Event Details

The Infrastructure Collective (TIC) and the Women's Infrastructure Network (WIN) Canterbury chapters are excited to present our Pathways to Progress event series, proudly sponsored by RCP, on Thursday 12 March from 8:00am.

Bringing together professionals at all career stages, this series will explore different ways to accelerate your career, no matter where you are on your journey. 

Each session will spotlight two of the INZ Networks’ key development initiatives, the WIN Career Camp and the TIC Mentoring Programme, alongside broader perspectives on career progression. Through lived experience and open discussion, our panel will unpack how mentoring, structured development programmes, and community support can shape meaningful career growth, and how senior leaders can give back by supporting and inspiring emerging professionals. 

As 2026 kicks into gear, this is the perfect time to reflect on your career goals and plan your next steps. With the  2026 WIN Career Camp launching in March and the TIC Mentoring Programme in May, these events are a great opportunity to learn more about each programme, connect with peers navigating similar journeys, and set yourself up for a year of growth and progress. 

Apply for the 2026 WIN Career Camp here.

Apply for the 2026 TIC Mentoring Programme here.

Presenter Details

Facilitator: Dusk Mains, Technical Lead - Hydrogeology, GHD

Mitch Van Eeklen, Project Manager, TSA Riley

Rebecca Mehrtens, Energy & Industrial Leader, New Zealand, Aurecon

Rebecca is Aurecon’s Energy & Industrial Leader for Aotearoa New Zealand and is responsible for leading the company’s 190 strong Energy & Industrial business unit. Her remit includes leading Aurecon Aotearoa’s energy transition strategy across renewable energy, fuels, transmission and distribution, and manufacturing. Rebecca’s promotion to the New Zealand leadership team signals Aurecon’s growth in energy and its intention to remain a market leader in renewables and decarbonisation. Aurecon Aotearoa will continue to bring the best of our energy, sustainability and climate change technical minds together with our advisory skills to deliver a wrap-around service to our clients. Rebecca is also a member of Aurecon’s L50, the company’s top 50 global leaders, who are responsible for shaping Aurecon’s strategic direction and driving innovation across the business. With 20 years’ experience in leadership, governance, stakeholder and client/customer engagement, strategy, and delivery of major infrastructure projects, Rebecca has worked across government, private sector, and consultancy. In that time Rebecca has led teams in major capex feasibility and delivery, strategy development, and wholesale market trading and analytics. She also has extensive stakeholder engagement and relationship experience across central and local government, Māori/iwi, communities, industry, and business. Before Aurecon, Rebecca worked at Transpower and Genesis Energy where she held diverse roles including the Auckland Development Manager for Transmission, and Group Manager Energy Trading and Market Operations.     Rebecca is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and is an active ally of Aurecon Pride, He Rautaki Māori (Aurecon’s Māori Strategy) and leads initiatives as part of Aurecon’s Gender Pillar. Outside of Aurecon, she is Chair of Ngākau Hihiko - Women in Energy.

Mary McConnell, Planning Manager - Christchurch & Wellington, Harrison Grierson

Mary McConnell is South Island Planning Manager with Harrison Grierson and a Commissioner with more than 16 years’ experience supporting public and private sector clients through complex resource management challenges. She has led Notices of Requirement for significant infrastructure projects, including major state highway upgrades, interchanges, and three waters initiatives. Mary’s career has evolved from technical specialist to trusted strategic advisor and decision-maker on high-profile projects. Alongside her project work, she is passionate about mentoring emerging planners, supporting their development in leadership, confidence, and stakeholder engagement. At this event, Mary will share practical insights on building credibility, stepping into leadership, and shaping a sustainable and rewarding career path.

Christine Corin, Regional Programme Manager Design Delivery, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora