PMI New Zealand Chapter
Volunteers Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight
Professionals providing outstanding support to PMINZ
Angus Middleton - PMINZ 2024 Volunteer of the Year recipient
Angus’s vision and dedication led to the establishment of PMDOS in New Zealand, marked by a highly successful inaugural event at The Beehive in March 2022, followed by an event in Auckland in November 2023. With a third event in Wellington just weeks away and plans for a fourth in the pipeline, Angus’s leadership has showcased the invaluable role of project management to a new and wider community of not-for-profits and has enabled them to overcome challenges and drive forward towards their goals.
By providing a platform for project professionals to give back to their community, PMDOS has not only enriched the experiences of all involved but also demonstrated the transformative impact of collective action. Angus’s unwavering work ethic and passion for PMDOS in New Zealand have been instrumental in fostering collaboration, innovation, and positive change.
Prawindra Mukhia - PMINZ 2024 Volunteer of the Year recipient
Recognising the intrinsic value of sustainability and its pivotal role in attracting and retaining younger members, Prawindra has emerged as a driving force behind sustainability initiatives within PMINZ. His unwavering commitment to promoting sustainability led to the establishment of the Climate Change and Sustainability Action Group (CCSAG) in September 2021.
Through the CCSAG, Prawindra has spearheaded efforts to inspire sustainable project, programme, and portfolio management practices through a variety of channels, including in-person presentations and webinars. His collaborative approach has fostered partnerships with other organisations, amplifying the impact of sustainability initiatives across borders.
Prawindra’s dedication to sustainability is further evidenced by the creation of a comprehensive series of events focusing on sustainability within PMINZ. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in developing the Project Manager’s Sustainability Toolkit, a valuable resource that has been downloaded in over a dozen countries.
In recognition of his commitment to sustainability, Prawindra has recently joined a PMI sustainability group, bringing a New Zealand perspective to the global conversation on sustainability. His contributions exemplify the importance of sustainability in shaping the future of project management practices and underscore PMINZ‘s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Syed Khurram Iqbal - PMINZ 2024 Volunteer of the Year recipient
As Chair of the Hawkes Bay branch since 2018, Syed has played a pivotal role in organising regional workshops and certification study courses, enriching the professional development landscape within the branch. His steadfast leadership and proactive approach to his responsibilities have consistently elevated the quality of offerings and services provided to members.
Through these workshops and study courses, Syed has provided invaluable opportunities for members to enhance their skills and expand their professional networks. His dedication to knowledge sharing underscores his commitment to fostering growth and development within the community.
Syed’s collaborative leadership style has been instrumental in driving success, as he effectively engages with volunteers, teams, and external partners to enhance the impact of Hawkes Bay events. His efforts have contributed to the growth of the branch and enhanced the overall satisfaction of members, exemplifying his commitment to excellence in service.
Brian Belworthy - PMINZ 2024 Volunteer of the Year recipient
Brian is the epitome of dedication. With over ten years of volunteering experience, Brian’s contributions have left an indelible mark on our organisation. It’s challenging to encapsulate the breadth of his involvement, as he seems to excel in every role he undertakes.
From serving on the organising committee of conferences to actively contributing to branches and providing leadership as the immediate Past President, Brian’s impact has been felt across all levels of PMINZ. His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have been a cornerstone of our organisation’s success.
Throughout the challenging times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian remained a calm and steady presence, offering invaluable advice and guidance to the entire PMINZ community. His willingness to go above and beyond in supporting our organisation and its members is truly commendable.
Farewell to Rhys Watson – Membership Lead
Rhys Watson, Director of Minerva Pro Limited, has provided exceptional volunteer work for PMINZ since 2012. His volunteering began as a mentor through PMINZ, progressing to being part of the Project Management Conference committee the following year, which he’s continued to support. In 2014 Rhys joined the membership team, and took on the Lead role in 2016, where the organisation underwent significant change embracing a collaborative and continuous improvement. philosophy.
Rhys explains some of the key skills needed when volunteering for PMINZ as being open, having patience, negotiating, and working together to make things happen; an important part of understanding strategy with membership is to look at how it connects to the bigger picture. Having also volunteered for other organisations, Rhys said the main challenge at PMINZ is finding and retaining volunteers, but he appreciates where people were prepared to step up if something needed fixing.
