NZWiR Scolarship Winner, Dani Ohlsson

Above is a photo of one of the first roofs Dani has worked on so far in her roofing journey. 

The opportunities that arise in the Steel Roofing Industry can present themselves in multiple forms at any stage of our lives. We recently reached out to Anna Morris, the People & Culture General Manager of Steel & Tube after meeting her during a tour of the new Steel & Tube Hamilton Roofing Site to discuss her career journey, experiences, and insights into the steel industry. Here’s what Anna had to share:

Can you tell us about your journey and how you ended up in your current role? 
I started work as an employment lawyer, working at Simpson Grierson here and then moved over to Australia while I was still practising law. I got the bug for construction when the chance came up to do some work on the Sydney and Melbourne desalination projects. I loved the teamwork, adrenaline, and pride in finishing these incredible projects. I’ve worked in construction ever since. Over time my role has changed, taking on responsibilities for safety, HR, and other things as the opportunities arose. I now look after Customer Experience and our People & Culture functions at Steel & Tube.

What unique experiences have you had in your career that have shaped your approach to work? 
I’ve worked on some incredibly tough infrastructure projects – pressure on money, budget, and stakeholder relationships, some made national headlines for the challenges they were facing. In times of real adversity, often the superstars were not the ones with the most impressive titles or the ones with straight A’s who’d got every promotion. The superstars were the people who had experienced challenges and knock-backs already in their lives and were able to problem solve with a calm head, stay cool and dig in to tackle hard work when others found it too tough and left. Business doesn’t always go to plan, and these experiences taught me the value of seeking out people for our teams and businesses whose life experiences equip them for unforeseen and difficult situations.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in roofing or the steel industry?
There’s something rewarding about taking a path less trodden. We see so many awesome examples of females doing incredibly well in our sector – I know it’s a generalisation but often females have strong communication and relationship-building skills which adds real value to our teams and our customers. It’s a great time to be part of the industry as changes happen – emerging technology, new team dynamics, and new and safer ways of working. If you’re curious about our sector, you’re on track with the right mindset – I’d recommend reaching out and speaking to someone working in roofing or steel about their experience, and if you don’t know anyone we’d love to talk to you!!

Can you share a story of a mentor or colleague who had a significant impact on your career? 
I was lucky enough to have a boss in Australia who became one of my role models and mentors. He was brave, razor-sharp, and full of character. I loved his courage and even now I still find myself asking “What would he do if he were me right now?”. As a leader, he had a simple practice that made him awesome to work for. He would share praise in front of others (public kudos feel fantastic for those who deserve recognition) but kept any admonishments private and behind closed doors. It’s a simple practice but hard to do when you’re feeling cranky, or you’re rushing and forget to use the opportunity when people are together to recognise awesome work. I’ll always be grateful for his lessons, as well as the great culture I got to experience at an important time in my career.

What do you believe are the key factors to building strong relationships with clients and colleagues? 
There’s so much more for all of us to learn with this topic. I don’t think there’s anything better than making old-fashioned human connections – knowing people beyond what it takes just to get the work done. It strikes me that, like friendships, the best work relationships get built over time by sharing interests, enjoying a laugh, listening, and recognising where you both have some common values. I would say though we all need to show a bit of EQ and not encroach too much if we sense there’s hesitation with sharing! It’s an enduring ethos that Māori have, to understand first where someone is from and their whakapapa, as one way of helping create common ground. I’d also encourage anyone reading this to attend some of the Women In Roofing events. They’re great for building networks for business, but also for sharing ideas and nuggets of wisdom from people with years and sometimes decades of experience.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your career? 
Finishing the Sydney Desalination project was one of the most satisfying jobs I’ve worked on. I can say that nothing beats being able to drive past a project like that and say to your kids “Mum helped build that”.

What excites you the most about your current job and the industry you’re in? 
Just over a year ago, I got the chance to take on the Customer Experience function in our business. I’m really excited about what we’re going to achieve in this area. We’re in the process of transforming this part of our company to create support for our customers and team that will be second to none. It’s an awesome opportunity and I’m grateful we’re getting to do it in the Steel sector. We know we can help make construction and manufacturing projects in NZ easier – our customers are operating to tight timeframes, with tight budgets, and this can create stress in one of our most critical industries. We’re determined to play a part in making life easier for them.

