I’m a Registered NZILA Landscape Architect with over 18 years of professional experience across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. As Beca’s leading walking and cycling specialist, I’ve spent the past decade focused on active mode strategy, planning, and design—bringing a people-first approach to infrastructure that reflects the unique character and context of the places we live in. My work spans both public and private sectors, from high-level strategy through to detailed design delivery. Benefit realisation for communities—large and small—is a key part of my role. I lead projects that support economic uplift, mode shift, and land use transformation, while navigating the tensions between infrastructure integration and the values of complex urban and rural environments.

John is a former US national road cycling champion who has focused on the planning and design of streets for all transport modes, ages, and abilities since 2005, when he started with Palmerston North City Council as a transportation planner. After completing his Master of Engineering (Transport), he worked for three years on major projects in the USA including the US$100M CV Link pathway and ways to provide for non-motorised users at several highway interchanges in and around Silicon Valley. He works with schools and communities to provide healthy and safe ways to get around our communities. John prepares master plans, business cases, and undertakes a variety of transportation research. He has extensive experience in automatic data collection, demand estimation, and level of traffic stress modelling. He is the former chair of the Engineering NZ Transportation Group.

Bronwen started with ViaStrada as a transportation planner after completing her Master of Planning at Lincoln University. She brings professional experience in technical writing and project management, complemented by a background in customer service. She also has a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Auckland. Her dissertation research in planning investigated best practice in public engagement through Christchurch cycleway projects. This reflects her passion for community-oriented and environmentally sustainable transport outcomes, and her commitment to inclusive and effective planning. So far, Bronwen’s work has included traffic reports, safety audits, interactive GIS maps, a range of transportation research, and an accessibility audit for DOC. She is a member of the NZPI as well as TGNZ.

Tanja Simon is a Transportation Planner at ViaStrada. She holds degrees in Environmental Engineering and Mobility, Traffic, Infrastructure from the University of Kassel, Germany. Tanja has delivered projects in New Zealand and Germany with experience in public transport planning, micro mobility and transport surveys, as well as data and geospatial analysis.

Victor Devyatov is a CPEng and Senior Transport Engineer at Hamilton City Council. He leads transport planning for urban growth areas, supporting safe, efficient networks aligned with Hamilton’s long-term goals. Victor holds a Graduate Diploma in Highway Engineering and degrees in Civil Engineering from Volgograd State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. His work includes network planning, modelling, and infrastructure delivery under the Access Hamilton Strategy. He also supports structure planning, district plan reviews, and regional modelling. Most recently, he led the Northern Corridor Multimodal Investigation to shape transport outcomes for Hamilton’s growing northern suburbs.

Sophia Zou is a Transport Planner and Engineer in the People, Movement, and Place team at Aurecon. She has contributed to public transport projects and business cases aimed at improving access and efficiency across Auckland’s network, including the City Centre Bus Plan, Auckland Light Rail, and local bus improvements. Sophia holds an Honours degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Auckland. She is passionate about creating more connected, people-centred cities through better public transport. Most recently, she worked with Hamilton City Council on the Northern Corridor Multimodal Investigation, helping shape future transport solutions for the growing Waikato region.

Oli du Bern is a Wellington-based leader in city revitalisation and community engagement, known for shaping collaborative approaches that bring people and places to the forefront of urban renewal. With a background spanning strategic engagement, Oli specialises in creating environments where communities can appropriately participate in shaping their city’s future. As Manager of City Revitalisation Engagement, Oli works at the intersection of urban design and community insight — ensuring that revitalisation initiatives reflect the needs, aspirations, and character of Wellington’s diverse communities. His work focuses on fostering authentic connections between government, stakeholders, and the public, enabling projects that are both people centred and future focused. Oli is recognised for his inclusive style, commitment to transparent communication, and passion for strengthening the vibrancy and resilience of urban life. He brings a thoughtful, partnership-driven approach to every project, championing processes that make projects more engaging and equitable.

Matthijs van Dijk is a Wellington-based delivery leader known for his thoughtful, collaborative approach to problem solving and his commitment to strengthening the organisations he works with. With experience spanning cross functional delivery, strategic planning, and people centred practice, he brings a calm, constructive perspective to challenging environments.. Driven by a belief in the power of intrinsically motivated teams with a clear purpose, Matthijs is recognised for his ability to translate ideas into practical action. He is skilled at bridging perspectives, supporting innovation, and helping teams navigate change with clarity and purpose. Matthijs is valued for his integrity, pragmatism, curiosity, and future focused mindset. His work reflects a strong commitment to Wellington and more people friendly streets.