Rhys has been nominated many times for the ‘Quest Volunteer of the Year Award’, a prestigious recognition by peers and members judged by an independent panel announced at the annual Project Management Conference Awards Gala.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Rhys for almost nine years of volunteer service to PMINZ. His pragmatic approach and membership strategies have supported chapter operations and the wider project management community.
Written by Elisabeth Auchinvole, March 2020.
Michael Hawker - PMINZ Volunteer of the Year 2019 recipient
The following was written by a former member of the Certification Preparation Network run by Michael.
Michael has been the Manawatu-Whanganui sub-branch Certification Preparation Networking (CPN) programme facilitator since 2015. He developed the training materials and provides one-on-one assistance. During this time, he identified and visited many local employers, encouraging certification participation and PMI membership. His candidate pass rate for PMI exams has been approximately 85%. He is also actively engaged with the wider sub-branch activities.
Michael’s CPN study group runs twice a year – February to June and August to December. He facilitates two groups per week, one held in Feilding and the other in Levin. Catch-up sessions are held for participants who have missed the study group.
Recognising that 80% of CPN participants sit CAPM without a lot of prior exposure to project management, Michael has developed a collection of supplementary learning material, such as case studies, to aid the learning process. In addition, in early 2018, Michael updated his collection of PMP and CAPM mock exams and weekly quizzes to accommodate PMBOK V6 changes.
Michael harnesses a sense of community and support within his CPN study groups. As well as an increased understanding of the PMI subject matter, the participants also emerge from the programme of learning with a new-found support base from their fellow participants, and a heightened appreciation for the project management world.
As a strong advocate for the distinction of PMI qualifications, Michael visits organisations and individuals to promote PMI and recruit CPN participants for each study group semester. His focus has been developing regional supply chains that speak a common project management language as a result of the CPN. He is also currently working with the local polytech UCOL to facilitate industry placements for students, as well as CAPM certifications.
Michael was a finalist for the 2017 and 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award, and won the 2019 Award. In 2018 he was awarded the PMINZ President’s Award.
Tania Cotter - PMINZ Quest Apartment Hotels Volunteer of the Year Award 2018 winner
This award recognises and honours a PMINZ member who has made a voluntary and significant contribution to the Project Management Institute and the project management profession.
At national level and in the Central Branch Tania Cotter has worked tirelessly to add much needed structure and bring new ideas to chapter communications strategies and processes in an increasingly digital world.
A finalist in the Volunteer of the Year category in 2016 and 2017, Tania was also one of three recipients of the inaugural PMINZ President’s Award in 2016 which recognises exceptional contributions by volunteers.
Tania started volunteering for PMINZ at the beginning of 2015, offering her services in event management and communications to the Wellington conference team. Since 2016 she has held the roles of Central Branch Communications as well as National Lead for PMINZ Communications. Tania says “I’m always thinking about what’s in it for the members and potential members?”
Tania is the content manager of the PMINZ website, writes and sends out the monthly Central Branch and the national PMIMZ newsletters each month, and sends out PMINZ announcements and the event invitations for the sub-branches. She managed the membership survey in 2017, developed the PMINZ Style Guide, the website content management plan, and social media strategy.
In 2019, after three years as PMINZ Communications Lead, Tania resigned from national duties so that she could pursue other volunteer opportunities. She is still an active member of the PMINZ Wellington volunteer team.
Updated January 2019
Lindsay Addie - PMINZ Quest Apartment Hotels Volunteer of the Year Award 2017 winner
Lindsay received four nominations for this award. He is a strong and willing supporter of PMINZ, undertaking not-so-exciting, but paramount stuff such as by-laws, volunteer coordinator and PMI Director Elections. Lindsay continues to be active in his volunteering roles for PMI. These include Promapp Lead, South Island Branch Volunteer Coordinator, Review Committee member, a participant on the Constitution review, Nominating Committee Convenor for the new PMINZ Directors election, and the PMINZ operational overhaul known as Project Spring Clean. In recognition, Lindsay won the 2016 PMINZ President’s Award.
Volunteer of the Year 2016 – Brian Belworthy, Central Branch
Volunteer of the Year 2015 – Mike Roberts, South Island Branch
Mike is the current PMINZ Christchurch Branch Certification Preparation Network (CPN) coordinator. He is known for his energy, availability, responsiveness, and untiring efforts. His commitment to the chapter is valued at a branch level, but also by the many participants in the CPN programme and who are now certified project management professionals. He is the archetypal volunteer and should be encouraged to continue contributing to PMI at a local, national and international level.
