Beyond Projects – Turning community partnerships into action across New Zealand and the Pacific

Community impact often begins with participation. Pacific Shirt Day is one example. Teams across the region took part, recognising the support we can provide our Pacific neighbours towards improved water and sanitation, education, and healthcare.

Our people raised more than $5,000 through employee contributions and GITC funding to support UNICEF’s work. We also took this opportunity to celebrate the rich culture of our Pasifika colleagues which helped strengthened connections nationally, with our teams in Fiji and PNG, and received support from colleagues from outside of the region as well.

For Roanna Purcaru, Service Line Leader for Water, driving initiatives like this goes beyond the funds raised. They create space for conversation and shared ownership of a wider purpose, while strengthening connections across teams, regions and cultures. That sense of participation can be the starting point for deeper, longer-term community impact.

We continue to support Zealandia’s Sanctuary to Sea project, which sets out a 100-year vision to improve water quality and biodiversity across the Kaiwharawhara stream catchment. Our involvement includes engineering and stormwater management support alongside ongoing support as the sanctuary evolves. Over the past three years, our team have participated beyond pro-bono project delivery to also taking part in hands-on volunteering days.

Siobhan Hartwell, New Zealand Pacific General Manager, describes the importance of this partnership.

Our teams advocate for conservation efforts, such as river clean-ups, tree planting or helping out at the Hamilton Zoo. These may seem light and practical but are strong avenues to help build awareness of environmental sustainability.

We also express our support for environmental conservation by engaging with the community through educational activities such as during the annual World Rivers Day celebration in Christchurch.

Sarah Browne, Process Engineer, shares her experience:

We continue to support pathways into STEM through education partnerships and hands-on learning experiences. Through the GHD Foundation, we contribute to initiatives such as The STEM Alliance, Wonder Project and university scholarships.

We also bring learning to life through direct engagement. In schools, activities like the Flying High Project at Taumata School give students the chance to experience STEM in interactive ways. In our offices, we host students and employees’ children for hands-on sessions, offering opportunities to explore engineering and science through practical activities and real-world examples. These experiences help build curiosity and awareness of STEM careers.

Community impact can also emerge during project delivery. While working with Lake Rerewhakaaitu School on safe drinking water, L’Rey Renata, Process Engineer, identified an opportunity to connect with students. A classroom session delivered alongside the project introduced water engineering and systems thinking through practical activities.

Being open to these moments helps strengthen connections with communities and extend the value of our work.

Across fundraising, volunteering and STEM engagement, a consistent theme emerges. Community impact is most effective when it is collaborative, sustained and grounded in real situations.

As we look ahead, the focus is on continuing to create space for these moments, where project delivery, learning and community connection come together in ways that are meaningful and lasting.