Our People

Ruth Berry

Challenge Director

Ruth has played several significant roles within the building sector, most recently in the BRANZ Research Strategy Group as the Construction Systems Working Group Project Manager. She was also Secretary for the Independent Research Association of New Zealand as well as being one of the BRANZ representatives on the IRANZ committee.

Jessica Hutchings

Director Māori

Jessica is the Building Better Homes, Towns & Cities Director Māori. With a PhD in environmental studies, she is a kaupapa Māori research leader trained in the fields of environmental and indigenous studies. She has held senior management and leadership roles in the Māori science sector and is widely published with two recent books winning the non-fiction category section at the Māori Book Awards. A woman of many talents, she is also a hua parakore (Māori organic) grower on a small family farm and a devotee and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga. She has a deep investment and passion to live her life in ways that uplift the wellbeing of people and the land.

Antje Heymanns

Challenge Manager

Antje joined BRANZ as Challenge Manager in December 2017. Previously, she has worked for the Ministry of Health as Senior Advisor, Planning and Performance Reporting, Finance & Performance Business Unit. Antje is a qualified project manager (PRINCE2 Practitioner) with a lot of common sense and a keen interest in making the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities mission a success.

Board

	Richard Bedford QSO FRSNZ Chair Richard is a geographer who specialises in research on population movement and the impact of migration on the development of settlements in New Zealand and the Pacific. He is Emeritus Professor at the University of Waikato, President of the Royal Society Te Apārangi and research adviser at the Auckland University of Technology. Richard has been a member of the Marsden Council, has convened research assessment panels for the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and is currently convener of the Social Science Experts Panel for Superu (a government agency that focuses on what works to improve the lives of families, children and whānau). He brings his extensive experience in research design and management to the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities Challenge.
	Gena Moses-Te Kani Ngāti Kuia te Iwi, Kurahaupo te Waka Gena is the technical lead for the Iwi Leaders Group for Housing of the National Iwi Chairs Forum working with and for iwi on housing issues, promoting active treaty partnership with Crown agencies, and influencing appropriate policy across the sector. Gena also leads iwi environmental management for large infrastructure projects which have successfully implemented a treaty partnership in a public private partnership (PPP). She is involved in a range of innovative boards and advisory groups including the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu.
	Ngarimu Blair Ngarimu is of Ngāti Whātua descent and has a background in Māori heritage, resource management, and iwi development. Ngarimu spearheaded the Ngāti Whātua Orakei papakainga masterplan and development of the country's first medium-density urban village at Bastion Point. He is a Director of Ngāti Whātua Orakei Whai Rawa which is currently masterplanning a number of large scale residential developments in wider Auckland. Ngarimu also created the largest restoration project in the city at the Bastion Point reserve which includes a wholesale plant nursery at Orakei Marae. He is also a past-Director at Waterfront Auckland, which launched a successful mixed-use development in Wynyard Quarter in Auckland City.
	Bruce Clarkson Bruce is the University of Waikato's Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and heads the Environmental Research Institute (ERI). He is recognised as one of New Zealand's foremost authorities on ecological restoration. From 2005 to 2012 he led a government-funded research programme looking at the best methods to restore indigenous biodiversity in cities. His research has had a direct impact on Hamilton gully restoration initiatives and the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park project near Hamilton Zoo. In 2006, Bruce was awarded the Loder Cup, New Zealand's premier conservation award. He is also a board member of the Australasian chapter of the International Society for Ecological Restoration, and ambassador for New Zealand's Biological Heritage.
	Graeme Nahkies Graeme helps the governing boards of a wide range of entities to achieve their leadership potential. Prior to co-founding BoardWorks International, the vehicle for that work, Graeme undertook a number of public sector advisory and senior leadership roles. These included deputy chief executive and chief executive roles in the housing, local government and health sectors. He has also been a member or chair of a diverse range of governing boards in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Graeme is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, and a past winner of the Institute of Directors National Study Award.
	Andrew Reding Andrew held several senior roles in Europe before relocating to New Zealand in 1994. He joined Fletcher Challenge in 1995 and became Chief Executive of the Building Products and Steel Group in 2001. He joined the Rank Group in 2006 where he was involved in the acquisition and management of the Evergreen Packaging businesses in the USA, as well as managing the Carter Holt Harvey Pulp, Paper and Packaging assets in New Zealand. Andrew is currently Chair of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Acceleration Committee, a Director of the New Zealand Shareholders' Association and Chair of its Auckland Branch, and a member of the Advisory Boards of Dempsey Wood Civil Ltd as well as Avertana Ltd.

