“One of the aspects I really like about engineering is that it takes science and facts and applies them to the real world.”

Karen has been with Resolve Group since 2002, the year of its inception. She says the reason she’s still with the company is that its values, goals, priorities and culture are closely aligned with her own, and have meant Resolve has been a good fit throughout the different stages of her life, both in and out of the office.

Karen’s engineering career has seen her work in transport technology, traffic engineering, design, project management, contract documentation, client representation, safety auditing and traffic operations. She has worked for local government and a diverse range of clients in New Zealand and the UK.

A member of the Senior Leadership Team and head of the Transport Solutions Service Line, Karen gets considerable satisfaction from her roles and values the professional relationships she has with her colleagues and clients and the inspiration they provide to improve society.

From 2014 to 2016, Karen was the Commissioning Manager for Auckland Transport’s AMETI Covered Box project. She established the technologies needed to safely and efficiently operate the covered box and integrate it into Auckland Transport’s Operation Centre. This involved developing integration testing methodology and carrying out tests in the covered box prior to opening, including an emergency services exercise. She says this complex project was, “challenging but extremely rewarding,” and considers it a career highlight.

Karen offers her clients:

• An ability to see the bigger picture without sacrificing attention to detail.
• An understanding of the elements of project and construction management, the design process, and the fundamentals of safety and transportation engineering.
• Up-to-date knowledge and a willingness to explore new ideas.
• Sensitive management of client and stakeholder expectations, especially when not closely aligned.
• A successful leadership style that manages teams, and guides stakeholders, with a calm and resolute approach.

Karen enjoys her productive vegetable garden, her middle-aged dog and her three, hockey-playing teenagers. Her family is keen on tramping and has a plan to hike all the great walks of New Zealand.

“I am dedicated to providing clients with all the support they need, and I am completely committed to successful delivery. I enjoy learning and inspiring others and leading people to develop solutions.”

Martin co-founded Resolve Group in 2002 with the desire to embody his own values of curiosity, enterprise, resourcefulness, and imagination and to test the engineering ‘status quo.’ In his role as Managing Director, he constantly challenges himself, and the wider team, to strive for improvement in all aspects of support and delivery, reinforcing one of Resolve Group’s core business tenants. He also works to develop key people within the business as leaders of Resolve Group’s Succession Plan. He says that “identifying and developing people who have similar values and the potential to grow is an enjoyable part of my role here.”

A genuine innovator with more than 40 years’ experience in transport engineering and a proven track record of delivering complex projects, Martin has created numerous businesses in New Zealand and delivered projects internationally, in Asia and the Pacific. He believes keeping up to date with current global transportation issues is vital for New Zealand and thoroughly enjoys his regular participation in international Intelligent Transport Systems Conferences.

Reflecting his respected status in the industry, Martin has been elected to a number of international transport committees and has been called as an expert witness for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, councils and insurance companies.

Martin highlights his work in risk management as especially important to him. He says, “when procedures are correctly followed and appropriate procurement strategies implemented, the risk of contractual issues arising during construction are significantly reduced – and everyone wins.”

Martin offers his clients:

• A recognised ability to lead contract management, contract administration and risk assessments.
• The ability to scope out complex projects and establish a practical method of delivery.
• Experience in leading teams to deliver on commitments to clients.
• Skills in the challenging areas of dispute management and human resource management along with specialist experience in dispute resolution (e.g., between clients, consultants and contractors involving design, contract procedures and contract claims).
• Strength and experience in company management, strategic marketing and business development.

When away from the office, Martin enjoys spending time with his extended family of 23 children and grandchildren, reading, and playing golf – he has played a round or two in Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia and the United States. His international travel includes visits to Europe, North America, Asia and the South Pacific. These visits often include a side-trip to notable bridges; his favourite is the Le Viaduc de Millau in France.