McConnell Dowell Operations Manager Joe Edwards has been elected a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers New Zealand, in recognition of the significant contribution he has made to the engineering profession.

2017 Joe Edwards

Presented at a Gala Awards dinner on Friday 7 April, his citation read:

"Joe Edwards is elected a Fellow of IPENZ for his leadership and service in the construction industry, particularly in relation to tunnel safety. He has made an impressive contribution to setting industry standards and developing best practice guidance, especially in the area of extractives industry safety and training. This includes time as President of the Civil Contractors New Zealand, continued involvement with mining safety organisations and input into legislative changes in relation to tunnel construction. Much of this work has been on a voluntary basis while simultaneously holding the role of Operations Manager for McConnell Dowell, which has involved oversight of many large, complex projects."

Throughout his 40 year career, Joe has achieved senior operational management roles and his extensive experience and expertise spans most aspects of engineering and construction, particularly in the tunnel and underground sector, where he is regarded as an industry expert.

His contribution to the civil construction industry has included numerous positions in industry groups and Boards including the Pike River Implementation Industry Group, responsible for the drafting and review of the new Health and Safety Act 2015, the Mines Rescue Board, as well as providing expert advice on health and safety in underground construction to WorkSafe as a member of the WorkSafe Advisory Council. Last year he was recognised with a CCNZ Life Membership for his services to what is now Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ). Joe served on the National Executive of CCNZ for 13 years including two years as President.

“Joe is held in high esteem in the construction industry, not only by fellow contractors, but by consulting engineers and clients alike,” says McConnell Dowell Managing Director Roger McRae.

“In all the time I have known Joe, he has always been highly ethical and professional and has never wavered from this in everything that he does. He maintains very high personal professional standards and has always displayed honesty, transparency and integrity in his approach to engineering and construction activities.”