Challenge Associates

	Understanding and Re-tooling the Architecture and Logistics of Decision-making Kay Saville-Smith, Centre for Research, Evaluation & Social Assessment (CRESA) Iain White, University of Waikato Larry Murphy, University of Auckland Researchers Bev James, Public Policy & Research Ltd Karen Witten, Massey University Fiona Cram, Katoa Ltd Fleur Palmer, Auckland University of Technology Alice Chang-Richards, University of Auckland Philippa Howden-Chapman, University of Otago Simon Opit, Massey University Jennifer Joynt, Auckland Council Research and Evaluation Unit (RIMU) Craig Fredrickson, Auckland Council Research and Evaluation Unit (RIMU) Gauri Nandedkar, University of Waikato Francesca Dodd-Parr, University of Waikato Patrick Barrett, University of Waikato Zhang Wei, University of Otago Ruth Fraser, CRESA Ltd Nina Saville-Smith, CRESA Ltd See profiles of the Principal Investigators at Our Research Team
	Next Generation Information for Better Outcomes Simon Kingham, University of Canterbury Vivienne Ivory, Opus Research, Opus International Consultants Ltd Malcolm Campbell, University of Canterbury Researchers Lyn Carter, University of Otago Angus Macfarlane, University of Canterbury Ben Adams, University of Canterbury Dave Goodwin, University of Otago Rita Dionisio, University of Canterbury Chris Bowie, Opus Research, Opus International Consultants Ltd Mirjam Schindler, University of Canterbury Ines Falcao, University of Canterbury James Berghan, University of Otago David Garcia, University of Canterbury See profiles of the Principal Investigators at Our Research Team
	Supporting Success in Regional Settlements Harvey Perkins, People and Places Limited Arthur Grimes, Motu Economic & Public Policy Research Michael Mackay, Lincoln University Jonathan Kilgour, University of Waikato Researchers by work programme WP1 Arthur Grimes, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research (and Victoria University of Wellington) David Maré, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Jacques Poot, Independent researcher, Amsterdam (formerly University of Waikato) Stuart Donovan, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (and MRCagney) The following researchers were also involved in a completed WP1 research project David Fleming, Motu Economic and Public Policy Research Peter Nunns, MRCagney Laurent Lebreton, The Modelling House WP2 Jonathan Kilgour, University of Waikato John Ryks, Aria Consulting Polly Atatoa-Carr, National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis, University of Waikato Kristie Baillie, National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis, University of Waikato Maui Hudson, Te Pua Wānanga Ki Te Ao, University of Waikato Moana Rarere, National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis, University of Waikato Thalia Ullrich, Waiora Pacific Ltd WP3 Harvey Perkins, People and Places Limited Mike Mackay, Lincoln University Deborah Levy, University of Auckland Malcolm Campbell, University of Canterbury Nick Taylor, Nick Taylor and Associates Karen Johnston, Karen Johnston Strategic & Project Planning Raewyn Hills (Research Associate), University of Auckland Laura Dance (Summer Scholarship Student, 2017/18), Lincoln University See profiles of the Principal Investigators at Our Research Team.
	Shaping Places: Future Neighbourhoods Errol Haarhoff, University of Auckland Ella Henry, Auckland University of Technology Marc Aurel Schnabel, Victoria University of Wellington Karen Witten, Massey University (Auckland) Suzanne Vallance, Lincoln University Researchers by work programme WP1 Errol Haarhoff, University of Auckland Marc Aurel Schnabel, Victoria University of Wellington Patricia Austin, University of Auckland Lee Beattie, University of Auckland Paola Boarin, University of Auckland Rebecca Kiddle, Victoria University of Wellington, Ngāti Porou and Ngāpuhi Wokje Abrahamse, Victoria University of Wellington Mohsen Mohammadzadeh, University of Auckland Aligned researchers Sarosh Mulla, University of Auckland Aaron Paterson, University of Auckland Cristian Silva, University of Auckland Shuva Chowdhury (PhD Candidate), Victoria University of Wellington WP2 Ella Henry, Auckland University of Technology, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāti Kuri, Te Rārawa Lucy Tukua, Mana Whenua Ngati Tahinga, Ngāti Paoa, Ngati Whanaunga Desna Whaanga-Schollum, Nga Aho, Ngāti Kahungunu Diane