As New Zealand’s built environment evolves, so too must the engineers who shape it. That’s why CIBSE ANZ has launched a new training course tailored specifically for mechanical services professionals working in the NZ context. From chilled water systems to compliance with NZBC G4 and H1/VM3, this course delivers practical, locally relevant insights for engineers ready to deepen their expertise.
But what makes this course truly special is the trainers. Let’s meet them…
TRAINER: NICK KENNEDY CEng
Mechanical Manager at Thurston Consulting
💡From Sailing to Systems
Nick’s journey into mechanical services engineering began with a love of sailing and a dream to design yachts. That dream took a turn during an internship in California, where he discovered the fascinating world of building services. “Understanding the internal workings of a building was super interesting,” he says. “It led me to pursue a career in mechanical building services.”
🌏 A Career That Crosses Continents
One of Nick’s proudest projects was Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore — a US$6 billion mega-development featuring a casino, Universal Studios, hotels, and marine life attractions. “We had to cool the marine pools using chilled water from the district cooling plant. It was a fascinating challenge,” he recalls.
🔧 What He’s Most Passionate About
Nick is a strong advocate for chilled water systems: “They’re the future of air-conditioning — better for the environment and built to last. The more engineers who understand how to design these systems, the better.”
🧠 Lessons from the Field
One myth he’s keen to bust? “Air curtains don’t stop infiltration. Positive pressure and wind lobbies do.”
📘 Course Contributions
Nick helped tailor the course to New Zealand’s unique regulatory landscape, aligning ventilation systems with NZBC G4 and referencing both the 1993 NZ Standard and 2002 Australian Standard.
TRAINER: RISHAAN RAGOOBEER CPEng, CMEngNZ
Technical Director - MEP at GHD
🔧 From Hands-On Curiosity to Technical Leadership
Rishaan’s passion for mechanical systems was sparked early, growing up around his technically minded father and grandfather. “From fixing cars to building furniture, I was always solving problems,” he shares. That curiosity evolved into a career spanning Africa and New Zealand, where he now leads multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
🏗️ A Defining Project
Rishaan led commissioning and design coordination for Commercial Bay in Auckland, a flagship development with one of NZ’s first tower sandwich pressurisation systems across 40 levels. “It was technically challenging and deeply rewarding,” he says.
🌱 What Drives Him
“I’m passionate about integrating sustainability and new technology into HVAC design,” says Rishaan. He thrives on bridging technical precision with practical application—especially in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments.
🧠 Wisdom from the Field
“Design is only one part of the equation,” he explains. “Execution, commissioning, and stakeholder coordination are equally critical.”
📘 Course Contributions
Rishaan helped shape the course to reflect NZ’s codes, climate, and construction practices. “The course walks through real-world case studies showing how to align HVAC design with NZBC and Green Star targets.”
🔍 What He Wants Engineers to Master
“Pressure zoning and airflow balancing in high-rise buildings. It’s critical for fire safety and comfort, yet often misunderstood.”
🎯 Who Will Benefit Most
“Early to mid-career engineers looking to deepen their practical understanding and leadership capabilities. The course bridges theory with real-world application.”
🔮 Looking Ahead
Rishaan sees mechanical services evolving toward electrification, smart systems, and decarbonization. “Collaboration across disciplines will be essential.”
💬 Advice to Future Leaders
“Master the fundamentals, but don’t stop there—develop your leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. That’s what sets great engineers apart.”
TRAINER: SEAN WILLIAMSON
Consultant and Engineer at ADP Consulting
🔧 From Drafting to Global Projects
Sean’s journey began in 2003, fresh out of Year 12 in Canberra. A chance opportunity with a building services firm in Sydney sparked his interest in mechanical systems. “I started with CAD drafting and quickly gravitated toward mechanical,” he says. That spark led to engineering studies, a master’s in building services, and an MBA — and a career spanning Australia, the UK, China, Albania, and Ukraine.
🏗️ Proud Moments in the Details
Sean finds pride in the subtle but powerful contributions mechanical engineers make. “Sometimes it’s a few lines in a statutory document that unlock the preferred solution. Other times, it’s the technical finesse that makes the system work within height, budget, and programme constraints,” he explains. “Often, it’s about listening well enough to build trust with a diverse team.”
💬 What He’s Passionate About
Sean enjoys exploring cost considerations and hearing real-world experiences from participants. “It’s a great way to evaluate and communicate high-level options,” he says.
🧠 Lessons from the Field
“One thing I wish more people understood is the statutory framework,” Sean reflects. “Early in my career, no one sat me down to explain it. That knowledge would’ve made a big difference.”
📘 Course Contributions
Sean helped compile the base content for the Australian version of the course and worked with the NZ team to highlight local differences. “The NZ team has done some excellent work tailoring it to local codes and practices,” he says.
🎯 Who Will Benefit Most
“This course is designed for a wide cohort — engineers, project managers, builders, architects, and developers,” Sean explains. “Mechanical engineers in their first 1–2 years will benefit most, but even those with 5+ years find value. Engineers in related disciplines benefit at any level.”
💬 Participant Feedback
“People are often juggling multiple projects. I get specific questions and sometimes heartfelt thanks for the progress made in just one week. It’s a lot of content, but targeted training gets you where you need to go faster.”
🔮 Looking Ahead
Sean sees the next generation of engineers leveraging software and data in ways the industry hasn’t yet fully embraced. “There’s huge opportunity in this space — I’m excited to see where they take it.”
💬 Advice to Future Leaders
“Learn beyond your discipline. Spend time with other professionals. Keep developing your technical and management skillsets.”
🧭 Why This Course Matters
“This course gives you space to focus on your mechanical knowledge. It’s designed to fast-track your development and help you contribute faster, more accurately, and more enjoyably — without over-relying on senior resources.”
🌟 Ready to Learn from the Best?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your design skills, this course offers the technical depth, local relevance, and expert guidance to help you thrive.
Next session: Starts Wed 8 October 2025
Format: Online
Course Information here
Register here