How do you balance work and personal life, and what hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of work? 
I’m sure everyone reading this who has a family knows the pressures of juggling work, family and life. Days can be chaotic. I have arrived at work with odd shoes. I have taken work calls while doing finger painting as parent help. My husband and I have panicked calls about which one is picking up which child. But someone very wise once told me “You’ll never have it balanced all the time – sometimes you’ll have things weighted far too much to work, and other times personal and family, because you can’t control what happens in either. The main thing is that when you take a step back you know they’re broadly getting a similar amount of your presence and attention“. This has really helped me to get some perspective – our family considers things on a month-by-month basis rather than day-by-day. I also try and keep surrounded by good people who teach me things every day. Outside work we’re active relaxers, we all enjoy time up on the mountain, either coming down on the snow or bikes, and I‘m trying to learn squash as a middle-aged woman which is resulting in far too many injuries!

Passionate about people, content, and communication, Jasmin Pakura leads the marketing efforts for ColorCote. She ensures brand consistency across digital, print, and event platforms, effectively connecting the brand with customers and industry partners to drive business growth. In her free time, Jasmin enjoys walking (being pulled along the footpath) with her dog Millie-Moo, a mastiff cross, and spending time with her family.

Jasmin’s diverse career spans various industries, including roles as an Account Manager at a boutique PR firm, Senior Copywriter for luxury lifestyle magazines, and Marketing Analyst for a New Zealand FMCG company. Her journey in the steel and roofing industry began at Fletcher Steel, where she served as a Senior Marketing Content Coordinator, supporting six business divisions.

Recognising the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and celebrated, Jasmin is proud to be a member of NZWiR.

Ngā mihi,
Debbie Wickliffe
NZWiR Chair.

Tēnā Koutou Katoa Welcome to Kōanga with New Zealand Women in Roofing.

From the Board

Welcome to the Q3 NZ Women in Roofing newsletter.

This year has sped by, with Christmas looming. The industry as a whole has seen a softening over 2024, but the outlook for 2025 seems positive with the OCR bring raised and investment into property development picking up a bit of momentum. As many have said, it’s a tough time out there, and it’s a bit of hard slog until we get over that hump.

The NZWiR Board has been busy, with the launch of the “My Mum’s a Roofer” book, bringing our great sponsors back on board for next year, and selecting the winner of the Outward Bound scholarship. We’ve had a couple new members join the Board this year, and had a couple of fantastic members take a step back. As we’re a voluntary organisation, we thank all the board members and regional members who have donated their time to help build this organisation. Find out more about the current NZWiR Board at About | New Zealand Women in Roofing (nzwomeninroofing.org.nz).

And finally, we’d like to acknowledge Steve Haines who, with ColorCote, was our very first sponsor. Steve has been a great supporter of NZWiR, lending continued support throughout the years. Steve has decided to put his feet up this year with the announcement of his retirement. From the whole team, thanks Steve.

Ready to Become a Supervisor?

BCITO has just launched a new Level 5 Supervisor’s qualification, and for a limited time it’s fees-free. This course is perfect for someone who is on the tools and looking to gain the skills to step into a leadership role. Check out the details by clicking here or, give Matthew from BCITO a call for more information at 027 453 7825 or email matthew.fiso@bcito.org.nz

*Fees are free if you enrol before the end of the year. Course takes approximately 1 year.

Sponsors Corner

A big thank you to all of our sponsors who have signed back on for 2025.  This organisation couldn’t operate without you.

Ngā mihi,
Debbie Wickliffe
NZWiR Chair.

Tēnā Koutou katoa

At NZWiR, we are dedicated to supporting and elevating our members and women in the roofing industry. Our focus is on upholding our pillars of Mentoring, Education, Networking, and Recruitment. As a committee, our goal is to enhance our communications and memberships while emphasizing the importance of building and nurturing relationships with women supporting women.

Being part of a tribe sets us apart!

