Have Your Say – Vote for Your Āpōpō Board Representatives!

We are excited to announce that we’ve received eight nominations for the four available elected positions on the Āpōpō Board!

This means it’s time for you, our valued financial members, to help shape the future of Āpōpō by voting for the candidates you believe will best represent your voice and vision. Your vote is your opportunity to influence the direction of our organisation and support the leaders who will guide us forward.

Voting opens Wednesday, 17 September and closes Wednesday, 24 September.

Meet the candidates event

We are holding an online Meet the Candidates event on Monday 22nd September, 11.30-12.30. You can register to attend here. 

We have an incredible line-up of nominees, each bringing unique skills, perspectives, and passion for our kaupapa. We encourage you to take a moment to read through their profiles (below) and consider who aligns best with your values and aspirations for Āpōpō.

Members will receive an email from our secure voting platform, Election Buddy, on Wednesday 17 September with everything you need to cast your vote.

• Make your voice count.
• Support strong leadership.
• Be part of Āpōpō’s future.

Thank you for being an active part of our community. Let’s make this election a great one!

If you believe you are a member and have not received your secure voting email by 3pm on Wednesday, 17th September, then:

1. Confirm your membership by logging into the Apopo website: Do you see a Black button to the ‘Apopo Guide’ top right?  If you do, you are a member:)
2. Check your SPAM and junk folders for an email from ‘ElectionBuddy’
3. If you are a member and still don’t have a voting email, then contact Emily Liddell, Member Engagement Manager on emily.liddell@apopo.co.nz

Corporate Members

If you are an Apopo member through a corporate organisation and you don’t vote yourself, then your corporate primary contact or their designated voter can vote on your behalf. E.g. Āhuahua District Council has 12 members. Two of the Āhuahua members cast their own vote. Their primary contact votes and each chosen candidate receives 10 votes (12 member total – 2 who cast their own vote) from Āhuahua District Council.

Meet your candidates

Darren de Klerk

Deputy GM Infrastructure, Hastings District Council

Kia ora koutou,

I am excited to be putting myself forward again for the role of BOP / East Coast Branch Chair, and as a board member.

I am an Āpōpō member, board member and current branch chair since February 2024. I have 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, I 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. Consulting with Beca from 2023 to 2025, heavily involved with cyclone recovery, and now back in local government, as the Deputy GM Infrastructure at Hastings DC, with prime responsibility for the $200m annual capital programme.

In 2021, I was awarded the coveted emerging leader in local government award through Taituarā.  I have 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 I am keen to play a significant part in how we as an infrastructure community navigate these uncertain times.

Ngā mihi nui,

Darren de Klerk

Elke Beca

Technical Director Asset Management,  WSP

Kia ora, I’m Elke Beca, Technical Director for Asset Management at WSP, an Asset Management Chartered Professional (AMCP) and Chartered Professional Engineer with over 20 years in the infrastructure sector. My career has focused on advancing lifecycle planning, investment decision-making, and national standards—most notably through my decade-long role as Technical Manager for Infrastructure Decision Support (IDS), a charitable arm of Āpōpō. I’ve also served on the RIMS Committee for the past three years, helping shape sector guidance and consistency.

I’m standing for the Āpōpō Board because this community has been foundational to my professional journey. I believe 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 I’d be honoured to help guide that kaupapa.

I bring governance experience, technical depth, fresh energy, and a passion for capability uplift and knowledge-sharing. Having worked across international contexts, I offer a broadened perspective and a deep appreciation for practical, effective solutions. I’m 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.

Hanish Arora

Senior Associate – Asset Management, Beca Ltd

I am an asset management professional with extensive experience across New Zealand’s central government and vertical infrastructure sectors. My career is defined by a commitment to whole-of-life stewardship, risk-based planning, and sustainability for both public and private sector property portfolios. I have consistently focused on building capability through cross-sector partnerships and fostering communities of practice that drive continuous improvement.

A key achievement was initiating the Central Government Asset Managers Community of Practice, creating a platform for sharing best practices and collaborative problem-solving among public sector asset managers. I am working closely with another Āpōpō member in strategic alignment discussions between FMANZ, RICS, and Āpōpō identifying opportunities to unify certification pathways and promoting holistic approaches across our profession.

My hands-on experience spans delivery and strategic oversight of complex portfolios including care facilities, educational buildings, and justice sector assets; and contributing to policy and strategy development at a national level. As part of the IPWEA-NZ/ Āpōpō Training Working Group, I led the development of digital AM badges as delivery lead, reviewer, and co-author.

If elected to the Āpōpō Board, I will champion innovative asset management practices, advocate for ongoing professional development, and actively foster trusted relationships ensuring strong collaboration between members, industry partners, and stakeholders to elevate AM standards.

