You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
Auckland
Registration is only available for current members.
As the City Rail Link (CRL) project nears completion, join WIN Auckland on Wednesday 19 November from 7:30am for a special replay of the panel discussion first presented at Building Nations earlier this year.
This session shines a spotlight on Link Alliance and its delivery of the CRL, one of New Zealand’s most complex and ambitious infrastructure projects.
Focusing on technical excellence, systems integration, and collaboration-led delivery, the conversation explores how Link Alliance is achieving world-class outcomes while embedding broader social and cultural value.
From social procurement and workforce development to partnerships with mana whenua and industry-leading safety culture, the panel will examine how large-scale infrastructure can deliver not only operational success but also enduring benefits for communities and future generations.
The discussion will explore:
This is a chance to connect with peers in the industry, hear from inspiring voices, and continue the conversation on shaping the future of construction in New Zealand.
Light refreshments will be provided. Spaces are limited - register early to secure your spot!
Thank you to WSP for hosting us at their Auckland offices, and Downer for sponsoring the breakfast.
Francois Dudouit, Project Director - Vinci Construction Grand Projects
Francois Dudouit is Project Director for Vinci Construction Grand Projects. He has over 38 years project delivery experience, gained mainly on major railway underground infrastructure projects in France (Villejust tunnels), Denmark (Storebaelt project), Hong Kong, Nederland (Betuweroute), Sweden and New Zealand. Between 2003 and 2018, he was responsible for the construction on the critical Hallandsås Tunnel Project in Sweden, which requires significant innovations to overcome the challenging ground conditions and then for the SCL 1103 & SCL 1122 projects (part of Shatin to Central Line, a new MTR line in Hong Kong). Between 2018 and 2024, he was Link Alliance Project Director for the City Rail Link in Auckland, the largest infrastructure project and the first underground metro project in New Zealand.
Aleshia Perry, Rail Major Projects Executive - WSP
Aleshia Perry brings over 20 years of global infrastructure experience, with a strong focus on major projects, renewals, and maintenance. Her work on high-profile transport initiatives has given her deep insight into the complexities of delivering public infrastructure in constrained environments—and how to navigate these challenges effectively. She excels at fostering productive collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and time zones, consistently promoting a positive culture that drives innovation and supports efficient, well-informed decision-making. Aleshia has held leadership, engineering, and design roles across a wide range of disciplines—from Train Control to Architecture. She is results-oriented and outcome-driven, with a proven ability to define and implement project vision while engaging constructively with stakeholders, regulators, and government officials. Her background in railway operations and maintenance includes renewal and multiyear planning, inspections, station upgrades, maintenance facilities, and work equipment strategy. She is a strong leader with a demonstrated ability to build vision, manage stakeholder engagement, and communicate effectively at all levels.
Wayne Cooney, One Client and Systems Director - City Rail Link Limited
Modern project and people leader with over 20 years of hands-on experience delivering total rail systems—including traction power, train control, signalling, communications, and enabling operations. He has led and supported projects from mega to minor in greenfield and brownfield heavy rail, metro, light rail, and major road tunnels, ensuring seamless commissioning, integration, and innovation into live service.
Moderated by: Rachel Blundell, Head of Communications and Engagement - City Rail Link Limited
Rachel is a self-confessed infrastructure and transport nerd with communications and engagement experience spanning all phases of the project life cycle from planning and consenting through to delivery and maintenance. At Link Alliance, Rachel leads the communications and engagement team who since 2019 have been delivering a comprehensive programme of community engagement, communications, business support, site management, placemaking and more across four sites on the $5.5B City Rail Link project. To date, four awards won and several engagement innovations generated. Previous projects include Auckland’s first cycle maps, Auckland Light Rail, Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Wellsford and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Enjoys being a beginner at adult ballet and sewing her own creations.
