N E W S A Southland engineer who has been instrumental in developing broadband and space exploration opportunities in the region has won a top national award. Robin McNeill, who has been employed as Venture Southland Enterprise Projects Manager, since 2005, has been awarded the 2016 Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Rabone Award for Information, Communication, Electrical and Electronic Technology. Mr McNeill was presented with the award for his contribution to the application of engineering and technology. He has been recognised for his holistic perspective in developing and implementing innovative solutions. These include difficult telecommunications problems and particularly implementing small-scale engineering projects which have had a positive impact in remote Southland communities. After graduation from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Engineering degree, he began work with the New Zealand Post Office in 1976. At that time the New Zealand Post Office controlled almost all public telecommunication in New Zealand. Mr McNeill was appointed the youngest ever supervising engineer. He designed and project managed the installation of digital telephone exchanges, cabling and microwave links. After several other positions which were related to telecommunication, Mr McNeill was appointed to his present position at Venture Southland in 2005. Since 9 – 10 November 2016 Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton Lifting the Game of Maintenance Engineering www.engineeringnews.co.nz 13 Sponsor and Exhibitor Enquiries Welcome Expo Open Day 8 November More information: www.nmec.co.nz Christchurch 22-23 July EN008 then he has worked on ground breaking projects, including playing a significant role in delivering broadband access to most Southland residents. His role in establishing and expanding the work of the Awarua Satellite Ground Station helped bring space exploration opportunities to Southland. Mr McNeill is a member of the Southern Institute of Technology’s Advisory Committee for the Information Technology programmes. He is also a long-standing member and former chairman of the IPENZ Southland Branch committee. He has constantly urged young Southlanders to consider careers in engineering. Besides holding a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Canterbury, Mr McNeill also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Massey University. He has also been elected as a Fellow of The Institution of Professional Engineers NZ for his contribution to the application of engineering and technology in the community both locally and internationally. IPENZ particularly recognised Mr McNeill’s role in pioneering a variety of telecommunications initiatives in rural Southland, including the early deployment of broadband throughout the region. The citation with the award stated “Through his efforts and innovative approach, the benefits of modern telecommunications have been brought into communities that would otherwise have had to wait.” Mr McNeill is very much an outdoors person and is active in the Southland Region. He has written and edited a number of works on the rural and mountain terrain in that region and also on creating and maintaining personal safety for wilderness adventurers in the southern back country. Mr McNeill says he is delighted to have received the IPENZ award but also feels humbled to receive recognition for what he sees as his job. TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER WINS TOP AWARD
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