Linda Cook

Associate Director, Morrison Low Advisory

I’m Linda Cook and, if elected to the Āpōpō Board, I would bring deep sector knowledge, practical insight, and a collaborative mindset to the table.

Strong asset management is essential for delivering cost-effective, long-term services that benefit our communities. With over 25 years of experience as a contractor, a consultant and in local government, I bring a strategic perspective that is grounded in hands-on experience and practical delivery. This breadth enables me to support robust decision-making that balances vision with operational realities. I work closely with clients to enhance infrastructure resilience and ensure value for money, always with a focus on long-term outcomes and maintaining local relevance.

As a busy mum of four, I’ve honed skills in time management, prioritisation, and navigating competing demands – qualities that translate directly to effective board governance. These experiences have sharpened my ability to stay calm under pressure and make thoughtful, balanced decisions.

I believe in the vital role Āpōpō plays in growing capability across the asset management sector and am committed to contributing to its continued success. I’m enthusiastic about contributing

Nathan Capper

Role Kaitohutohu Tumuaki (Principle Consultant – Māori), WSP

As Kaitohutohu Māori – Tumuaki (Principal Consultant – Māori) at WSP and an accredited Environmental Hearings Commissioner, I bring over 30 years of experience in environmental management, governance, and strategic advisory roles across Aotearoa. My mahi is grounded in Te Ao Māori, weaving cultural integrity into infrastructure, planning, and freshwater policy to deliver enduring outcomes for iwi, hapū, and communities.

I am deeply honoured to have co-led the development of the Kaupapa Māori Asset Management Framework, which earned the Te Kōmata o Te Rangi – Supreme Asset Management Excellence Award at the 2024 ĀPŌPŌ Awards. This recognition reflects my commitment to integrating mātauranga Māori into national asset planning and decision-making.

Joining the ĀPŌPŌ NZ Board is a natural progression of my journey. I seek to contribute my strategic insight, national networks, and deep cultural expertise to help shape the future of asset management in Aotearoa. I believe in collective success—guided by the whakataukī: Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini. Together, we can elevate the sector, empower Māori voices, and build resilient, culturally grounded infrastructure for generations to come.

Raj Suppiah

I am Raj Suppiah. I have been actively involved with Āpōpō since 2019 as Branch Chair for Wellington–Taranaki, and I am standing for the Board to continue supporting the growth of our profession.

My 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.

I bring 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. I have 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.

My work reflects Āpōpō principles of Whakapapa, Manaakitanga, and Kaitiakitanga — building trust, stewarding assets for future generations, and recognising interconnections across systems.

As a Board member, I will bring 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.

Ross Roberts

Chief Engineer, Auckland Council

I am a Chartered Professional Engineer, Chartered Geologist and registered Professional Engineering Geologist with 25 years’ experience in natural hazard risk management, infrastructure asset management, and geotechnical and civil engineering. My work has spanned hazard risk studies, landslide remediation, tunnelling, major highways, and strategic asset management, giving me a whole-of-system perspective on how infrastructure supports resilient communities.

In my role as Chief Engineer at Auckland Council, I provide governance and leadership in a complex political environment, balancing technical, financial, environmental, and community outcomes. Alongside this, I contribute to the sector through voluntary roles with Auckland Emergency Management, the New Zealand Geotechnical Society, the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment, and Tamaki Yacht Club. These roles have deepened my understanding of governance in both professional and volunteer contexts, and the importance of aligning people, strategy, and resources for lasting impact.

As the 2025 Āpōpō Emerging Governance Scholarship recipient I am committed to giving back by serving on the Āpōpō Board. I would bring a focus on collaboration, kaitiakitanga and long-term sustainability, supporting Āpōpō to strengthen capability, foster innovation and deliver enduring benefits for present and future communities across Aotearoa.

Tony Urquhart

Technical Director, Infrastructure Advisory, Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd (PDP)

With over 35 years in infrastructure asset management, including 16 years living and working overseas, I bring a global perspective and a deep commitment to lifting capability in Aotearoa. My career spans senior roles in New Zealand, Australia, and North America, advising utilities and governments on asset management. I have been privileged to work for a diverse set of clients from defence forces to some of the globes largest organisations. I believe 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, I understand the value of knowledge sharing and thought leadership. Currently, I lead infrastructure advisory services at Pattle Delamore Partners, and I’ve held previous governance roles as Non-Executive Director at SPM Assets and Executive Director at Meritec during periods of strategic growth and change.

I commend the superb work Āpōpō has done in professionalising asset management through the CPEng practice field and globally aligned professional practice accreditation.

As an Āpōpō Board Member, I will champion research & innovation and embracing the AI revolution to ensure Aotearoa once again is amongst the leaders in asset management practice.