Exciting News: Children’s Story Book

We have some exciting news! Our Children’s Story Book committee, in conjunction with Martin Finney and Kata Bagyon-Parker, has completed the book “My Mum’s A Roofer.” This fantastic, fun, and beautifully illustrated soft-covered book tells the story of a mother who is a roofer and takes readers on a journey through her work. The book will be launched in the next couple of weeks and will be available for purchase via the website in the next month or two.

Informative Webinars

Please remember to check out and attend our informative Webinars, organized regularly by our lovely Gen from NZ Steel who is also the Auckland Branch leader. These webinars contain valuable content for all to learn from. If you miss them on the day, they are now available on our website for you to view at your convenience.

View the Webinars

Regional Meetings

Lastly, the committee is planning to hold two regional NZWiR meetings in the coming year. We aim to have one in the South Island and one in the North Island. We are looking for members interested in helping with our mission and making these meetings memorable. If you are keen to join the subcommittee, please email us at info@nzwomeninroofing.org.nz.

Remember, in all that you do – Lean in, look up. Great things are ahead.

Ngā mihi,
Debbie Wickliffe
NZWiR Chair.

Remember, wāhine toa, you are the backbone of the roofing industry. Your strength, resilience, and expertise are invaluable. With NZWiR by your side, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

So, let’s embrace the challenges and opportunities that 2024 presents with confidence and collaboration.

Ka kite āno

Debbie Wickliffe

On behalf of the New Zealand Women in Roofing team

This commitment to equal employment opportunities has seen a continued and steady increase in the number of women employed by New Zealand Steel, now sitting at approximately 20% of our workforce. 2018 saw New Zealand Steel hire the first female CEO, Gretta Stephens, now BlueScope’s Chief Executive Officer, Climate Change and Sustainability.

With Zealand Steel actively promoting and working to achieve a stronger workplace and industry diversity and inclusion, when the opportunity to support New Zealand Women in Roofing at its conception came up, it was a no brainer. Partnering with NZWiR and encouraging employees to become members, allows us to better understand the needs of the industry, exchange experiences, to learn from and support females within the roofing community.

Here are some of New Zealand Steel’s superstars that turn steel making into an art form, from the very start of the process of making steel to delivering COLORSTEEL^® for your roofs.

Thanks, NZWiR for having us as part of your team.

1. Empowerment through Knowledge: Lifestyle medicine empowers women with knowledge about their bodies and health. By understanding how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management affect their well-being, women can make informed choices that align with their personal goals.
2. Prevention and Longevity: Many health conditions that women commonly face, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and hormonal imbalances, can often be prevented or managed effectively through lifestyle interventions. By adopting healthy habits, women can enhance their longevity and quality of life.
3. Holistic Approach: Women’s health is not solely defined by physical well-being; emotions, mental, and social aspects also play a crucial role. Lifestyle medicine encourages a holistic approach that takes all these factors into account, promoting a balanced and fulfilling life.
4. Natural Hormone Balance: Hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of a woman’s life, from puberty to menopause. Lifestyle choices can greatly influence hormone balance, leading to reduced symptoms during these transitions.
5. Positive Role Modelling: Women often play pivotal roles within their families and communities as caregivers and influencers. By adopting healthy habits through lifestyle medicine, they set positive examples for their loved ones and contribute to healthier communities.

Final Thoughts:  

As we embark on this journey into lifestyle medicine, remember that it’s not about drastic overhauls but rather gradual, sustainable changes.  By making conscious choices in what we eat, how we move, and how we care for our minds and bodies, we can unlock the potential for optimal health.   By embracing lifestyle medicine, women can embark on a transformative journey that not only enriches their lives but also sets a positive example for future generations.

In upcoming newsletters, we’ll explore practical steps that women can take to integrate lifestyle medicine principles into their lives and reap the benefits of improved well-being. So, let’s begin this journey of empowerment, self-care, and holistic well-being together.

Angela Smith – Nurture By Ange 

New Zealand Women in Roofing Sweatshirts

Sweatshirts are available in White and Navy.  Talk to your branch leader about ordering one today!