Session 7
Friday, August 8, 2025 |
12:50 PM - 2:10 PM |
Trinity Rooms |
Speaker
Mr Philip Robins
Chair NZGS
New Zealand Geotechnical Society
Moderator: The future of NZ standards and test methods
12:50 PM - 1:40 PMBiography
Philip is an acknowledged specialist in geotechnical engineering, high-seismicity engineering, and design development. He is recognised by his peers as a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and Chair of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society.
Trained as a civil engineer with a broad range of experience, locally and internationally, Philip brings outstanding technical expertise in geotechnical engineering leadership that spans all sectors of civil infrastructure. Over the past 30 years, he has consistently shown his ability to lead geotechnical design and the development of geotechnical designs for numerous projects while developing lasting client and partner relationships.
Steven Anderson
Operations and Technical Manager
Geotechnics
Panellist: The future of NZ standards and test methods
12:50 PM - 1:40 PMBiography
Steven brings 40 years of expertise in geotechnical and construction materials testing, encompassing a broad spectrum of natural and manufactured materials.
His career began with Geotechnics on the Marsden Point Oil Refinery Expansion Project, where he gained valuable experience testing concrete, cement, grout, and aggregate. He then moved to the Auckland Laboratory, contributing both in the lab and on-site to diverse projects, including the Kinleith Pulp & Paper Mill (Tokoroa), the Kuala Lumpur to Seremban Expressway (Malaysia), and the Second Manapouri Tailrace Tunnel (Deep Cove, Fiordland).
Steven has coordinated testing for numerous large-scale investigation and construction projects, such as the SH1 Northern Gateway, Grafton Gully Arterial redevelopment, Redvale Landfill, and Whitford Landfill, as well as other regional and national initiatives. He currently provides project direction for Project Managers, offers technical advice, manages contracts with a focus on risk mitigation, and ensuring the deliverables meet the customer's needs.
Steven has also provides technical support to industry.
Mr Grant Bosma
Principal Engineer Surfacings
NZ Transport Agency
Panellist: The future of NZ standards and test methods
12:50 PM - 1:40 PMBiography
Grant Bosma has worked in the roading industry for over 40 years. Most of his career has been with contractors in roles that included laboratory management, technical support and manufacturing. More recently he has joined the NZ Transport Agency as Principal Engineer, Surfacings, providing technical representation and support to NZTA and other organisations.
Grant is involved with the review and update of NZTAs pavement engineering technical specifications, particularly related to pavement materials and surfacings. He brings his technical knowledge and industry experience to the review process ensuing updates are technically sound while practical to procure and construct.
Mr Tony Kao
Geotechnical Engineer/ Technical Advisor
MBIE
Panellist: The future of NZ standards and test methods
12:50 PM - 1:40 PMBiography
Tony is a Geotechnical Engineer with over 10 years of experience spanning both the private and public sectors. Currently, he works in the Building Performance and Engineering team within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as a Geotechnical Engineer focused on providing sound geotechnical engineering advice to support work across MBIE in relation to the building regulatory system and its performance.
Prior to joining MBIE, he worked in a consultancy environment to assist with Canterbury post-earthquake remediation. His work included both carrying out geotechnical investigations and design for both residential and commercial developments. He holds an Engineering Degree from the University of Auckland and is based in Christchurch.
Marko Petrovic
Sales Manager
Geotechnics
Breaking the mould: a holistic revolution in asphalt testing
1:40 PM - 2:10 PMBiography
Marko is a dedicated and results-driven professional with a passion for civil engineering material testing, with many years of experience in supporting the industry in New Zealand through a blend of technical product understanding and sales management.
He is committed to staying ahead of industry trends and collaborating with others to develop further knowledge on test methods, specifications and cutting-edge test systems.
Marko believes in fostering a positive and collaborative environment and thrives on establishing mutually beneficial arrangements.
