Chris Gray

IOQ President

Chris Gray has over three decades of experience in the quarrying industry and has been an active member of the Institute of Quarrying (IOQ) throughout his career. Starting his career in the UK in 1988, he progressed from a laboratory technician role to various management positions, including General Manager roles in New Zealand and Australia. Chris has been involved with the IOQ, serving in multiple capacities, including Chairman of the Auckland Branch and Treasurer of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Branch. Chris assumed the role of IOQ NZ (Inc.) President in July 2024. In 2023, he became a shareholder in Tracks, a civil construction company in Whakatane, New Zealand.

Welcome by IOQ President Thursday 10 July, 8:00am

Wayne Scott

AQA CEO

AQA’s Chief Executive is Wayne Scott who took on the role in October 2018. Wayne also jointly acts as CEO of MinEx, which oversees health and safety for mining/extractive industries.

Welcome by AQA CEO Thursday 10 July, 8:10am

Geoff Cooper

NZ Infrastructure Commission (Te Waihanga)

Geoff Cooper has a background in global policy having worked for the United Nations, the United States Treasury, and the Federal Reserve. He is a former Chief Economist for both PwC and Auckland Council, where he worked on infrastructure, housing, regulation, and financial policy, including business case development for Auckland’s City Rail Link. At Te Waihanga, Geoff has purview over research, strategy, and the Infrastructure Pipeline. He led the development of the New Zealand Infrastructure Strategy in 2022 and is now working on the National Infrastructure Plan. He holds a Master of Economics with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland and a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University.

National Infrastructure Plan Thursday 10 July, 9:30am

Paul Hunt

WorkSafe NZ

Paul Hunt is the Chief Inspector Extractives in the High Hazards Unit based in Hamilton. Paul is a vastly experienced extractives executive. He was most recently Solid Energy’s North Island Operations General Manager, and he has held the roles of Mine Manager and General Manager at the Huntly East mine. Paul holds Senior Site Executive and First Class Coal Mine Manager qualifications, along with others covering incident management and analysis, risk management and occupational health and safety management.

HHU Address Thursday 10 July, 1:30pm

Andrew Mahan

Andrew Mahan grew up in a general earthmoving family business starting in the quarry industry as an unpaid primary school student. Leaving school at 16 Andrew started operating cable operated machines, then at the age of 20 progressing to production machines mining in Western Australia From drilling and blasting 30 metre faces in a limestone quarry, to a crushing plant operator, assistant quarry manager, quarry manager and divisional quarry manager in an alluvial greywacke quarry has given him a wide experience of working with a mix of people in many different environments Andrew has been involved with the Institute of Quarrying as a member, past chairman of the Canterbury branch and past board member on the national executive.

Self Preservation from zero harm to 80 healthy years Thursday 10 July, 2:00pm

Dr James MacKechnie

Allied Concrete

James has worked in the concrete industry over the last 20 years as a concrete readymix engineer based in Christchurch, employed by Allied Concrete. He is involved in quality assurance of concrete as well as research and development for a range of projects across New Zealand. He is also an adjunct researcher at the University of Canterbury with research interests in concrete aggregates, durability and low carbon concrete.

The role of aggregate quality in concrete performance. Thursday 10 July, 3:00pm

Bert Hart

General Manager, Equip2

Bert Hart is the General Manager of Equip2, with a deep background in quarry optimization. Growing up in a family business alongside his father and four brothers, Bert has developed a strong passion for helping others succeed in their businesses and roles. With over 12 years of attending QuarryNZ conferences, Bert continues to be inspired by the industry's growth and potential. His expertise and enthusiasm drive his commitment to improving the efficiency and success of businesses within the quarrying sector.

Equip2 University – An industry knowledge bank Friday 11 July, 11:30am

Paul Thompson

Industry Expert

Paul Thompson brings a wealth of experience in the construction market, with broad expertise in machinery and operations. Known for his hard work and dedication, Paul is passionate about helping others advance and thrive in their businesses. With a strong focus on supporting growth and prosperity in the industry, Paul has earned a reputation for his practical knowledge and commitment to the success of those around him.

Equip2 University – An industry knowledge bank Friday 11 July, 11:30am

Greg Severinsen

EDS

Greg provides the lead on EDS's resource management system reform work. He has practiced in resource management law at a major law firm, worked as a policy analyst at the Ministry for the Environment, and lectured at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Greg has published, presented and taught on a range of resource management and environmental law topics at home and abroad.

Panel Discussion: RM Reforms and what they mean to the Quarrying sector Friday 11 July, 2:15pm

Steve Davis

MC

Sponsored by RedBull Powder Co Ltd