Wynyard Edge Alliance and Akshat Malhotra recognised at Engineering NZ Auckland Branch Awards

Beca was proud to have its people and projects recognised across multiple disciplines at the 2021 Engineering New Zealand Auckland Branch Awards on 30 April.

The Wynyard Edge Alliance (WEA) ,the team that designed and constructed the infrastructure for the 36th America’s Cup (AC36), was announced joint winner of the Arthur Mead Award, an award recognising engineering excellence, innovation and community engagement. The Alliance, consisting of Auckland Council, central Government (represented by MBIE), Downer, McConnell Dowell and designers Beca and Tonkin + Taylor, came together to successfully deliver the complex infrastructure on time and on budget for the America’s Cup event – creating a new public space to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for years to come.

Will Ingle, Beca Senior Associate and Design Manager for the WEA, was at the awards gala to celebrate with the rest of the Alliance team, “The highly successful 36th America's Cup Infrastructure Project has been a career highlight for many of us and if Emirates Team New Zealand’s epic win was the icing on the cake this award really is the cherry on top! Our success wouldn’t have been possible without the Alliance model which enabled us to come together as a single team around a collective goal. Particular recognition should be given to Auckland Council and central Government for having the vision and courage to adopt this collaborative procurement model, forming their first alliance together to deliver this project. None of this would have been possible had it not been for the incredibly talented Emirates Team New Zealand, who provided encouragement and motivation to the Alliance team throughout and have made us all immensely proud.” 

There was more cause for celebration for the Beca team, with Akshat Malhotra winning the title of Outstanding Emerging Professional Award. Akshat, Beca Associate – Mechanical Engineering, has led major building projects including the SkyCity Horizon Hotel, Hotel Grand Chancellor and the University of Auckland Waiparuru Hall. Recently recognised as a New Zealand Institute of Building Young Professional Advisor, Akshat is considered by many in the industry to be an emerging leader who’s passionate about exceptional technical delivery, client service excellence and growing the next generation of engineering talent.

On winning the title he said, “It’s an awesome feeling to be named this year’s Outstanding Emerging Professional. The awards night was a great opportunity to meet other high achievers in the industry and inspire future young professionals. I’m grateful for this amazing recognition of my early career and plan to use this as a source of motivation for me to do greater things in the coming years.”

For more information on the Wynyard Edge Alliance and the work delivered for the AC36, have a look at this page here. You can have a look at this page to find out more about Beca’s Buildings capability and its talented people.

Above: The Wynyard Edge Alliance pictured with the award

Above: Akshat Malhotra, Beca Associate and winner of this year's Outstanding Emerging Professional Award