Event Details

We are pleased to announce Canterbury chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Canterbury chapter of the Women’s  Infrastructure Network (WIN)  are joining forces again for this event, with breakfast kindly being provided by event sponsor Anderson Lloyd. Our organisations have similar missions - to support women working in our industries and to champion each other. 

We will have a series of questions for the panellists to answer regarding their careers, journey in employment, how sustainability plays a part in their roles and advice for others. The intention will be that this will be an informal discussion between panellists and attendees.

Join us to hear from four inspirational women from the public and infrastructure industries with the emphasis on sustainability: Claire Waghorn (Christchurch Airport), Orla Gallagher (Higgins), Trudi Jones (Marley) and Crystal Lenky (Lyllelton Port Company) who will share their career stories and learnings, providing insights into pathways to sustainability roles. This event is also a fantastic opportunity to expand your network and make new contacts across different sectors. 

This event is open to members of NAWIC Canterbury and WIN. 

Presenter Details

Claire Waghorn – Sustainability Transition Leader for Christchurch Airport

Claire Waghorn is the Sustainable Transition Leader at Christchurch Airport, and the Co-Chair of the Pathway to Zero Emissions Working Group for Sustainable Aviation Aotearoa. She holds an LLB, with a focus on international climate law, a Masters of Science in International Relations (LSE, London), and an Arts double major in New Zealand History and Diplomacy and International Relations (UC, New Zealand). She is currently working towards accelerating the transition within the aviation sector towards zero emissions. Claire’s previous roles include researcher for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, and Foreign Policy Officer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Claire currently sits as a Director of Hollin Consulting NZ, a Board Member of the New Zealand Centre for Global Studies, as well as the International Airport Review Advisory Board.   

Orla Gallagher – National Environmental & Sustainability Manager for Higgins 

Orla Gallagher is currently the National Environmental & Sustainability Manager for Higgins, and has worked for infrastructure companies in Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Her role with Higgins encompasses all environmental compliance and sustainability, as well as leading sustainability across the Fletcher Construction group. Orla is a qualified environmental engineer and environmental scientist and leads a diverse team of people across New Zealand and Fiji.

Further to this, Orla sits on the Executive Council with Civil Contractors New Zealand and has held this position for over two years.  

Trudi Jones – Civil, Rural & Irrigation Sales Manager at Marley New Zealand

Trudi Jones is currently the Civil, Rural & Irrigation Sales Manager at Marley, New Zealand. Prior to her current role, Trudi trained as a Chef in the UK and spent many years running kitchens all over the world. Trudi came to New Zealand to cook for blade shearers in the late 1990’s. A far cry from fine dining restaurants in London!  She fell in love with the country and the people and decided to make NZ her home. Trudi’s career at Marley NZ Ltd started 10 years ago as infrastructure territory manager for the South Island and now heads up the team for NZ. 

“Having been through the toughest period of my life in the last year and a half, I am proud to be invited to share my story with you”.

Crystal Lenky – Head of Environment & Sustainability at Lyttelton Port Company

Crystal Lenky is the Head of Environment and Sustainability at Lyttelton Port Company (LPC), leading LPC’s interests across environment, sustainability, and planning. Crystal moved to Christchurch 17 years ago to study Weddell seals in the Antarctic at the University of Canterbury, and after spending too much time in academia, she decided to switch careers and moved into the construction and infrastructure sector. 

Crystal spent five years with Downer, part of that supporting the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery during the road and rail rebuild, before joining LPC five years ago. Crystal is a Certified Environmental Practitioner with the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand. When not at work, Crystal enjoys cycling and running in the Port Hills and throwing the disc in an occasional game of ultimate frisbee.