David Maucor

My key focus has been on making a positive impact on people and the environment. I have a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry and sustainable outcomes and support project teams to develop and implement sustainable strategies and initiatives.

I take a hands-on approach to the projects I work on, and my key attribute is the passion I invest into driving the outcomes we want to see. I am known to be a tam player, pragmatic, positive and persistent. I have strong communication skills and I am just as comfortable running a workshop for senior executives as delivering an interactive toolbox talk on the shop floor.

After doing a Horticultural Engineering & Landscaping Masters in France, I completed a Masters in Sustainable Business Management at the HEC Business School in Paris. With over 15 years industry experience in the Environmental and Sustainability industry, I have a strong understanding of New Zealand’s sustainability and environmental policies and frameworks, as well as being well connected with my NZ and Australian peers.

I also have a passion in Occupational Health & Safety, and my International Diploma and professional work has given me great insights into how to deliver meaningful and engaging H&S.

As Sustainability manager for Downer NZ, I helped formulate the business’s Science Based Target and Strategy for decarbonisation. I set up Downer’s Sustainability Governance Group (SGG), and led this alongside the appointed Senior Executive. It was an exciting journey and truly satisfying to actually develop the decarbonisation roadmaps that back up our Net Zero targets.

As Environmental Manager on the Christchurch Earthquake Infrastructure Rebuild, I developed a comprehensive action plan to address construction related wastewater overflows to rivers. This comprehensive action plan included improvements in preworks planning, incident investigation, staff training and practical site controls. The new methodology became the benchmark for wastewater overflow best practice in the industry, resulting in praise from Christchurch City Council and winning an ECan Kārara Award in 2013. The coolest part was deploying the ‘enviro kayak’ sessions – to give staff first-hand understanding of the environmental impact of silt and sewage in waterways. This programme was a finalist in the 2013 NZ Green Ribbon Awards.

As Environmental Advisor for the A65 Highway Construction PPP (D&C of a 150km, $2B highway in south-west France). I worked closely with the design team to integrate environmental constraints into the design using an “eliminate, minimise, offset” approach. I managed ecological surveys, supplied environmental data and advised on methodologies and costs. The project included 15 viaducts and intersected numerous protected habitats, archaeological sites and earthworks in sensitive ecosystems. We were the first significant infrastructure project in France to implement a quantified and scientific approach to Biodiversity offsetting. My favourite part was working with a team of Chiroptera specialists to design and construct a unique “Bat-o-duct” over the motorway!

I truly love working in a profession where I can align with and share my values. I am a stubbornly positive person who believes that my contribution is to help people understand and embrace sustainability in how it relates to them.

I also have 2 young tamariki (children) whom I love and to whom I want to leave a sustainable world.

I do DIY and gardening at home, bring my whanau (family) camping and tramping (backpacking) as soon as I can, and watch rugby, especially when France is playing!