Our people

After graduating from university as a traffic engineer, Abhishek Radadiya was eager to apply an engineering approach to the traffic management industry. “Traffic management allows me to contribute to public safety while being part of something bigger – New Zealand’s growing infrastructure.”

Abhishek’s journey began on the ground. “My first role was traffic controller, then site traffic management supervisor, where I gained hands-on experience with on-site operations, crew scheduling, and basic Traffic Management Plan (TMP) drafting. It laid the foundation for my transition into planning.” Before joining Higgins, he worked as a TMP Leader, building his expertise in designing and submitting TMPs to the Christchurch City Council and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, coordinating with site crews, and using planning software to create detailed layouts and detour strategies.

Abhishek says he enjoys the problem-solving aspect – every site presents a unique challenge. “I also appreciate the impact we have on public safety and the collaborative nature of the work. Seeing a plan come to life and keep both workers and road users safe is incredibly rewarding.”

Abhishek joined Higgins Christchurch to take on the role of Traffic Management Planner. He says he chose Higgins for its strong reputation in infrastructure, commitment to safety, and supportive team culture. “I saw an opportunity to grow in traffic management, and the people make Higgins special. Higgins believes in a team-first environment and offers good career development.” His career journey is supported by training programmes, certifications, mentorship from experienced people and engineers, and opportunities to lead complex projects. “These have been helping me through challenges of the role, like last-minute changes to site conditions, tight approval timelines, and balancing safety with operational efficiency.”

Specialist Operator Alexia “Lex” Burton with the Hawke’s Bay Stabilisation team describes her role as “a bit of everything.” Lex operates the truck that delivers the metal used to prep the road for stabilisation with cement. After delivering the metal, she stays onsite to operate the vibrating roller for compaction. She’s currently learning to operate more equipment, including the cement spreader and the hoe. “What I like about my work is I'm doing something different every day – nothing’s the same."

Lex says Higgins provided her the opportunity to be involved in road construction, a field she had not previously worked in. Before joining Higgins, she was in road maintenance. “My role challenges me to test my ability to do certain things, especially if I haven’t done it before. My co-workers are always behind me, willing to share their knowledge and help me overcome any challenge. The challenges build potential. I believe I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”

Anthony Godetz first discovered Higgins during a high school careers day, where he toured the local office, laboratory, asphalt plant and concrete plant.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is it.’ The big machines, the energy, it all clicked. I wasn’t thriving academically because I hadn’t found my path. That day, I found it.”

A year later, an opportunity to interview with Higgins Palmerston North set Anthony on that path. He joined the business as a labourer-operator, rotating through sealing, asphalt and construction crews.

Driven to learn, Anthony used lunch breaks and time after work to build his skills and gain experience operating machinery.

“I had a real passion for the machines and wanted to understand every part of the business.”

That determination soon paid off. Anthony progressed through a range of roles, including Construction Foreman, Pavement Foreman and Roading Network Inspector. He also played a part in the Christchurch rebuild and worked on projects across the South Island.

Today, he is Southern Maintenance Operations Manager based in Christchurch.

Reflecting on his career, Anthony says each role has brought new challenges, opportunities and lessons.

“The journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. Higgins has backed me every step of the way, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. I’m excited to see what comes next.”

“Leadership is about staying ahead of the curve, anticipating challenges, empowering people to make decisions, and building a culture of collaboration and accountability.” That's the philosophy that guides Anton Benadie, Senior Project Manager at Higgins Auckland.

Since moving to New Zealand, Anton has built a reputation for delivering complex infrastructure projects while mentoring others and developing high-performing teams. Starting as a Senior Project Manager, he played a key role in securing and delivering major projects, including upgrades at Auckland Airport, before taking on a leadership role on the Eastern Busway project.

Today, Anton leads pavement delivery across one of Auckland's most significant transport programmes, combining strategic thinking with technical expertise to drive innovation and project success.

One standout achievement has been the redesign of the Rā Hihi / Pakuranga Drive intersection.

“We delivered a major redesign that reduced costs, shortened the construction programme, lowered carbon emissions and minimised disruption for road users, all through strong teamwork and clear communication.”

For Anton, infrastructure is ultimately about people.

“I'm proud not only of the projects we're delivering, but also of how we're developing people, strengthening collaboration and building high-performing teams.”

Blair Landon has been part of the Higgins whānau for more than 25 years. He began his construction career as a diesel mechanic with Glover Contractors, which was later acquired by Higgins. Through hard work, leadership and commitment to the business, Blair progressed through the ranks and was appointed Higgins Waikato Operations Manager in 2019. Today, he leads the Transportation Team and the ISO 9001-certified workshop, supporting the wider Waikato operations business.

