Tall Stories

Tall Stories: Mana Ashford & Tess Epton

In this episode of Tall Stories, Sophie Prebble, the Institute’s Marketing and Comms lead sits down with Tess Epton and Mana Ashford.
Tess is currently studying a Master’s of Architecture at the University of Auckland and has been successful in a range of extracurricular competitions including being on the winning team in ArchEngBuild 2022 and as a finalist in the Institute’s 2023 Next Gen Awards.
Mana is a NZ Institute National Board member, at the time of recording Mana was the Māori Engagement Manager at MBIE though the future of his unit was in question after the change in government. Since recording his role was disestablished and Mana is heading in a new and exciting career path as a Partnership Manager at I am Hope.
Their discussion covers a wide range including:
What’s driven them both to get into the construction industry
Changes in the industry over the years
The importance of the industry continuing to become more inclusive
Overcoming self-doubt with support from others
Tess’s experiences competing at ArchEngBuild
Mana’s former life as a professional rugby player
Plus, life outside of work and study including golf, yoga and special effects makeup.

Tall Stories: Jane Jujnovich & Darren Knight

In this episode Mana Ashford, NZ Institute National Board member speaks with Jane Jujnovich and Darren Knight.
Jane is a Project Director at Kāinga Ora and has been with the organisation in a number of roles for over 20 years.  In 2023 Jane won the Innovation Award at the Institute’s NZ Building People Awards for her work leading the transformative Te Mātāwai project in Tāmaki | Auckland.
Darren is the Auckland Commercial Area Sales Manager for Winstone Wallboards (GIB) and has built a career with a range of roles across major products and companies in the construction sector.
In their discussion they cover:
Understanding the cyclical nature of the construction industry and the importance of being flexible within that,
Being a part of positive change for the community and in people’s lives,
Changes in increased diversity and the need for targets and concrete goals to move forward,
Finding your niche and making yourself indispensable,
Learning from others at all levels,
Taking opportunities and not saying no,
Plus, more chat about skincare than you’d expect…
** apologies for the sound in the middle of the episode, someone was unloading a dishwasher. 

Tall Stories: Natasha Possenniskie & Olly Steele

In this episode Mana Ashford, NZ Institute National Board member and Capability Development Manager at MBIE speaks with Natasha Possenniskie and Olly Steele.
Natasha is also a member of the Institute’s National Board and is Director of Urban Outcomes Limited. Olly is the Projects Control Lead at The Building Intelligence Group.
They discuss:
The challenges of being a woman in the construction industry,
Practical ways to encourage diversity,
The growing role of technology and data in the industry’s future,
Working in the UK versus NZ.
Plus, Mana’s patented lightning round!

Tall Stories: Julianne Manuguid and George Russell

Guy Marriage, academic, architect and author, hosts this episode with guests Julianne Manuguid and George Russell.
Julianne is completing her Master’s at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Architecture. She is a member of both the Institute’s Central Region Committee and the Young Professional Advisors, plus she’s done some excellent contract work for the Institute.
George is a Project Manager at Wilson Building and Commercial, he was the 2023 Supreme winner at the Institute’s NZ Building People Awards for his work on the Samoa High Commission project.
Guy, George and Jullianne discuss the importance of getting on site experience as well as design and theoretical training; using technology and what’s ahead; diversity in Aotearoa’s construction industry; the importance of working in a team and in not burning bridges (NZ is too small for that).
We also hear more about George’s experience leading the Samoa high Commission project from how his firm was successful in the tender to the challenged of working on an extremely steep site (even for Wellington where there is never an easy project). George also touches on what made the project particularly special including how Samoan culture and customs were incorporated not just into the building itself but into how his team worked on site.

Tall Stories: Matamoana Nuku & Simoné Wright

In this episode academic, architect and author, Guy Marriage talks with Matamoana Nuku and Simoné Wright about their life and career journeys.
Simoné and Matamoana both work at Designgroup Stapleton Elliott in their Pōneke office, Simoné as Business Support Manager and Matamoana as a Senior Associate.
They discuss:
the challenges they’ve experiences in the industry of ‘fitting in’ and the importance of being true to yourself,
changing tack in your career and making a change if you’re not happy,
working on rewarding projects and enjoying your work.
Plus, diversity, culture, race and mum guilt…quite a lot for a 30-minute chat!

Tall Stories: Brittany Irvine & Matt Pattinson

In this episode academic, architect and author, Guy Marriage talks to Brittany Irvine and Matt Pattinson about their careers to date.
Matt is a project manager at LT McGuinness and Brittany is a Senior Architectural Graduate at First Light Studio who recently won an award for book design.
In their conversation we hear about how both Brittany and Matt have managed to weave multiple interests and talents into their work. They discuss how they each use technology and BIM in their work and the ever-present importance of the human element in design, building and collaboration.
They also talk about working hard but also keeping up life outside of work – whether that’s putting time and effort into your family or keeping up hobbies.

Tall Stories: Gina Jones

This episode of Tall Stories is hosted by Architect, author, lecturer, and natural raconteur Guy Marriage. Join Guy as he speaks with Architect, former NZ Institute of Building President (and first woman president), and NAWIC co-founder, Gina Jones.
They discuss Gina’s her career in architecture and the construction industry; the importance of getting involved with organisations; the significant difference one person can make; and often, being the only woman in the room.

Tall Stories: Donna Howell and Tirth Patel

Join host, Adam Baxter, as he delves into the career journeys of both Donna Howell Project Director - UOC Campus Redevelopment, University of Otago and Tirth Patel, Construction and Digital Twin Enthusiast (Post Doctoral Fellow at UOC). Listen in to get some great tidbits for joining an ever-evolving industry. 

Tall Stories: Bridget White & Keri Niven

Join host, Adam Baxter, as he delves into the career journeys of both Bridget White, Senior Architect/BIM Director - Nordic Office of Architecture, and Keri Niven, Digital Practice Leader, Aurecon NZ. Two inspiring women who reflect on where they started their careers and how their interests have paved their way to where they are today. Listen in to get some great advice from two very powerful women in the industry! 

Tall Stories: Angela Ashworth & Caitlin Sanford

Join host, Daiman Otto, as he delves into the career journeys of both Angela Ashworth, Head of Commercial Services at Auckland Airport, and Caitlin Sanford, Commercial Manager at Measureup Flooring Ltd. Two inspiring women who are making their mark on the construction industry.