Faces of the CRL – Claire Wannamaker and Aaron Hutching
Delivering the country’s largest infrastructure project takes some seriously talented people, so in this section “Faces of the CRL” we interview some of City Rail Link’s best and brightest. This month, with early works for the main section of City Rail Link tunnels and stations kicking into gear, we talk to our stakeholder and community liaison managers. Claire and Aaron act as the interface between the company and those affected by construction around the proposed Aotea Station on Albert Street, from Wyndham St to Mayoral Drive.
Claire Wannamaker
Senior Communications and Engagement Advisor for the Aotea Station
What does your day consist of?
Working with the construction managers to get info about what’s coming up so we can keep stakeholders, neighbours and the community informed. Also facilitating community feedback and problem solving to minimise impacts. We want to be a good neighbour.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Contributing to this major game changing project for Auckland, working with a team of dedicated and positive people.
Most challenging part?
The space we’re working in has many complex demands and interests, our challenge is doing justice to all of those within the timeframes we have. But that’s what makes it a dynamic, exciting project to work on.
Previous roles?
I’ve mostly worked in transport with a sustainability focus. A good transport system enables our social, economic, and personal wellbeing by connecting us to the people, places and activities we love. That’s why I love working in transport.
Hobbies?
Eating, getting outdoors, and impromptu lounge dance parties with my five-year-old daughter!
What are you looking forward to most about when the CRL is complete?
A city centre that’s welcoming and accessible, dynamic, full of people and activities and more connected in every way to the rest of Auckland.
Aaron Hutching
Aotea Community Manager
What does your day consist of?
I translate the complexity and jargon associated with a large infrastructure project into everyday language in a way that, I hope, creates understanding and excitement. I build relationships with members of the local community and with the groups and organisations that represent them. I try to ask the right questions and to know when I should listen rather than talk.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Being part of Auckland’s transformation story.
Most challenging part?
Working in a time-pressured environment of complex, competing needs. But seriously, getting my two daughters to kindy on time is a nightmare.
Previous roles?
I’ve mainly worked within the transport sector, engaging with communities across a variety of infrastructure projects. Cycleways make up a fair part of my CV and I’m excited that Karangahape Road’s is currently being built as part of a wider street enhancement which will complement the new CRL station.
Hobbies?
Former globetrotter, occasional brewer, sometime DJ. I love a well-curated Spotify playlist.
What are you looking forward to most about when the CRL is complete?
The next big, transformative project. I think CRL is part of a broader city story of an Auckland that’s more confident and outward looking.