Meet the team

His experience includes governance, dispute resolution, advisory services and EtC across a vast array of major infrastructure projects for Central and Local Government and Private Sector Clients across NZ. In addition, he has held Director positions with Construction and Professional Service organisations prior to establishing Axell Consultants Ltd in 2020. Dave’s technical skills include design, contract documentation, cost estimation, risk management, asset management, construction law and contract administration. His role as EtC for NZTA, Local Authorities and the Private Sector has been preceded by involvement with various procurement models while participation as Tender Evaluator has allowed for a seamless connection between design and delivery of physical works. Dave has served time on and chaired numerous Contract Governance Boards. He had spent the first 12 years of his career working on major roading projects across Southern Africa, prior to immigrating to New Zealand in 1998 and working in the professional services sector. Dave spends his leisure time involved with outdoor activities including mountain biking and water sports – otherwise family time and travelling with his wife, Shelley, both of which keep him young.

My technical skills include contract administration, design management, cost estimation, tender documentation, tender evaluation and financial management. I have delivered on traditional construct-only, design and build and maintenance contracts. My story began as a Civil Technician in a large council on the east coast of South Africa. Since my relocation to NZ and settling in Whangarei nearly 24 years ago, my roles span Road Safety Engineer, Senior Engineer and Principal Engineer. Otherwise, I enjoy most activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking and tramping. I'm often asked about my ability to remain calm and collected despite the industry's challenges. Let’s just say, a Scout whistles under all difficulties!

The past five years has seen me mostly involved in procurement advisory services, delivery of infrastructure construction projects and establishing new roading maintenance contracts for local district councils. In my key role as ER within contract administration, I am currently involved in the delivery of construction projects for NZTA and the Auckland International Airport. A key driver for success is to navigate the challenging and complex nature of engineering projects. Born in Sri Lanka, I finished my schooling in Auckland when our family made NZ our new home. My wife and I are currently attempting to figure out the ideal work-life balance with the addition of our first child (and Axell’s first) who brings about chaos and new adventures in a very exciting way!

The past 9 years involved diverse roles working with the Client, Contractor, and Consultant. It has equipped me with technical and managerial skills in project management, cost estimation, procurement planning, tender and contract document preparation, tender process management and evaluation, contract administration and construction supervision. My recent focus is on procurement advisory and contract administration for multidisciplinary projects with NZTA, Local Authorities and Auckland Airport. I have successfully delivered projects valued up to $40M, both as Engineer’s Representative and Engineer’s Representative’s Assistant. Beyond work, I like exploring new destinations, unwinding with friends and indulging in detective shows. It’s also not hard to find an excuse to eat chocolate cake!

Other interesting work includes reviewing utilities and land access agreements, conducting fit for purpose assessments and collecting road crash data country wide. Some of my projects have taken me across to Tauranga, up to Kaipara and down the Waikato and Waitomo. It was challenging yet exciting to have assisted with the delivery of the first multi-purpose swimming pool complex (Kiwa Pools) in Gisborne. I entered the industry as an intern whilst at the University of Auckland. Since graduation, I began working as a Civil Engineer at Axell Consultants. I love travelling having been to various parts of north America, Asia and Australia. Otherwise, I’m a fitness enthusiast at my local gym!

My most notable accomplishment was taking a lead role in the contract administration for the first stage of the Laurence Stevens Drive project at Auckland Airport, requiring proactive collaboration with both the client and contractor. I have also been involved in earthworks projects as far south as Masterton, where I was involved in geotechnical investigation and testing. Outside of work, I maintain a healthy lifestyle through my passion for fitness, regularly spending time at the gym or on the trails. Although I currently reside in the heart of Auckland, my upbringing on a rural Masterton farm. Despite the transition, I've embraced Auckland's urban lifestyle and am eager to seize the diverse opportunities available.

Exposure to Dave’s work enabled me to gain a casual understanding of the engineering world along with its many triumphs and tribulations. This enabled me to take stock, reduce my hours and join him in his new endeavours outside the corporate world. Stepping back completely from the health care environment quickly became the next logical move. Administration at Axell Consultants and more significantly, the transportation and infrastructure industry proved to be a refreshing shift. Otherwise, my new work-life balance will find me occupied with walking our two miniature schnauzers, spending time with our three little granddaughters, boating, socialising, mountain biking and embarking on journeys to exotic destinations!

Integral to this evolving construction field is project management, written and verbal communication, accurate record keeping, understanding core principles, ENZ practice standards etc. Supporting the role of our Engineers will indeed pave the way for a broader understanding of a national transportation and infrastructure industry. Looking back, the new millennium would have found two hopeful graduates come newlyweds immigrate to New Zealand and settle in winterless Whangarei (followed by a cooler Hamilton!). Add pigeon pair kids, unconditional support from extended family and friends, a few more qualifications and experience across various industries, both Gansen and I have finally settled down for a much-yearned work-life balance at Axell Consultants. My favourite switch from those soft skills involve sketching, camping, amateur fishing, nature walks and yoga. Otherwise, I’m all green fingers in the backyard if not at the local community garden!