as critical enablers.
- David Wood (Ministry of Transport): Examined investment, funding, and productivity challenges, urging longer planning horizons.
- Dr Lucy Hone (Resilience Expert): In conversation with Pio Terei, she connected her lived experiences of loss to the personal resilience professionals need in a fast-changing sector.
- Rob Gaimster (Concrete NZ): Made the case for concrete as part of a resilient, lower-emissions roading future.
- Tangi Utikere (MP for Palmerston North, Labour Transport Spokesperson): Shared promising signs of bipartisan cooperation on transport, building on his address at Āpōpō Congress 2025.
Panels that pushed boundaries
- Brighter Asset Future Panel (led by Colin MacArthur, Beca) explored how to build a brighter future for assets — from the value of data to attracting young professionals.
- Panellists: Tony Bonetti (RATA), Christian Gamst (Te Waihanga), Cam Gordon (Auckland Transport), and Cate Quinn (NZTA Waka Kotahi).
- Breaking Down Silos Panel (chaired by Gary Porteous, WSP) highlighted the need for collaboration across councils, contractors, central government, and industry.
- Panellists: Gemma Mathieson (IDS), Sean Rainsford (NZTA Waka Kotahi), Sikander Singh (Tauranga City Council), and Carol Ma (HEB).
Celebrating emerging leaders
The Emerging Leader Presentation Competition, sponsored by WSP, gave the stage to new voices.
- Winner: Michael Liu (HEB) – “Changing for the Better: Lifting Asset Data and Work Quality through Innovation and Collaboration with Taupō District Council.”
- Runners-up: Michelle Bong (Fulton Hogan), Karun Kalesh (Downer), and Manvir Singh (Downer).
Technical depth and collaboration
Three concurrent streams – Optimised Decision-Making (hosted by Waugh Infrastructure), Future Foundations (hosted by REG), and Corridor Management (hosted by NZUAG) – featured insights from councils, consultants, and contractors. Stream workshops and panels deepened the conversations.
On the final day, Sikander Singh (REG/Tauranga City Council) and Ann-Elise Reynolds (REG/Whakatāne District Council) underscored the importance of consistent data and building sector capability.
Beyond the sessions
Networking was central to the Forum – from exhibition happy hours and breakfast catch-ups to the evening function at Rotorua’s Scion Building. Delegates connected with colleagues, sponsors, and exhibitors in a vibrant, collegial atmosphere.
Sponsors
- Gold: Waugh, Company X
- Silver: WSP, NZUAG
- Bronze: Chorus
- Other sponsors: HEB, Fulton Hogan
Exhibitors
Woods, IDS, WDM, Super Sealing, Lonrix, Deighton, and WPiAM.
A sector ready for change
Across three days, one message was clear: while the challenges are real, so are the opportunities. With collaboration, innovation, and smarter asset management, the roading and transport sector is ready to deliver change for the better.
RIMS Forum 2025 was not only about sharing knowledge – it reaffirmed the sector’s collective purpose: delivering better outcomes for communities across Aotearoa.
Thank you
A huge thank you to the RIMS Forum 2025 Committee:
- Gemma Mathieson (Chair), IDS
- Grant Holland, Waugh Infrastructure Management
- Kushla Tapper, Department of Conservation
- Phillipa O’Shea, Downer NZ
- Sikander Singh, Tauranga City Council
- Tanya Bowers, Chorus
- William Silcock, Fulton Hogan
Thanks also to photographer Bill, the Composition team, caterers, and the Sir Howard Morrison Centre staff, whose support made the Forum a success.
Final remarks
MC Pio Terei closed the event with this whakataukī:
“He manu kai i te miro, nōna te ngahere.
He manu kai i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.”The bird that feeds on the miro berry owns the forest.
The bird that feeds on knowledge owns the world.
We encourage delegates to carry these words forward, along with the knowledge, insights, and connections gained at RIMS Forum 2025.
Delegates may view and download photos and slides here.
Here’s a preview!
