Gracen Luka was awarded the NZIOB Charitable Education Trust - Emerging Leader Award and was also given a Special Commendation from the Supreme Award Judges at the 2023 NZ Building People Awards.
At the time of the Awards Gracen was the Associate Development Manager at Fletcher Living and has since moved to Australia.
We asked Gracen a few quick questions to get to know her a little better.
What did your NZ Building People Awards Win mean to you?
Winning the NZ Building People Awards was an incredibly significant moment for me. It was a tremendous honor to be recognized by the industry for my mahi, and it served as a validation of my dedication and contributions. This achievement has reignited my passion for driving broader outcomes in my work. It has motivated me to continue making a positive impact within the industry and strive for even greater success.
What is one thing you love about your job?
One aspect of my job that I find truly fulfilling is being a part of the built environment and witnessing the tangible outcomes. It brings me immense satisfaction to see the projects I have been involved in come to life and be enjoyed by families and the community. The ability to contribute to the creation of spaces that positively impact people's lives is both rewarding and inspiring.
What is one change you would love to see made in the building industry in NZ?
One wishful change I’d love would be the depoliticization of the infrastructure sector. Currently, with government cycles lasting only three years, there is a significant flow-on effect on the planning and delivery of essential infrastructure for communities. If we could remove the political influences and fully adopt the long-term and strategic approach to infrastructure development set by Te Waihanga, we could ensure a more efficient and sustainable growth of our communities. This would enable us to focus on the long-term needs of our society and create a more resilient and future-proof built environment.
What are you reading/watching/listening to at the moment?
I listen to a lot of audio books when I’m commuting and just finished Yellowface.
