Meet Andrew Collings

Andrew made the move from Melbourne, Australia to New Zealand in 2017 to pursue new career prospects and a more relaxed lifestyle for his family. Find out what he’s been up to since he joined Beca as a Senior Associate – Transportation and why he loves living in Hamilton.

What attracted you to Beca?

I have a good friend who worked in the Melbourne office and he couldn’t speak more highly of Beca. He went on to become the CEO of a charity but it was his positive words, the size of the company, and the fact that Beca is employee owned that influenced my decision.

Why did you choose Hamilton?

Making the shift from a big city like Melbourne, it was important that my family had somewhere that provided the lifestyle we were after. When I talked to a number of friends who lived in Hamilton they told us about the range of sporting and equestrian facilities in the region, I didn’t need any more convincing! In my mind, Hamilton is the perfect size city that still has everything you need, from good coffee shops, entertainment and infrastructure, but also not too large as to suffer with major congestion.

How has it matched your expectations?

It has exceeded our expectations! We have joined several sporting clubs, attended park runs and we also volunteer with the local arm of Achilles International. Not to mention the perfect mix of restaurants and entertainment to choose from. Also, you’re only an hour’s drive from Auckland if you need anything from the big smoke.

What sort of projects have you been involved in? 

I am involved in Safe Roads projects, Supporting Growth Programme, and locally transport planning and business case projects in the Hamilton and wider Waikato area.

What has been your favourite accomplishment at Beca? 

Helping complete a parking strategy business case in Queenstown is my favourite accomplishment so far. Queenstown was stunning, and it was great to work on a project that had such tangible results and benefits for the community.

How does the work you do ‘make everyday better’ for our clients and communities?

The Safe Roads work we do helps to improve the safety of regional highways for everyone who travels on them. Our goal is to work with communities and stakeholders to find solutions that will reduce deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.

The supporting growth Programme of work in Auckland is helping to ensure that the future population of Auckland has appropriate transport networks to provide a higher quality of life.

What does the next 12 months hold for you?

Definitely lots more public transport and active transport business cases across the region.

Outside of work, my family is planning a road trip around New Zealand over Christmas to explore the country. I’ll also be training for the modern pentathlon in Waikato – wish me luck!

Beca’s Business Transport and Technology Services (BTTS) team are hiring – what are you looking for in a new colleague?

Someone who is passionate, loves what they do, has integrity, and who wants to work in a fun and fast paced environment on challenging projects that help shape NZ and beyond.