2019 Hopkins Lecture, presented by Dr Ray Wilson

The 2019 Hopkins Lecture titled Infrastructure - where would we be without it? will look at the importance of infrastructure as an important enabler of society, its economic progress and well being. I will discuss the infrastructure planning and development continuum, the economic and social benefits it generates, funding mechanisms and alternatives and the impact of government policies and legislation. The role of engineers and what they contribute to the sector and society as a result, plus some personal reflections.

Dr Ray Wilson

Ray is a senior construction executive with wide ranging and detailed experience in the infrastructure and toll road sector. He has spent more than 40 years working in all aspects of major project development, construction and operations across Australia, New Zealand and throughout Asia.

After completing his PhD at Stanford University and during his early career in NZ, Ray was involved in the construction of key infrastructure projects such as the New Plymouth and Huntly Thermal Power Projects and the Clyde Dam in Central Otago. As Project Manager, he then led the building of the first stage of the Kamojang Geothermal Power Station in West Java, Indonesia, one of the first commercial geothermal plants in that country and part funded by NZ Government Aid. He led teams to secure and deliver three major, multi billion dollar, PPP road/tunnel projects in Australia, the Lane Cove Tunnel in Sydney, Eastlink in Melbourne and AirportLink in Brisbane, where he was CEO through the entire project cycle of design, finance, construction, operation and finally, the sale, of the $4.3 billion project. He most recently acted as the startup CEO of the NX2 Group PPP project to finance, deliver and operate the Puhoi to Warkworth highway PPP, just north of Auckland, delivering the second road infrastructure project by NZTA.

His interests and expertise cover all elements of the project cycle, including the development of feasibility studies, assessment of environmental impact issues, the construction and delivery of major civil and multidisciplinary projects, and the management of the initial operations phase.

Ray has a detailed understanding of the broader business, financing requirements and investment drivers behind a wide range of infrastructure projects, both those privately and Goverment funded.

He lives in Brisbane with his wife of 37 years, Etty. He has two adult daughters, Vina and Kartini and two beautiful grandchildren, Scarlett and Jacob.

Infrastructure Engineering Day

Infrastructure Engineering workshops and panel session will run from 1pm onwards in the E6 Lecture Theatre in the Engineering Core at UC's Ilam campus. Workshops range from managing existing infrastructure, investing in new infrastructure, and infrastructure challenges.

Following the Infrastructure Engineering workshops, the Hopkins Lecture will start at 6pm at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre at Haere-roa and is preceded by a networking social at the Staff Club beginning at 4:30.

Programme

Introduction (E6 Lecture Theatre)

1-1.15pm: Infrastructure challenges and the Building Innovation Partnership (Robert Finch and Larry Bellamy)

Session 1: Managing Existing Infrastructure (E6 Lecture Theatre)

1.15-1.35pm - Development of digital twins of NZ’s infrastructure (Greg Preston and Angus Bargh)

1.35-1.55pm - Strategic review of digital technologies in NZ building and construction (Dan Jones and Larry Bellamy)

Session 2: Investing in New Infrastructure (E6 Lecture Theatre)

2-2.20pm - Challenges with procurement in the 3-waters sector in NZ (Paul Botha and Mark Christison)

2.20-2.40pm - Strategic review of infrastructure procurement practices (Ross Waugh)

2.40-3pm - Development of low-damage non-structural elements of buildings – tests of innovative solutions (Rajesh Dhakal and Tim Sullivan)

Industry panel (Ilam Homestead)

3.30-4.30pm - Responding to Infrastructure Engineering Challenges (Ray Wilson, Ross Waugh, John Mackie, Paul Botha)

Hopkins Lecture (Ngaio Marsh Theatre, University of Canterbury Students Association building)

6-7.30 pm - Infrastructure – Where in the world would we be without it? (Ray Wilson)