Next Gen MentorMix Programme Update - July

Now in its third year, MentorMix programme continues to connect Next Gen members with experienced professionals from across New Zealand's built environment.

The Building Institute Aotearoa is a pan-industry organisation, which means our members come from a range of backgrounds and roles. With the MentorMIX programme, our mentees (Next Gen members who sign up for the programme) are able to meet a range of mentors through online and in-person (location dependent) sessions. It is a nationwide initiative and gives mentees a taste of different roles across the sector, i.e. Project Managers, Architects, Design Managers, Site Managers.

Now with the programme well underway, we're pleased to see another cohort of emerging professionals building meaningful connections, expanding their networks and gaining practical advice from mentors who are passionate about supporting the next generation of the industry.

A special thank you to GIB, our proud sponsor of the MentorMIX series, for helping make this programme possible.

Here's what some of this year's participants have to say about the current programme: 

The mentoring session provided valuable insights into project coordination, communication between stakeholders, and the administrative responsibilities of a Project Manager. It enhanced my understanding of real-world project management practices and will contribute to my ongoing professional development. Banuja.S, Auckland Mentee.

We have checked in to understand goals, answer industry questions, and support future development. We went on a Wellington site visit, giving a first-hand look at a project under construction. I have encouraged Julianne with networking opportunities and am preparing a letter of support for Isaiah’s Keystone Trust scholarship application. Daniel Benton, Wellington Mentor.

Isaiah and I recently visited the site of a project that Daniel is a part of. Julianne Lapuz, Wellington Mentee.

Richard is a huge asset to Building Institute Aotearoa, even as a volunteer. Find a way to keep that man on. He is full of vigor and passion for the industry and he’s ahead of the game in many respects. I appreciate him a lot and count myself hugely fortunate to spend time with him. We are catching up regularly with ample information to discuss and vast ground to cover. Both of Richard’s mentees will come out levels ahead and better off in almost every way. I hope you guys know how much Richard is investing into this mentoring project. He's the man. Alan Banfield, Christchurch Mentee.

The mentoring sessions have been going really well. They have been very informative and helpful. Richard has been meeting us in person every fortnight, and we've been discussing a range of topics. At the moment, we're mainly focusing on NZS 3910, which has been really valuable. Jenny James, Christchurch Mentee.

At my last meeting with my mentor, my fellow mentee and I brought along 2 other people from the Mentor Mix. We discussed about what the industry is like in New Zealand compared to the UK. We also participated in an architecture competition held at Victoria University of Wellington, and asked my mentor for advice on how to proceed with the competition. Syifa Hidayat, Wellington Mentee.

I really appreciate all the work that has gone into organising the Mentor Mix programme. I had a great catch-up with my mentor Greg recently, and it was a very encouraging and valuable conversation. I'm grateful for his time and willingness to share his experience and advice. Li Tang, Auckland Mentee.

My mentees have been very proactive in wanting to discuss anything and everything. We start each time with a mini intro for anyone new but after that the topic of convo is open. This leads us down not just work but their uni courses and everything in between. Ben Bouke, Wellington Mentor.

I have been actively supporting several mentees through regular catch-ups, offering guidance on study, career goals, networking, and industry opportunities. My mentoring has included informal discussions, project insights, and ongoing support to help mentees build confidence and connections as they move into the industry. Overall, I have found the programme rewarding and has invested meaningful time in supporting the next generation of construction professionals. Paul Styles, Auckland Mentor.

This month has been a little more mellow with the mentees. We’ve had a few check-ins via video call, and I have lined up meetings for them both with people in their respective fields of interest — Tayla with Nigel, and Denny with someone from CMP. We’re currently looking at getting them both out for another site visit to Miramar Golf Club as we come into the home stretch, with significant earthworks underway on the range foundations. To date, it’s been great to provide new entrants to the industry with exposure through on-site experiences, while also helping them develop their networks and meet people from the wider industry. The mentees will get out of the experience what they are willing to put in, and it’s great to see the next generation so keen to get involved. Dan Bradley, Wellington Mentor.

My mentees and I have spent a few hours on one of our large construction sites so they can learn more about the industry and there are two more visits already planned. Lian Versteeg, Auckland Mentor.