Stirring The Pot

Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the most seismically active countries on Earth. The performance of steel structures during an earthquake depends, in large part, on the weld. So how confident are we in the science behind how those welds are designed and sized? In this episode, HERA's lead research engineer Hafez Taheri walks through the Seismic Research Programme; what 30 years of testing has s...

In today's Humans of Steel edition of Stirring the Pot, we sit down with Noel Davies, director of Hydro Link, former chair of HERA, and one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most quietly influential business leaders. Noel joined the Navy at 16, made lieutenant commander by 28, then bought a tiny engineering division out of receivership and grew it past $100M. He chaired HERA for 30 years as the...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot , we’re joined by HERA’s leadership team for a wide-ranging kōrero on AI, sustainability and what’s really changing inside engineering right now. The conversation looks at how quickly AI has moved from curiosity to capability. What felt unclear just a year ago is now shaping real projects, real workflows and real decisions. The team talks through where AI is alr...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot, we’re having a kōrero with Richard Templer , Chief Executive of Engineering New Zealand | Te Ao Rangahau , about how Aotearoa funds its engineering system and why the levy on steel producers plays a bigger role than many realise.  Richard explains how the levy underpins HERA’s research, capability building and industry support, and why this kind of stable inves...

🌏 A kōrero on why sustainability is about more than just carbon When it comes to sustainability, carbon gets most of the attention. But the reality is our planet’s health depends on nine interconnected systems, from oceans and forests to air quality and biodiversity. And many of them have already crossed critical limits. In this episode of Stirring the Pot , we sit down with Dr Kate Meyer , found...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we are having a kōrero with Osama Mughrabi, Mick Fritschy and Caroline James about one of the biggest shifts facing construction: digital product passports. With costs rising, resources tightening and pressure mounting to build more sustainably, the idea of reusability and circular economy is no longer on the fringes. It is becoming central to how we prepare thi...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot , we’re having a kōrero with Professor Charles Clifton — legendary structural engineer, longtime HERA collaborator, and newly named Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. From early experiments to revolutionising the way Aotearoa designs for seismic and fire resilience, Charles reflects on his incredible four-decade career in engineering. We explore the big tu...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Matt Ensor. AI strategist and industry innovator — he unpacks what the rise of AI really means for the construction sector. From practical tools to mindset shifts, Matt shares his take on where we’re already seeing AI in action (even if we don’t realise it), the challenges we need to prepare for, and how to take the first step if your...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot, we’re having a kōrero with Maryam Hasanali.  Maryam is a structural research engineer at HERA and the brain behind the scenes driving our newly launched software tool, CompWebPen. Join us as we dive into the thinking, coding, and collaboration that brought CompWebPen to life – a tool designed to simplify the analysis and design of composite steel–concrete beams...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Lydia Frater. Lydia's journey through her HERA internship has been nothing short of transformative. As a third-year engineering student at UC, she stepped into the world of structural fire engineering with minimal prior exposure—only to come out with hands-on experience, deep insights, and a newfound passion for the field. From mo...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Louise Jordaan. Workplace safety is more than compliance, it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel responsible and empowered to speak up. In this episode, we discuss shifting from a “tick-box” approach to real conversations that drive change. Louise from Site Safe NZ shares insights on helping businesses see safety as an inv...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Patrick Fenemor. Ensuring safety in welding is crucial for protecting workers, minimising long-term health risks, and keeping industries running smoothly. In this episode, we explore the hidden dangers welders face, from toxic fumes and radiation to electrocution hazards and hearing damage. Advancements in technology, such as voltage r...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Mayank Shrivastava. Fire protection is about more than just buildings—it is about saving lives, ensuring resilience, and keeping businesses running. In this episode, we explore the challenges of modern fire safety in steel and hybrid construction. With new materials and building techniques emerging, engineers must find ways to balance...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Jeremy Sole. Jeremy, Executive Officer of the Sustainable Steel Council (SSC), shares the council’s key initiatives for 2025. SSC is launching a Green Star-related audit scheme to help the steel industry meet sustainability standards and has finalized its roadmap to carbon zero by 2050. These efforts aim to support industry members in...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Kaveh Andisheh. Kaveh is the project led for the theme of Monitoring 4.0 in the Endeavour Funded and HERA led Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research project. We dive into Monitoring 4.0 and speak about how it is revolutionising structural health by using cutting-edge technology and real-time data to make construction smarter, safer, and mor...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Grier and Jill Fuller. We explore the award-winning Hinuera Sheds project with Steelworks NZ, a standout example of sustainable construction. The team shares how they transformed a demolished shed into a world-class structure, earning global recognition at the ConstructSteel Awards. Learn how they overcame challenges like compliance an...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Kenneth Husted. Unlock the secrets of successful tech transfer in the construction industry with our insightful discussion on the Endeavour Funded and HERA led Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research project! Kenneth, project lead for the theme of Knowledge Transfer, shares how this unique initiative prioritises not only developing new techn...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Professor Xun Xu. Is data connectivity the key to transforming the construction industry? In this episode, we talk with Xun, who is the project led for the theme of Data Connectivity and Standardisation in the Endeavour Funded and HERA led Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research project. We talk about the impact of data standardisation on re...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Michail Karpenko, Kaveh Andisheh and Holger Heinzel. In this episode, Michail, Kaveh, and Holger discuss the transformative concept of circular design in the context of Construction 4.0 . Circular design focuses on reusing materials to extend their lifespan, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. Unlike traditional models, which...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Helena Gervasio. What if the key to a sustainable future lies with structural engineers? Join us as Associate Professor Helena Gervasio, from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, and HERA Structural Systems GM Kaveh Andisheh, delve into the crucial role of sustainability in construction. With Helenas background in structural engineer...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Sarah McLaren. In this episode, we chat with Sarah McLaren, Professor in Life Cycle Management at Massey University, and Sustainable Future Project Lead for the HERA led and Endeavour Funded Construction 4.0 research, about the evolving world of dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Sarah breaks down the key differences between static a...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Yvonne Chan Cashmore. This podcast delves into the transformative concept of Interactive Healing Environments (IHEs) and their potential to enhance urban well-being. Dr. Yvonne Chan Cashmore, Associate Dean of Engagement for Auckland University of Technology (AUT), shares insights from her research on how IHEs not only improve individu...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Robert Amor. Robert Amor, Emerging Technologies Project Lead for HERA’s Construction 4.0 research, breaks down BIM as both a detailed model and a collaborative process. Discover how BIM’s data capabilities go beyond geometry to improve safety, heritage preservation, and cost management. We explore the challenges of BIM implementation,...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Phil Alexander-Crawford. As CEO at Hanga Aro Rau Workforce Development Council (WDC), Phil leads the discussion on transforming vocational education, forging strong industry partnerships, and embracing workforce diversity. Phil breaks down the staggering need to fill over 157,000 jobs by 2029 in key sectors like manufacturing, engineer...

In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Dr Alice Chang-Richards, Dr Yuqian Lu and Dr Yang Zou. All based out of the University of Auckland, together they make up the research team focused on Smart Construction in the HERA led and Endeavour Funded Construction 4.0 research via MBIE: “Developing a Construction 4.0 transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector,” Join us...