Reflecting on his journey, Blair says a lot has changed since he started in 1999.

“I had no kids when I started. Now I have five, with the oldest 20 and the youngest just two years old.”

“I can’t believe how fast it’s gone,” he says. “There’s been huge progress over the years, particularly in safety systems and innovation. Tools like M5 plant tracking have made it much easier to monitor the location and utilisation of our equipment. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and I’m excited to see where the next 25 years with Higgins will take me.”

From diesel mechanic to team leader, Blair’s career reflects the opportunities available to grow and build a long-term future with Higgins.

Bryne Hancy leads a team responsible for maintaining Hawke’s Bay’s state highways as part of the Network Outcomes Contract team. Their work covers everything from repairing damaged signs and edge marker posts to filling potholes, setting up emergency traffic management, and clearing accident debris or fallen trees from the road. With jobs taking them across the region, no two days are ever the same.

Nicknamed "The Toolman", Bryne keeps his truck stocked with solutions for almost any situation he might encounter. A natural problem-solver, he thrives on the unexpected and particularly enjoys responding to callouts, where emergencies and challenging situations often bring out the best in people. As a former Army Reservist, his ability to quickly assess a situation, plan a response, and ensure everyone is looked after comes naturally.

After spending much of his life in the Waikato, Bryne returned to Hawke’s Bay four years ago to be closer to whānau. Joining Higgins marked his first role in the civil construction industry, but a diverse and varied career had already equipped him with the skills and adaptability needed to take on whatever the job demands.

His manager describes Bryne as having an outstanding work ethic, with a knack for thinking on his feet and finding practical solutions. Combined with his commitment to supporting his team and keeping the network safe, these qualities make him a valued member of the Higgins whānau.

Christian Harold Udanga, Laboratory Manager at the Higgins Lower North Island Laboratory in Wellington, oversees technical operations, quality, and safety across the lab. He also serves as the region’s Radiation Safety Officer. For Christian, every day starts with checking in with his team.

“A typical day starts with quick conversations to see how everyone is tracking. It’s also my way of figuring out whether I need to jump in and lend a hand on the floor.”

Christian’s journey to Higgins began in Qatar, where he worked under a Kiwi manager who quickly recognised his passion and talent for asphalt and bitumen laboratory work. Impressed by Christian’s energy and expertise, the manager encouraged him to bring that same drive to New Zealand.

After returning to New Zealand in 2018 and joining Higgins remotely, Christian kept in touch with his future colleagues. In 2022, he made the move himself, officially joining the Green Team. It was a proud milestone for the dedicated Filipino, who embraced the opportunity despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, new systems, and unfamiliar industry terminology and specifications.

“I’ve always tried to do things right and safely the first time,” says Christian. “That mindset has helped me navigate some tough times and keep moving forward.”

Since joining Higgins, Christian has established himself as a key technical leader within the industry.

“It was a huge step for me,” he says. “It opened opportunities to expand what we do in the lab, increase our testing capabilities, build stronger connections across the asphalt industry, and keep finding ways to improve.”

As a leader, Christian is passionate about helping others grow. He hopes to prepare his team for the next stage of their careers and ensure their time at Higgins is both rewarding and memorable.

Christian also takes every opportunity to share the values he grew up with.

“Filipinos are known for being cheerful, friendly and hardworking. We take pride in what we do and want to do it well. I believe that attitude helps us build strong teams and achieve great results together.”

Foreperson Ed Tuira has been with Higgins since 2017 and remains passionate about the vital role road maintenance plays in keeping communities connected and safe. Ed leads a team responsible for maintaining the southern area of the East Waikato Network Outcomes Contract (EWNOC), covering State Highways 2, 24, 26, 27 and 29.

“I enjoy my role as foreperson because it gives me the opportunity to share the knowledge and experience I've gained over more than 20 years in the industry,” says Ed.

The team's work is varied, ranging from litter collection and marker post replacements to minor pavement repairs, drainage maintenance and incident response.

“The role can be challenging at times, but the support and caring nature of my colleagues make those challenges much easier to overcome.”

Safety has always been at the forefront of Ed's mind. Having experienced the loss of two colleagues while they were carrying out their daily work, he understands the importance of creating safe working environments.

“I've seen significant improvements in safety culture since I first started in the industry, but I'd still ask the public to take extra care around road maintenance operations. A little patience and awareness can make a big difference.”

Area Maintenance Manager William Morris commends Ed for his commitment to safety, attention to detail and the quality of his work.

