As part of a series of stories profiling people of influence from around Beca, we asked Market Director – Land Transport Rob Hales to tell us about his career journey and life outside of work.
Tell us about your childhood. Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
My father was an industrial knitting engineer in the UK and when that industry started to fall apart there in the 60s, my parents emigrated to New Zealand. I was born in Nelson and then we lived in Dannevirke until I was 10. Dad got a job at Norsewear making woolly jumpers and socks.
We were not well off, and my parents realised that they couldn’t afford to keep going back to the UK to see their ageing parents. So, after 20 years in New Zealand, they moved back to be close to them.
At age 10 I went from a rural New Zealand school where I was playing rugby and gallavanting around in Manawatū river catchments, to living in a small house in an estate in Leicester.
I didn’t have the best time in either place. Even though I was born here, I’ve always had an English accent from my parents, so I was bullied for that in Dannevirke. And in the UK, I was mercilessly bullied for sounding a bit like a Kiwi! I guess it made me tough, and it’s probably why I’m always a defender of the disadvantaged. I can’t stand to see anyone having a tough time.
When did you move back to New Zealand?
It was triggered by Brexit and during COVID. We wanted a better place for our kids to grow up and for them to have kids, from a global issues and climate change point of view.
Before COVID we were thinking of coming just for a NZ holiday for my wife and kids to check the place out, but then thought why not apply for some jobs? I got an offer and we made the jump.
My wife is a lawyer turned lecturer at the University of Auckland. We have a 15-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son and live on 2.7ha of mostly protected bush and wetland. It’s like a nature reserve, with lots of kerurū and kingfisher. We have a couple of alpacas (Albie and Chewpaca) and a big ginger cat called Scout.
We’re actually looking at moving closer to the city. It’s quite remote for the kids and their friendships, and we now find we’re craving more community.
Tell us about your career journey. What did you study at university, and how did you end up where you are now?
I wanted to be a vet – I decided that at age 5 and I didn’t revisit that choice until I got my A level results and started to think about other options.
With the science and maths subjects that I had, I started looking at engineering and chose Chemical and Process Engineering because it sounded interesting – I liked the idea of bringing people together to produce things at scale.
A Process Engineer’s job is about understanding everybody’s different viewpoints and bringing that conversation together into a solution.
I’ve worked in all sorts of roles from Project Engineering to Design Management, Project and Programme Management, Bid Management and as a Group Director, across sectors from food manufacturing to drinking water, rail, airports and roads.
I feel fortunate to have had these opportunities. I didn't go to the best schools and I'm the first person from my family to ever go to university, which has allowed me to have this diverse and enjoyable career.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am Dad Taxi a lot of the time. Our kids are into music and performing arts. They are both rehearsing for two shows at the moment, so there’s a lot of running them around.
I like to go to rugby games, theatre and concerts when I get the opportunity. I used to be into mountain biking and running, but post-COVID I’m still recovering my fitness and trying to find time to look after myself. Too much time is spent looking after the ‘lifestyle’ block (or should that be ‘life-sentence’ block?)
I love music. You’ll always see me with headphones in. I listen to everything from Metallica to classical.
What advice do you give to people about their career paths?
Have an intended direction, but don’t force it. Have a systematic view of where the gaps are in your experience and skills, then look for opportunities to fill those gaps. Put your hand up for things that will take you in the direction you want to go, but don’t over-commit. You need the time to be able to deliver well on everything that you’re doing to progress.
How would your friends describe you?
It depends on which friend! When I was younger I had the nickname of ‘blunt’. I put so much effort into navigating the social side of work, that when I’m on my own time I like to say it how it is. I enjoy socialising with people I can trust not be offended by an unfiltered conversation! I’m a lot more jokey amongst people I’ve developed that kind of relationship with.
What is rewarding about your current role in the land transport sector?
There are two sides – it’s about outcomes in the world, as well as outcomes in the company.
Beca has the ability to deliver projects that make everyday better – that change outcomes for communities. I’m always looking for where we can deliver more than the client is expecting, or delight the community, or save the client money so they can do even more.
Within the company, I enjoy looking for opportunities to share knowledge and experience to help others move their own careers forward and do work they’re passionate about.
I see transport, in conjunction with urban development, as unlocking opportunities for people and I want to play what part I can in lifting up others, as payback for the opportunities I have had.