Tristan Lees-Baker

Catherine Schollar

Principal Advisor

Catherine has 30 years’ experience within the civil engineering sector in both client and consultant roles. Catherine has extensive knowledge in the development and management of professional services, physical works and maintenance contracts gained through project management, Engineer’s Representative and team leader roles in road, rail and utilities disciplines.

Catherine has led contract management reviews for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Transport and University of Canterbury utilising her extensive communication skills to draw out valuable insights. Her experience in both project and programme management has sharpened her focus on ensuring alignment between project scope and expectations - including involving the right people at the right time - and on feeding back lessons learnt in a timely way. 

Catherine is a Chartered Engineer (UK), qualified lead auditor, accredited tender evaluator and accredited Engineer’s Representative.

Areas of expertise

  • Contract management

  • Preparation of request for tender documentation

  • Tender evaluation

  • Auditing and contract management reviews

  • Project management

Relevant projects

  • Northern Pathway Westhaven to Akoranga, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (2020)

    In the role of Deputy Project Director, Catherine was responsible for ensuring appropriate project controls were in place and being proactively used to manage the project, including: risk adjusted programme, quantified risk analysis and robust cost estimates.

  • Dome Valley Safety Improvements Engineer’s Representative, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (2018 – 2020)

    Catherine was the tender evaluation team lead for this construction project north of Auckland and was then appointed as the Engineer’s Representative under NZS 3910:2013.

  • Auckland System Management (ASM) Maintenance Alliance, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (2018)
    Catherine was a key member of the procurement team for two contractors for the ASM maintenance alliance. She was the procurement process manager for the statement of interest and ability phase and also supported the request for proposal phase.

  • Waipapa Improvements, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (2018 – 2020)

    Catherine developed the professional services contract for pre-implementation services (design) and then led the tender evaluation team to identify a consultant. Subsequent to completion of the pre-implementation services, Catherine reviewed the construction documents and managed the process to negotiate engagement of the contractor.

  • Contract Management Reviews (CMR), Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (2011 – 2019)

    Catherine was one of the lead reviewers for CMRs under a term contract with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. This involves a review of supplier practices against the contract requirements, their tender submission and management systems.