“Ed played a key role in planning and delivering the SH29 Kaimai Closure in July 2024. His natural leadership and ability to coordinate both crews and subcontractors help ensure work is completed safely, smoothly and efficiently.”

Through his experience, leadership and unwavering focus on safety, Ed continues to make a valuable contribution to the Higgins team and the communities they serve.

When Harsha Datti arrived in New Zealand from India in 2015, he faced the challenge of rebuilding his engineering career from the ground up.

“I had to start over to gain New Zealand qualifications and local work experience,” he says. “Living in the Waikato, I completed a Graduate Diploma in Highway Engineering and started working as a labourer.”

In 2017, Harsha joined Higgins Waikato as a Quality Assurance Technician on the CityEdge Alliance team delivering the Hamilton section of the Waikato Expressway. During the project, he steadily expanded his responsibilities, first becoming a Hi-Lab Design and Manufacturing Engineer before taking on the additional role of Asphalt Project Engineer. In that position, he helped deliver 120,000 tonnes of asphalt while managing both roles concurrently.

Following the completion of the expressway in 2022, Harsha stepped into a Project Manager role with Higgins Waikato in Hamilton. Today, he leads a team of 40 as Paving and Production Manager, specialising in asphalt operations.

Reflecting on his journey, Harsha credits hard work, perseverance and the opportunities available across the business for his career progression.

“I’ve always believed that hard work eventually pays off, and Higgins has proven that throughout my journey,” he says. “I started as an Asphalt Quality Assurance Technician and am now the Paving and Production Manager for Waikato. Higgins has such a broad range of services, which has given me opportunities to learn, grow and progress throughout my career.”

From starting over in a new country to leading a high-performing team, Harsha’s story is a testament to the opportunities that come from embracing challenges and continuously striving to learn and improve.

Ask Contract Manager John Bezuidenhout what brings him to work each day, and the answer is simple: the people.

When John joined the Green Team a year ago, he was immediately struck by the strong sense of whānau within the Eastern Bay of Plenty team.

“We’re a tight-knit group. We care about each other and where we’re going.”

After nearly 20 years working in the construction industry in South Africa, John moved to New Zealand six years ago in search of new opportunities. Today, he is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of state highways across the region on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

John takes great pride in the work his team delivers and the relationships they build along the way. Whether supporting his crews, working with stakeholders or keeping the network running safely and efficiently, he is motivated by making a positive difference for the communities they serve.

Safety is always front of mind. John is committed to ensuring crews can carry out their work safely while minimising disruption and delays for road users wherever possible.

For John, it's the combination of teamwork, connection and purpose that makes every day rewarding.

Juana West knows first-hand the challenges of being a young woman in the construction industry. As Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager for Higgins' largest region, Manawatū, she continues to prove that passion, confidence and a commitment to people can open doors.

Juana joined Higgins as an EHS Advisor and quickly made an impact, helping strengthen the region's safety culture through increased reporting, early injury intervention and proactive risk management.

“At Higgins, we believe all injuries are preventable, and I stand by that belief,” she says.

She also co-developed the Lower North Island Wellness Calendar, encouraging healthier habits and greater focus on physical and mental wellbeing.

Just two years after joining the business, Juana was promoted to EHS Manager, overseeing the health and safety of around 320 employees and multiple subcontractors across the region.

“As a young female in the industry, I don't always walk onto a site with instant credibility. I've had to earn respect through my knowledge and ability to listen. Higgins has backed my abilities and given me opportunities to create positive change.”

Juana credits much of her success to self-belief and the support she has received along the way.

“People often say promotions come with years of experience, but I earned mine because people saw potential in me. Higgins took a chance on me, and I'm grateful they did. I'd encourage other young women to back themselves and strive for the best. This is an industry where women can thrive.”

Karan Thakur is Higgins’ Operations Manager for the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth Motorway, helping oversee the maintenance of one of New Zealand’s key transport corridors.

His role involves coordinating inspections, planning maintenance activities to minimise disruption for the more than 20,000 motorists who use the motorway each day, responding to incidents, and ensuring the network continues to perform safely and efficiently.

“The wellbeing of road users is our top priority, so we work hard to ensure there’s nothing on the motorway that compromises their safety,” says Karan.

Since the motorway opened, there have been no fatalities or serious injuries, a result Karan attributes to its safety-focused design and construction, including 48 kilometres of wire rope safety barriers.

“The motorway was built with safety in mind. Our job now is to maintain those assets to a high standard and help keep people safe.”

A civil engineer by trade, Karan joined Higgins a year ago to pursue his interest in the roading sector. The variety of the role is one of the things he enjoys most.

