Civil Contractors New Zealand has elected the first female president in its 78-year history.
Napier business consultant and former Gair Contracting Managing Director Bailey Gair was elected unopposed at the organisation’s AGM on Thursday, replacing outgoing president Tony Pike of Downer at the helm of the association representing the aspirations of New Zealand’s civil construction industry.
Ms Gair has been on CCNZ’s Executive Council since 2015, serving her most recent term as Vice President. Her election as president highlights the changing face of an industry more and more women are choosing to build their careers in.
“In the year ahead sustainability will be a big focus for the industry, with new technology and innovations helping to transform the way New Zealand’s essential infrastructure was built, said Ms Gair.
“Operating in ways that are socially and environmentally sustainable is becoming an absolute necessity for businesses of all sizes in civil construction. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it is also a must for any business that wants to successfully win work on major projects.
She was proud to be CCNZ’s first female president and said the industry had come a long way from the days when it was rare to see women on worksites.
“Kudos to the men in our industry, as well as the efforts of the women. The industry has become much more inclusive and there are a lot more women in highly visible roles these days. Women have always had significant roles behind the scenes in civil contracting companies, particularly in SMEs, but they weren’t always on the front lines or in the kinds of management roles where you see them today.”
Ms Gair has been in civil construction since 2008, when she joined her parents’ business to provide temporary cover when the Contracts Manager at the time resigned. She enjoyed the role, and when given the chance decided to stay on, eventually becoming Managing Director in 2016.
She successfully sold Gair Contracting to Goodman Contractors in 2020, continuing on in the industry as a business consultant through her current business Roundview Limited.