"I don't think I can adequately put into words how enormously proud we are to see Stacey recognised in this capacity. She is so utterly beyond worthy of this honour, Huge congratulations Stacey!" Rebecca Hodges, NAWIC President.
It is difficult to articulate in a few words the immense contribution Stacey has made to the sector, leading by example and weaving her passion into her full time role, means that much of what she does goes unnoticed by many. Her quiet, inclusive and steady leadership style has meant that many other wāhine have felt safe to step out of their comfort zones and collectively become part of the wider NAWIC mission, to raise the voices of women in construction.
To note just a few of her achievements, outside of her full time role as a senior Quantity Surveyor, Stacey founded NAWIC 26 years ago and has been heavily involved ever since, holding several roles including the position of the inaugural President in 1996 and again taking up the role in 2019, also serving as Wellington Chapter Chair and other committee roles. The organisation has grown from one Chapter in Wellington to Chapters in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Queenstown, Wairarapa, and Otago, with more than 1,600 members from across the sector.
She has organised regular events focused on technical and professional development, to inform and upskill women in construction, whilst promoting networking and information sharing. She organised webinars during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep women connected during this challenging time and created Connecting in Construction, a group mentoring programme for the organisation. Stacey has contributed to the NAWIC Annual Excellence Awards since 2016, preparing citations, securing sponsorship, managing budget, coordinating judges and the planning and execution of the awards ceremony, and now holds the Awards Director role. In 2001 Stacey was awarded the NAWIC Lifetime Award by Helen Tippett.
“I was initially shocked and thrilled at the same time – a real mix of emotions. When I had time to think about it, I felt it was a great reflection on how far NAWIC has come since 1996. I am so grateful for the opportunity NAWIC has given me and all the women associated with the organisation. There are now 1600 members and it has been my privilege to meet and work with so many amazing women and men who have championed having women in their teams.” Stacey Mendonça
We know you will join us all on the National Council and Operations Team, in extending a huge congratulations to Stacey, and an even bigger Thank You for your service and passion to make the sector better for all wāhine.
One of her most famous sayings is “To be it, you must first see it”
She personally takes this responsibility seriously and is always looking for ways to not just show other women that success in construction is possible, but also encourages and supports other women to do the same.
We also extend a hearty congratulations to all the other amazing Kiwi's doing good things in the world, see the full list of those announced yesterday here.
Ngā mihi,
NAWIC Media on behalf of the NAWIC National Councils and Operations Team
