Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi

Kua tawhiti kē tō haerenga mai, kia kore e haere tonu. He nui rawa ō mahi, kia kore e mahi tonu. 

You have come too far not to go further, you have done too much not to do more. 

– Sir James Hēnare

Since beginning her career 11 years ago, after graduating with an engineering degree, Jamie has moved from being an electrical engineer to becoming a rising star in the Project Management industry.

It is the problem-solving nature of the work that really attracts her. “I enjoy having challenging problems to solve. It’s where I find satisfaction in my work.”

Jamie’s approach emphasises completing what she starts. “I enjoy being a part of the early planning phases of a project, as well as being able to see that planning through to completion.” 

This commitment also extends to ensuring delivery excellence, for both clients and projects. It is this commitment that has resulted in her leading highly significant projects, including work on Auckland International Airport’s Terminal Integration Programme. “I'm really proud of what we've been doing at the airport. It's a complex project and we’ve achieved a lot despite facing many challenges.”

It’s her commitment to high standards that led to Jamie winning the 2023 RICS Woman of the Built Environment Award.

Her key to problem-solving focuses on building genuine relationships with people where face-to-face connection and working as a team helps solve problems. “Picking up the phone or talking in-person can resolve issues much faster. It also fosters a stronger team environment.”

Since starting her career, Jamie has also been a passionate advocate for Māori and Pasifika people, and women in the industry.

“I want my work to contribute to better outcomes for Māori, and project managing at RCP has been pivotal in achieving that.” Her passion for Te Ao Māori has seen her help lead Te Reo Māori learning across RCP as well as working to weave Te Reo Māori and tikanga into her projects.

Jamie’s passion for improving the diversity of the industry is also seen her lead SPPEEx (South Pacific Engineering in Excellence – a network of Māori and Pasifika engineers) and the Engineering NZ Foundation. Jamie’s support has increased diversity in the industry by championing and supporting current and future Māori and Pasifika engineers. In her time at the Engineering NZ Foundation, the Foundation has launched a $100K grant programme for initiatives to improve the diversity and resilience of the engineering profession, and the Matatā Initiative which aspires to increase Māori and Pasifika representation in the engineering industry.

“I want to be proud of my work and my workplace. It’s why I champion Te Ao Māori and why I drive myself and my teams for excellence.”