“Every day is different and brings new challenges that push us to improve as individuals and as a team.”

For Karan, the motivation is simple.

“Safe journeys are what drive me. I’m proud to be part of the team helping keep this strategic link between Auckland and Northland safe and reliable for everyone who uses it.”

Koa Wiremu is part of the cyclic maintenance crew responsible for a section of the state highway network across the eastern Bay of Plenty, including some of the region’s most scenic and remote locations such as the Waioweka and Waimana Gorges, Lake Rotoma, and the East Coast beyond Cape Runaway.

The team’s work includes repairing potholes, edge breaks and low shoulders, maintaining drainage assets, and carrying out a wide range of routine maintenance activities to keep roads safe and reliable. They also respond to emergencies, supporting first responders at crashes, managing traffic, and clearing fallen trees and debris after slips and severe weather events.

With almost 30 years in the industry, Koa has spent his career working throughout Ōpōtiki and Gisborne for a range of contractors. The past decade has been with Higgins, where he takes pride in maintaining the roads that connect and support his local community.

“I enjoy knowing that the work we do helps keep our friends, whānau and communities safe,” he says.

Koa values being part of a close-knit team and appreciates the opportunity to work outdoors every day while making a tangible difference. For a cyclic maintenance crew, no two days are ever the same, and that variety is part of what makes the job so rewarding.

If you're interested in becoming an engineer, a Higgins cadetship can help you earn while you learn. Through a combination of hands-on experience, supported study and mentoring, cadets can work towards qualifications in Engineering, Quantity Surveying or Construction Management.

Levi Muller is one of the people on that journey. Before leaving school, Levi's teachers connected him with Higgins' Early in Career Programme Lead, Sarah McKenzie, who arranged a visit to one of our projects. There, he met Project Manager Tristan Paget, who had followed a similar pathway into the industry.

The experience sparked Levi's interest, and after showing enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn, he joined Higgins after finishing school.

Today, Levi works on the Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project while studying part-time towards a Diploma in Engineering. Higgins supports his development through paid study time, funding assistance via the Employee Educational Fund, and a structured programme that combines formal learning with real-world project experience.

So far, Levi is loving the experience.

“It's hard to pinpoint what I enjoy most because I love my job so much. Going to work and seeing my team every day is a highlight.”

Since 2006, Higgins Wairarapa has been helping local young people build careers in civil construction through its cadetship programme. Cadets gain hands-on experience across surfacing, aggregates, construction and maintenance, while working towards industry qualifications, licences and endorsements with the support of experienced mentors.

Marshall Ellis joined the programme after leaving school in 2022 and is currently working towards a National Certificate in Drainlaying – Installation (Level 4). Working with the construction team, he has taken every opportunity to develop new skills, from operating heavy machinery to contributing to subdivision and infrastructure projects. He is currently involved in a watermain upgrade project.

“At Higgins, I feel you can achieve anything if you take the time to learn,” says Marshall. “Everyone has been incredibly supportive, helping me grow, take on more responsibility, and progress into a Leading Hand role. I’m excited to complete my studies and continue building my career with Higgins.”

Nandu Balakrishnan joined Higgins in 2019 as a Civil Laboratory Technician in Auckland before returning to the business in 2023 after gaining experience elsewhere.

Today, he leads the Traffic Management Planning team for the Wellington region, supporting major projects including Te Awa Kairangi, the Wellington City Council maintenance contract, the Hutt City wharf line, and Silverstream pipework.

“I’m excited to be part of Te Awa Kairangi, a once-in-a-generation project that will transform how people travel through the region.”

Nandu enjoys the variety and problem-solving that comes with traffic engineering.

“No two days are the same. Every challenge is like a puzzle, and finding ways to keep people moving safely and efficiently gives me real satisfaction.”

He credits Higgins’ supportive culture and leadership for helping him grow professionally.

“My managers have always been supportive, encouraging and empowering. Their trust has given me the confidence to take on bigger challenges, grow my skills and make a real impact.”

Higgins Network Engineer Ning Yan is proof that there are many pathways into construction. After completing a degree in Management in China and working in accounts payable, she moved to New Zealand, earned a Diploma in Civil Engineering, and joined Higgins as a Graduate Engineer.

Just two years later, Ning was promoted to Network Engineer for the Eastern Waikato state highway network, helping deliver maintenance programmes that keep the region's roads safe and reliable.

Ning enjoys the variety her role offers and is passionate about learning from those around her.

“I enjoy making things as accurate as possible and learning new skills from my colleagues, clients and subcontractors,” she says.

