Faces of the CRL - Robyn Findlay
Delivering the country’s largest infrastructure project takes some seriously talented people, so in this new section “Faces of the CRL” we’ll be taking a look at some of City Rail Link Ltd’s best and brightest. This month we interviewed Robyn Findlay, one of City Rail Link’s youngest Engineers.
The 25-year-old graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Auckland in 2016. Since then she’s worked with reputable companies GHD, Fulton Hogan and Auckland Transport before settling into her Assistant Engineer’s Representative position within CRL.
Her role includes conferring with the design engineers, architects and the construction contractor to solve problems on site – a recent example of this included the redesign of the stormwater and sewer systems near Wolfe Street.
“One of the best parts of the job is seeing your work come to life before your eyes; which often includes wading through countless emails, paperwork and meetings first,” Robyn said.
Despite the admin, however, she said “I really love working here, the people are great, and the work is exciting.”
Another one of her favourite parts of the job is going onto site and walking through the tunnels underneath Albert Street.
She said being a female in a profession where men are often over-represented can be a “little daunting at times”, but it usually results in her upping her game to make sure her contribution counts.
Her boss, Scott Elwarth said Robyn is a valued member of the construction delivery team.
“She was a welcomed addition to the team in 2018 and since then has been leading the canopy demolition contract from Wellesley to Victoria Streets, ahead of C3.”
C3, or contact three, is CRL’s single biggest programme of work. It comprises the construction of two new inner-city underground stations, upgrading the existing Mt Eden station, and completing the twin rail tunnels to link them all.
Outside work, Robyn spends most of her free time renovating her New Lynn house that she recently purchased with her partner - also an engineer. She said they both take equal turns in wearing the project manager hat when it comes to landscaping and remodelling.
Auckland born and bred, Robyn said she’s thrilled to be working on the project and cannot wait for its completion; not only because she’ll be able to say she contributed to the New Zealand’s largest-ever infrastructure project, but also for purely selfish reasons; as a train commuter it will cut her travel time to the city significantly.