Meet the team

Behind the project is a dedicated team made up of staff from Watercare, our contractor Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture, and a range of suppliers and subcontractors. Together, the team is working towards delivering the project safely, sustainably and to the highest possible standard for the people of Auckland.

Let's meet the team

Central Interceptor executive programme director shayne cunis holding a giant historic shell

Shayne Cunis
Executive programme director

Our team is led by Shayne who oversees procurement and delivery of the project. Along with a degree in civil engineering, Shayne brings more than 20 years’ experience and industry knowledge of water infrastructure to the table.

When he's not at work, you'll find Shayne on a bike or swimming at our local beaches. As he is an avid Ironman competitor, it's all part of his rigorous training regime.

Photo: Shayne with one of the giant historic shells uncovered from our Māngere site.

 

Jane Kubala
Project Engineer

In her four years on CI, Jane has shown exceptional leadership skills. Working at our Māngere Pump Station, May Rd, Haverstock Rd and the Frederick St (PS23) sites, she has developed an excellent working relationship with our main contractor, Ghella Abergeldie JV.

Aucklander Jane completed her Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering (Civil & Environmental) at The University of Auckland. She joined CI in 2018 as an intern and continued part-time study until she became a fulltime Graduate Engineer. Outside work she likes to be outdoors, on the water, tramping and camping.

Jane’s work was recognised recently with a ‘Health & Safety Champion Award’ for reviewing various Worksafe Approved Code of Practices (ACOPS) and sharing her knowledge with colleagues, lifting their level of understanding. She also undertook COVID-19 administrative duties and promoted testing during 2022.

Since then, Jane managed the construction of our new Pipejacking Training Facility in Māngere. In recognition of all her good work, she was recently promoted from graduate to project engineer.

Click here to view her story

Photo: Jane receiving her Award from CI senior management.

 

Photo of Michele Invernizzi who is a member of our Central Interceptor team

Michele Invernizzi
TBM mechanical superintendent

Michele has more than 30 years’ TBM experience, having first trained as a TBM mechanic in 1991. He’s worked on TBM projects all over the world, with his previous role being in France building a 57km tunnel under the Alps for a high-speed train project. He’s no stranger to New Zealand, having worked here in the late 90s building the Mercury vector tunnel in Auckland.

Role on site: He is responsible for assembling, installing and maintaining the TBM along with all its supporting plant and equipment such as rails and trains. This is no small job: at 190 metres long, the TBM has many moving parts and a massive support crew of plant and equipment experts on the surface.

Photo of Peter Lilley underground in the Central Interceptor's tunnel boring machine

Peter Lilley
B Grade Tunnel Manager

Peter is from Dan Carter country, but he's not in the business of kicking goals, instead building tunnels is his jam. Today, take a trip deep underground with him and explore his technocoloured office.

Click here to view his story

Photo of stakeholder liaison Brent Evans talking with members of the public

Brent Evans
Head of external and strategic relations

Brent (second from left) and his team work closely with our contractor, Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture, and together they aim to minimise the impact of construction on stakeholders and local communities. He's spent 30 years working in the public sector managing relationships with elected members and Council.
 
Outside of work Brent likes to head out on the water and fish the Hauraki Gulf.

Photo: Brent (second from left) explaining the project to local residents at a recent community event.

 

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