Justin Foote: How long have you been working in construction?

Matt Cameron: This November it will be 10 years.

JF: Was it a childhood dream to become a structural engineer?

MC: No it wasn’t. I was really keen on sport when I was a kid, so I always dreamed of becoming an All Black or a Black Cap.

JF: Is there a family history/connection to the construction industry?

MC: No not really, although I did grow up rurally and my father was a tradesman so I was lucky enough to be exposed to hands-on work from a young age, which I think led to me being in the construction industry.

JF: If you weren’t a structural engineer, what would you be doing?

MC: Biscuit research and development – I like biscuits.

JF: What has been the outcome of winning the Progressive Building Young Achiever of the Year Award?

MC: Well for starters I’ve been interviewed for magazines which didn’t happen before… and, it has certainly helped me make some new connections within the industry which has been invaluable.

JF: What advice do you have for people considering a career in the construction industry?

MC: Go for it! There is such a variety of careers available in the construction industry and it is such a necessary part of our society.

JF: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

MC: Seeing a building grow from ideas to the real thing is pretty amazing. Also being able to influence a project so that the outcome leaves a real legacy for the community is extremely rewarding. I’ve been lucky enough to work closely with a number of community organisations based around the Christchurch rebuild and have really relished the frontline opportunities this has brought.

JF: What goals have you set for yourself for the next 5, 10 and 20 years?

MC: First of all, I would like to maintain my work-life balance and ensure that my kids get the best possible starts to their lives. I would like to evolve my career to also include more people and business leadership.

JF: If you could be involved in any project around the world, which would you choose?

MC: To be honest being involved with the post-earthquake work in Christchurch is pretty tough to beat. On a personal note, I think it would be amazing to be able to build my own house.

JF: You’ve worked on some pretty impressive buildings, the New Zealand World Expo pavilion and NZi3 to name a couple. What has been your most challenging role to date?

MC: The great thing about my job is that each role has a different challenge, and no project is ever the same. I enjoy a challenge and see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

JF: How do you maintain a work-life balance?

MC: I’ve got a great wife and two young kids that help with that! I work hard during the week, however, the weekend is strictly family time. I also try to keep active and enjoy getting outdoors for a spot of fishing or hunting.

JF: What are you working on currently?

MC: I’ve currently got a variety of jobs on the go, including earthquake assessments, a new retail precinct at the airport, a new hospital building, a new UHT processing plant and an earthquake repair and upgrade of a sport and recreation facility.   

Winners of the 2015 NZIOB Awards for Excellence, including the 2015 Progressive Building Young Achiever Award, can be found here.