Meet Josh Paku, Senior Contract Manager at Russell Roads

How do you describe your role to family and friends?

Wow – such a hard thing to describe but I guess an easy way to explain Contract Management is  like being a ‘Puzzle Manager’.. there are a whole lot of pieces to each contract and you have to come up the best way to put it all together to create the ‘picture’ that the client is expecting from you. Everyday there is a new puzzle to put together and you’ve just got to figure out the most efficient way to do it safely and to a high standard.

What has been your favourite moment in your role so far?

I think my favourite part is being apart of major projects such as the Whakatu Aerial Link and running the NOC contract for NZTA. When you get to drive over/through work that you contributed to, you start to get a real sense of the impact that infrastructure plays in our day-to-day lives. Knowing how much team-work, co-ordination, resource etc goes into building these projects gives me a real sense of pride to when I reflect on these projects.

What is the most exciting aspect of working on the Porangahau and Wimbledon Rd Upgrade Project?

I think it’s been awesome to see locals drive through our sites and know that the work we are doing is making their trip safer and its also strengthening this network for rangatahi and future generations of Porangahau and wider CHB Community.

What is something about your job or roading projects that you wish people knew?

Methodology! Its hard to explain the large amount of ‘puzzle pieces’ that go into building roads. Unfortunately, the process of building a road isn’t as straight forward as it looks when you are driving past a work-site. Building a road that is durable, safe and has a smooth ride is quite an art and is something that we take pride in. Respect the process!

What is one element of the Porangahau and Wimbledon Road Upgrade that you were/are most looking forward to completing?

It was awesome to get the AWPT finished – the condition of the road was very poor prior to the treatment and posed serious risks to the safety of Porangahau Road users.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?

When I’m trying to get paperwork done in the office, I usually put my head-phones in to get in ‘the zone’! It mostly works.

What is one thing you couldn’t live without at work?

Easy – my phone!

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?

Hang out and relax with my whānau.

Best minute of your life so far?

It would have to be when my daughter Indie was born, she’s pretty awesome.

What is your favourite place or thing to do in Central Hawke’s Bay?

I love going with my whānau to gather kaimoana along the CHB coast.. tino reka!

22 February 2021

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