| 43 T T Kelly Deeks Thriving with complex challenges With a core focus on infrastructure and energy, TOBA also works across the built environment. Above, Paul Cannin, director, and Rahul Kaplish senior project manager. TOBA Projects DEVELOPMENT Delivering complex infrastructure projects in today’s ever-changing environment demands more than just sharp technical skills – it calls for adaptability, communication, and the ability to guide clients through uncertainty. Auckland-based consultancy TOBA Projects brings all that and more to the table. Founded in 2018 by Aaron Clarkson, Paul Cannin, and Umesh Daya, TOBA Projects is named after a rugged hydro project in British Columbia’s TOBA Inlet, where Aaron and Paul first worked together. “That job had everything from avalanches to grizzly bears,” Aaron recalls. “It was a pressure cooker — but it taught us how to stay calm and think clearly when things go sideways.” The team has since grown to 25 project managers and advisors from engineering, quantity surveying, and design backgrounds. With a core focus on infrastructure and energy, TOBA also works across the built environment, where Umesh’s experience in design and construction management has been pivotal. Energy remains a passion for Aaron and Paul, and TOBA is currently delivering a 100MW battery project, with more solar and storage developments in the pipeline. “This is the kind of work that excites us,” Aaron says. “New Zealand needs more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and our mission is to make our country the best in the world at delivering it.” But delivering technically demanding projects is only part of TOBA’s story. The company is just as focused on developing people and building a resilient business from the inside out. One of its most forward-thinking initiatives is a sabbatical programme for long-serving shareholders. “We’re using sabbaticals as a way to grow leadership capability,” Aaron explains. “If someone steps away for six months, it forces us to plan and create space for others to step up.” Umesh is the first to take advantage of the policy, heading off for eight months with his family. “It’s a great way to reset,” Aaron says. “And it gives others the opportunity to grow. That’s real succession planning in action.” TOBA is also improving how it attracts and retains talent. Historically reliant on word-ofmouth recruitment, the company is now putting formal systems in place to help identify and support future leaders. “Some of our best hires were people we took a gamble on, people with that ‘X-factor’ who didn’t tick every box on paper,” Aaron says. “You can teach technical skills, but trust, communication, and accountability are the power skills we’re always looking for.” Internally, TOBA has become more intentional about wellbeing, recognising the pressure that can fall on individual project managers. “We’ve seen how isolating the job can be when someone is holding all the responsibility, so we’ve put structures in place to support our team. They’re not in the trenches alone,” Aaron explains. Looking ahead, TOBA’s focus is threefold: strengthening its presence in the energy sector, structuring its business development efforts, and expanding its ownership structure. “We’ve got a share offer underway now to bring more people into the business,” Aaron says. “We don’t want to be one of those consultancies that collapses when the founders retire. We want to build something that lasts.” For TOBA Projects, delivering infrastructure is about more than just finishing the job. It’s about building a business that can navigate uncertainty, support its people, and help clients move forward – no matter how complex the road ahead. “This job isn’t about control,” Aaron says. “It’s about managing complexity, embracing ambiguity, and bringing people with you. That’s what real project management looks like.” Proudly Supporting Toba Projects Less admin, more freedom. Xero Bookeepers Industry experts NZ Based www.livingbusiness.co.nz WHATWE DO? With our expertise, explore a world where your skills and aspiration align with meaningful opportunities. Ignite your career purpose. with We take a great pride in delivering HR solutions tailored to your organization's specific needs. Our expertise extends to a diverse range of projects, from complex restructures and change programs to full business wind-downs and restructures. We have also conducted psychometric assessments for leadership development, provided career outplacement services, and offered ad hoc HR advice to small organizations lacking their own HR functions. In addition to our recruitment services, we have had the privilege of acting in interim HR leadership roles for organizations during the search for permanent HR staff. This unique perspective allows us to understand your organization inside out, enabling us to find the best-suited candidates for your team. Katie Godinet 021 277 2131 | 09 212 5418 | katie@bureau.co.nz bureau.co.nz Your next accountancy partner. 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