Supported by ongoing training and development opportunities, including Fletcher Construction's Achieving Women programme, Ning continues to grow her career while encouraging others to consider the industry.

“Even if you come from a different background, you can still build a challenging and rewarding career in construction.”

When Peter Capilitan arrived from the Philippines in 2018, he faced a significant challenge. Although he was qualified as a surveyor, his credentials were not recognised in New Zealand. Determined to build a future in the industry, he joined Higgins as a grader operator while exploring pathways to return to his chosen profession.

With encouragement from his team, Peter used the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) to gain a surveying qualification recognised in New Zealand. Supported by Fletcher Construction's Early in Career Programme team, who helped connect him with Connexis, Peter successfully completed his studies.

Peter is proud of what he has achieved and the opportunities it has created.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I've been given to achieve my dream of becoming a surveyor,” he says. “The qualification has opened new doors for my career, and I'm ready for more projects.”

Rebecca Kendrick is Higgins Christchurch's first female truck driver, and she's behind the wheel of the team's first bitumen tanker, proudly wrapped with colourful artwork featuring Higgins employees as drawn by their children.

With 13 years of truck driving experience, Rebecca has worked across a range of roles, starting with a mini concrete mixer before joining the Green Team. Driving a tanker had long been a career goal, and in 2024, she made it happen.

“I used to tell my sons that I delivered the concrete or helped make the materials used to build roads, and they'd often roll their eyes,” she says. “Now I can proudly say I'm part of the team helping pave them.”

While Rebecca began her career as a London City & Guilds-qualified chef in the RNZAF, operating heavy machinery has become her true passion. She is also encouraged by the growing number of women entering the industry.

“I'm thrilled to see more women across our operations, from loading at Napier Port to manufacturing, and now tanker driving. It's inspiring to see more women taking up the challenge and succeeding.”

Richard San Andres’ career in health and safety has taken him across the world with Fletcher Construction. A Filipino national with international experience, Richard joined Fletcher Morobe in Papua New Guinea in 2022 as an EHS Advisor, supporting the NADZAB Airport Redevelopment Project and other projects in Lae Province.

During a training visit to Fletcher Construction’s Auckland head office in 2023, Richard toured several projects, including the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). The experience left a lasting impression.

Later that year, he joined the NZICC project as an EHS Advisor, making the move from Papua New Guinea to New Zealand.

“Adapting to a different climate, culture and work environment was challenging at times,” says Richard. “But it has also been incredibly rewarding. The opportunities to learn and grow have made every challenge worthwhile.”

Following the completion of the NZICC project in 2024, Richard joined Higgins to continue his Fletcher Construction journey.

“I wanted to stay with Fletcher Construction because of its reputation for innovation, commitment to excellence, and focus on developing its people,” he says. “The company’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement also aligns with my personal values, making it a place where I can continue to grow and contribute.”

At Higgins, we invest in our people, and Sunil Tandukar's career is a great example of what's possible when you embrace opportunities to learn and grow.

Since joining the business in 2021, Sunil has progressed from Quality Assurance Technician to Site Engineer, then Sealing Engineer, and now Auckland Sealing Manager. He credits Higgins' strong focus on learning and development for helping him build his career, supported by ongoing training and opportunities to take on new challenges.

Today, Sunil leads a team specialising in chip sealing and bitumen work, contributing to major infrastructure projects across the region.

“I love this role because I know the work we do makes roads safer and more accessible. I'm fortunate to have managers and colleagues who genuinely support me.”

Sunil is passionate about bringing people together and creating an environment where everyone can succeed.

“We're a diverse team, and communication styles can vary. I encourage open discussions so everyone feels heard and respected. That's how we build trust and achieve great results together.”

He is also committed to inspiring the next generation to consider careers in construction and roading.

“Internships are a great way to introduce young people to the industry. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, they can see the opportunities available and discover how far a career in construction can take them.”

STMS Topaz Corliss’ career is a great example of where a willingness to learn and grow can take you. From operating a stop/go paddle to leading a traffic management team, she now helps protect worksites and keep people moving safely across a range of infrastructure projects.

Holding a Class 2 licence, Topaz operates a variety of specialist vehicles and is always looking for opportunities to expand her skills and knowledge.

A natural leader and mentor, one of the most rewarding parts of her role is helping others grow.

“I love seeing members of the team gain their qualifications, build confidence, and progress to leading traffic management on their own sites,” she says.

Topaz describes her crew as family, reflecting the strong relationships built through working closely together every day.

What started as a job has become a fulfilling career. Her journey is proof that when you find your passion and embrace opportunities, there’s no limit to where a career in construction can take you.