Meet Andreas Wengrzik: People-First Project Director

Q: How would you describe your approach to projects?

A: I’d describe it as collaborative, pragmatic, and people-focused. At the end of the day, projects are delivered by people, not by programmes. Building strong relationships and creating clarity early on is essential.

Bringing the right people together and taking them on the journey towards a shared goal makes everything flow more naturally. When everyone is aligned, outcomes tend to follow without unnecessary friction.

Q: How do you build strong working relationships?

A: It starts with getting to know the person in front of you, not just jumping straight into the project. Finding common ground helps build genuine connection.

In a place like New Zealand, you realise how small and interconnected the world is. When you invest in relationships, it makes the tough moments easier. Projects come and go, but those relationships often last much longer.

Q: What experiences have shaped your perspective?

A: My career started in Germany in architectural and structural engineering, before moving into construction and project management across different countries.

Working internationally has shown me there’s never just one way to solve a problem. It’s taught me to stay curious, open-minded, and to tailor my approach depending on the project and the people involved.

Q: How do you approach challenges on a project?

A: First, listen generously. Understand the full picture from all perspectives before forming a view.

Rather than labelling something as a problem straight away, it’s about understanding what’s actually happening, aligning as a team, and working through it together. Open and honest conversations are key.

Q: How do your personal interests influence your work?

A: I’ve always been fascinated by design and construction - I like to say I’ve never really left the sandpit, the tools have just gotten bigger!

I’m passionate about both innovation and sustainability, but also about rediscovering older, often overlooked methods. Sometimes the best ideas aren’t new, they’ve just been forgotten along the way.

Outside of work, I’m a team sport person at heart. These days that means doubles tennis, downhill mountain biking, and getting outdoors with my dog. Whether it’s riding through the hills or stopping by a stream for a reset, those moments help me switch off, refocus, and come back with a clearer head, which is just as important as anything on the job.

Q: What does sustainability mean in your process?

A: It starts with a simple question: Do we really need this?

From there, it’s about making informed decisions early. The biggest sustainability gains happen at the beginning, understanding what’s truly required and designing accordingly.

Every project should be considered through a lifecycle lens, tailoring solutions to suit its purpose, duration, and long-term impact.

Q: What has influenced your project management style the most?

A: A mix of my German technical background and the positive, solution-focused Kiwi mindset.

I was also fortunate to work with a leader in Vancouver who had an incredible ability to connect people, build trust, and bring everyone on the journey. That idea of alignment and buy-in is something I carry into every project.

Q: What part of your role excites you the most?

A: Seeing a project come to life is always rewarding. There’s something special about watching ideas become reality.

But the early stages are where the real magic happens. When you bring people together, flatten hierarchy, and explore ideas openly, you often uncover the best solutions. That early alignment sets the project up for success.

Contact Andreas:
Andreas Wengrzik - Project Director
[email protected] | +64 274783288