| 3 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Built Environs T TKelly Deeks Building a diverse worksite culture Diversity is about building stronger teams, improving problem solving, and creating workplaces where people can thrive. Built Environs is backing a more inclu‑ sive future for construction, combining practical workplace support, leadership pathways, and industry partnerships to attract and retain more women across New Zealand worksites. The company, which operates in New Zea‑ land under the McConnell Dowell Group, says diversity is about building stronger teams, improving problem solving, and creating work‑ places where people can thrive. Built Environs HR advisor Isabella Morlin says the business has developed a clear strategy across New Zealand and Australia to support women in construction, with New Zealand leading the way through strong engagement with the National Association of Women in Construction, known as NAWIC. “New Zealand has gained a lot of traction through the women in construction network,” Isabella says. “There are more opportunities to connect, learn, and support our teams.” Built Environs currently has a workforce that is about 25 percent female across the business, a figure Isabella says reflects steady progress in an industry traditionally dominat‑ ed by men. She says one standout employee is Health, Safety, Environment advisor Alexis Prebble, who has become a strong advocate for wom‑ en in the sector. “Alexis goes above and beyond to reinforce the role of women in construction,” Isabella says. “She is prepared to speak up, put herself forward, and make sure people are treated equally on site.” The company also focuses on career devel‑ opment, offering coaching programmes for high potential female employees, training, and tailored development plans. Flexible working arrangements are another key part of the strategy. Built Environs supports staff with school drop offs, medical appointments, remote working when needed, and additional leave options to help maintain family balance. “We have a lot of people with different cir‑ cumstances, including single parents and staff without family support nearby. Family comes first,” Isabella says. “We want people to have relationships with the people they work with. When people know each other better, work becomes easier and people feel more comfortable speaking up.” “If our people are open about what is hap‑ pening in their lives, we can help.” She says the company has also worked hard to build culture through social clubs, hosting regular events where staff and families can connect outside work. “We want people to have relationships with the people they work with,” Isabella says. “When people know each other better, work becomes easier and people feel more com‑ fortable speaking up.” Built Environs has operated in New Zealand for eight years and more than 35 years in Australia. Its current New Zealand workload includes health centres, bus stations, commer‑ cial developments, and infrastructure projects. Alexis says increasing diversity delivers real benefits on every site. “The more you diversify something, the more perspectives you bring,” Alexis says. “That means better ideas, better solutions, and a better understanding of how people work together.” She says women bring creativity, empathy, energy, and leadership into an industry that is continuing to evolve. “The energy is fantastic when women come together to talk about their work, their chal‑ lenges, and what they are achieving,” she says. Looking ahead, Alexis says the long-term goal is a workforce where opportunity is based purely on capability. “I would love to see a 50-50 split one day. We want people chosen for their competency, and we want an industry where everyone feels welcome to stay and succeed.” WWW.CLE.CO.NZ
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