Volunteer of the Year 2014 – Tattianna Picoaga, Northern Branch
Tattianna displays great commitment by her involvement in four roles: PMINZ Northern Branch Volunteer Coordinator, PMINZ Auckland Sub-branch Coordinator, PMINZ Relationship Director and as “Project Spring Clean” Project Manager. Holding multiple roles does not make a Volunteer of the year but delivering high quality, improvements and tireless efforts do.
Volunteer of the Year 2013 – Tracy Couchman, Central Branch. In early 2012 Tracy Couchman took the initiative to set up a local PMINZ Sub-branch for the Wanganui Manawatu regions. Tracy demonstrated strong leadership skills in rapidly organising local sponsorship and a regular schedule of sub-branch meeting, attracting top speakers. The success of the Whanganui-Manawatu PMINZ sub-branch would not have been possible without Tracy’s commitment, drive and energy.
Volunteer of the Year 2012 – Patricia Jennings, Central Branch. Tricia has been an active and valued member of the Central Branch committee since 2009. Most recently Tricia has coordinated the very successful Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) seminars over the past 2 years, during which time 11 seminars have been held, educating 90 attendees about ILM principles and generally advancing the profession of project management in NZ. She has given many hours of volunteer effort to coordinate these sessions, and integrate with the State Services Commission and a Melbourne provider. This is on top of her attending monthly branch meetings and other committee activities/responsibilities. The seminars generated a surplus for PMINZ of more than $30,000, that will be used to further the profession and practice of project management in NZ. Tricia’s contribution has ensured our members receive access to discounted quality courses and has promoted the PMI brand and PMI New Zealand to people who are not yet PMI members but work in Project Management.
Volunteer of the Year 2011 – Jerry Ball, Central Branch. Jerry Ball is a Fellow of PMINZ and has been acknowledged for his energy and commitment to the chapter. He has been appointed Director at Large for the chapter, a position which was created for him due to his wish to volunteer at both strategic and operational levels for the chapter. In completing his volunteering activities Ball not only shares his knowledge and wisdom of the project management profession with others, but also acts as a mentor.
Volunteer of the Year 2010 – Caroline Donovan, Central Branch. Caroline has been an active member of the Central Branch Committee throughout 2009 and 2010 as the Professional Development Coordinator. Caroline is a professional educator and has brought a wealth of knowledge and maturity to the activities of PMINZ in this area. In 2009, Caroline managed the transition from PMBOK V3 to PMBOK V4, including the restructure and revision of Study Group material to reflect the change and arranging seminars to explain and promote the new standard. She setup a library of study resources and making it available to members, and “raised the bar” in terms of the professionalism of the delivery of the Wellington based Study Group Sessions. During 2010, Caroline has extended the PMINZ capability, in terms of Professional Development, by establishing a pilot programme for mentoring in the Wellington Region. This has involved matching project management professionals, with relevant knowledge and experience, to PMINZ members who are seeking to benefit from some guidance and mentoring.
Volunteer Profiles
Bob Peacocke, PMP, and 25-year PMINZ veteran.
Bob was a founding member of PMINZ, being only the third person to join the New Zealand Chapter, in September 1993. Based in the Waikato district Bob provided PMINZ over 25 years’ service as an active member and volunteer.
After a lifetime’s career in engineering and construction, including some overseas work and consulting, Bob completed his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2011.
Bob was always happy to help at branch meetings in any capacity and held various Waikato Sub-branch committee positions over the years. He is on record as one of the most attended members to PMINZ events.At the time of his retirement, Waikato volunteer Sheryl Morgan said “We hope Bob will still drop into the occasional meeting or event. We wish to recognise Bob’s contributions and thank him for everything he has done for PMINZ and the profession.”
Sadly, Bob passed away in 2022. PMINZ recognises Bob’s extensive service and efforts in building the foundations for the PMINZ we have today.
Iain Fraser joined PMI in 1994 and a year later was the founding member of PMINZ. Iain is well known within the global project management profession, as well as in New Zealand, and is a loyal and supportive member and volunteer of PMINZ. Read more about Iain in the interview below.
Interview with Iain
