PEOPLE OF THE BUILT ENVRIONMENT - Brian Hayes

From carpentry work in Ireland to leading the delivery of one of New Zealand's most significant construction projects, Brian Hayes has built a career defined by challenge, collaboration, and a passion for creating projects that leave a lasting impact.

Now a Construction Director with BESIX Watpac, Brian recently completed work on One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in Christchurch and is turning his attention to the Brisbane Olympic Stadium.

Brian's interest in construction began during his school years in County Waterford, Ireland, where he spent weekends and summers working in carpentry. The experience inspired him to study architecture, but after two years in the profession he found he was drawn more to the people and delivery side of projects than office-based design work.

"I wanted to be more site-based, actually building something rather than just drawing it," he says.

That realisation led him to study construction management, setting the course for a career that would eventually take him halfway around the world. What was intended to be a year of travelling became a permanent move to Australia more than two decades ago.

Since joining BESIX Watpac in Australia early in his career, Brian has worked across a range of major projects, gaining a reputation for tackling technically demanding builds. One of the projects that stands out is the Flight Centre International Headquarters in Brisbane, which involved complex construction around rail infrastructure, a bus tunnel and a heritage building.

“I’m very much a person that loves being challenged.” he says.

While Brian has contributed to several major projects, stadium developments have become a particular passion. After working on upgrades to venues including the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium, he moved to Townsville as Project Manager for North Queensland Stadium. It was there that he discovered the value of working closely with regional communities and local businesses.

"With stadiums in regional areas, it's not just about the building. The communities, subcontractors and consultants really want to be part of those projects," he says. "It creates a great culture when you have that enthusiasm for the project and the community behind it."  

That experience led him to Christchurch and the opportunity to help deliver One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. Brian says the project reflected many of the same qualities he had enjoyed in Townsville, with strong local involvement and a collective commitment to success.

That emphasis on people and partnerships was also recognised as Brian took home the Supreme Award at the 2026 Building People Awards. Judges praised his calm and collaborative leadership throughout the delivery of one of the country's most significant construction projects, noting his ability to unite a large and diverse project team behind a shared goal. They also recognised his commitment to supporting the next generation of industry professionals, with dozens of trainees gaining valuable experience and development opportunities through the project.

Looking to the future, Brian believes technology will continue to reshape the industry. Having completed a university thesis on advanced digital modelling more than 20 years ago, he is encouraged by the growing use of BIM and sees significant potential for both digital tools and artificial intelligence.

"I think AI is going to have a big involvement, but only within certain aspects. It will be interesting to see how that develops."

For students and emerging professionals, Brian's advice is simple: get practical experience as early as possible.

"Sometimes you can simply knock on a door and ask if you can get some work experience. You get a feel for it pretty quickly," he says.

It's advice that reflects his own career journey. What began as weekend carpentry work in Ireland ultimately led to a career delivering major projects across Australasia. Through it all, Brian has remained motivated by the same things: solving complex problems, working with great people, and building projects that communities can be proud of. 

One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. Photo supplied by BESIX Watpac.