Menzies, Unitec, Ngāti Kahungunu Carin Wilson, Unitec, Ngāti Awa Jacqueline Paul, Nga Aho/Unitec, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu WP3 Karen Witten, Massey University (SHORE) Emma Fergusson, Massey University (Palmerston North) Robin Kearns, University of Auckland Hamish Mackie, Mackie Research Jade Kake, Nga Aho/Te Matapihi Ngāti Hau/Ngapuhi, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea WP4 Suzanne Vallance, Lincoln University David Conradson, University of Canterbury Andreas Wesener, Lincoln University Hirini Matunga, Lincoln University, Ngai Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Paerangi (Atiu, Cook Islands) See profiles of the Principal Investigators at Our Research Team.
	Transforming the Building Industry Suzanne Wilkinson, University of Auckland John Tookey, Auckland University of Technology Casimir MacGregor, BRANZ Regan Potangaroa, Victoria University of Wellington Researchers Andrea Stocchero, Scion Research Nariman Ghodrati, Auckland University of Technology Johnson Adafin, University of Auckland Alice Chang-Richards, University of Auckland Nicola Naismith, Auckland University of Technology Vicente Gonzalez, University of Auckland James Rotimi, Auckland University of Technology Ali Ghaffarian Hoseini, Auckland University of Technology Aligned Researchers Karen Bayne, Scion Research Doug Gaunt, Scion Research Amir Ghaffarian Hoseini, Auckland University of Technology Selena Shaw, Victoria University of Wellington See profiles of the Principal Investigators at Our Research Team.
	Māori Research and Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua Research project 1: Te Manaaki o te Marae Principal Investigators Rau Hoskins, Unitec Institute of Technology Jenny Lee-Morgan, University of Waikato Research project 2: Toitu te Kainga Tepora Emery, Project Leader, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua - Whenu and Ahu Research Leader: Jessica Hutchings Whenu and Ahu Projects Tuakana Papakāinga Whenu: Rihi Te Nana, Unitec Institute of Technology Hauora Whenu: Fiona Cram, Katoa Ltd Whai Rawa Whenu: Angus McFarlane, University of Canterbury Ako Ahu: Jo Smith, Victoria University of Wellington Papakāinga Whenu Research Team Rihi Te Nana, Unitec Institute of Technology, Ngāti Haaua, Ngāpuhi, Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa Ella Henry, Auckland University of Technology, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāti Kuri, Te Rārawa Irene Kereama-Royal, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāpuhi, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa Helen Potter, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāpuhi Rau Hoskins, Unitec Institute of Technology, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Hau Charles Crothers, Auckland University of Technology Whai Rawa Whenu Research Team Angus McFarlane, University of Canterbury, Ngāti Whakaue John Reid, University of Canterbury, Ngāti Pikiao Tyron Love, University of Canterbury, Te Atiawa Diane Menzies, Landcult Ltd, Ngāti Kahungunu Grace Walker, University of Canterbury, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngaruahine Rangi Rangatahi Ahu Research Team James Berghan, University of Otago, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri Jacqueline Paul, Nga Aho/Unitec, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungunu Maia Ratana, Unitec, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngaa Rauru, Ngāti Raukawa Ako Ahu Research Team Jo Smith, Victoria University of Wellington, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu Becky Kiddle, Victoria University of Wellington, Ngāti Porou, Ngā Puhi Desna Whaanga-Schollum, Nga Aho, Ngāti Kahungunu See profiles of the Maori Research Team at Our Research Team.

Our People

Ruth Berry

Jessica Hutchings

Antje Heymanns

Board

Richard Bedford QSO FRSNZ

Gena Moses-Te Kani

Ngarimu Blair

Bruce Clarkson

Graeme Nahkies

Andrew Reding

Challenge Associates

Understanding and Re-tooling the Architecture and Logistics of Decision-making

Next Generation Information for Better Outcomes

Supporting Success in Regional Settlements

Shaping Places: Future Neighbourhoods

Transforming the Building Industry

Māori Research and Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua

Research project 1: Te Manaaki o te Marae

Research project 2: Toitu te Kainga

Kāinga Tahi, Kāinga Rua - Whenu and Ahu

Whenu and Ahu Projects Tuakana