Peter Sansom attended the recent Ingenium Conference, held in Dunedin, whose theme was ‘A Climate of Change,’ and found both keynote speakers motivating, energising and informative.

Kevin Stirratt from Forsyth Barr, the keynote speaker on day one, noted that emerging markets are starting to play a bigger role in world economies driven by research, innovation and technology. His paper, titled “Globalisation, Interdependence and Change,” used the world economy, demographics, market demand and the relative change in GDP between different countries (in particular China) to examine how different funding mechanisms suited changing variables, and how PPP funding might better suit initiatives with large capital requirements.  He summarised by stating that “change is constant” and NZ is well placed to supply services to the world market in the areas of agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, tourism and education.

Ian Taylor from Animation Research Ltd., keynote speaker on day two, considered one of the keys to his businesses success has come from using technology to present data in innovative ways that resulted in spin-off opportunities (e.g. asset management applications from models initially developed for sports animation purposes).  Ian’s presentation was informative, inspiring and demonstrated how, despite NZ’s relative remoteness from the rest of the world, small companies here can be world leaders simply by having a positive outlook and following passions and dreams.

Resolve Group’s Garson Bell also presented a paper at the conference. Titled, “The Smart Way,” it is an overview of changes in technology use in the transport sector.

Resolve Group recently undertook a “bottom up” review for Auckland Transport (AT) of the construction methodology, programme and costs estimate for their proposed Dominion Road Passenger Transport Upgrade project. The project aims to improve the operation of the existing bus lanes and provide better facilities for cyclists on Dominion Road between the SH20 Motorway interchange and the View Road intersection.

AT needed a review of the original cost estimate for this high profile and sensitive project, which is on one of Auckland’s busiest arterial roads. Resolve provided a “bottom up” review, which involved looking at the construction methodology, programme and costs estimate from first principles; that is, it asked how a contractor would actually construct it. This approach provides an increased level of certainty on costs, provided people with the right experience and capability are involved.

As a consequence of this exercise, Resolve Group have given AT confidence to proceed with the project and apply for funding for the next phase.