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PODCAST · business

Stirring The Pot

by HERA

Created by metal minds for metal minds – join us for practical conversations that get to the nuts and bolts of the metals industry here in New Zealand. Connect with leaders & experts from across the globe who talk overcoming key industry challenges, and influencers who cast their eyes to the future. Perfect if you’re time poor but want to keep your finger on the pulse. Prepare to be challenged, informed & inspired!

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Episodes

  1. What investors actually look for in startups?

    Getting a great idea out of the lab and into industrial-scale production takes more than good science. It takes capital, the right facility, and someone who's done it before. In this episode, Matt Rowe, Co-Founder, Executive Director, Outset Ventures walks through what it actually takes to scale…

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  2. Is steel the hardest material to design?

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot, Humans of Steel edition, we're having a kōrero (conversation) with Dr Charles Clifton, the civil engineer who started HERA's structural steel division in 1983 and has spent more than four decades reshaping how New Zealand builds with steel. Charles grew up on…

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  3. Steel Circularity in NZ; The Pathway to Net Zero

    NZ has one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world. So why are we shipping our scrap steel overseas to be recycled? Cambridge University researcher Michael Allison modelled 28 scenarios to find the decarbonisation pathway for Aotearoa New Zealand's steel industry. In this episode he shares...

  4. NZS 3404 Seismic Weld Design; What the Research Shows

    Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the most seismically active countries on Earth. The performance of steel structures during an earthquake depends, in large part, on the weld. So how confident are we in the science behind how those welds are designed and sized? In this episode, HERA's lead research...

  5. It's all about the people!

    In today's Humans of Steel edition of Stirring the Pot, we sit down with Noel Davies, director of Hydro Link, former chair of HERA, and one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most quietly influential business leaders. Noel joined the Navy at 16, made lieutenant commander by 28, then bought a tiny...

  6. Ai sustainability and the state of engineering

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot, we’re joined by HERA’s leadership team for a wide-ranging kōrero on AI, sustainability and what’s really changing inside engineering right now. The conversation looks at how quickly AI has moved from curiosity to capability. What felt unclear just a year ago…

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  7. It's time to rewrite the rules

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot, we’re having a kōrero with Richard Templer, Chief Executive of Engineering New Zealand | Te Ao Rangahau, about how Aotearoa funds its engineering system and why the levy on steel producers plays a bigger role than many realise. Richard explains how the levy...

  8. Beyond Carbon: Rethinking Sustainability Through Planetary Accounting

    🌏 A kōrero on why sustainability is about more than just carbon When it comes to sustainability, carbon gets most of the attention. But the reality is our planet’s health depends on nine interconnected systems, from oceans and forests to air quality and biodiversity. And many of them have…

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  9. Digital Steel Passport: Rethinking construction for a circular future

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we are having a kōrero with Osama Mughrabi, Mick Fritschy and Caroline James about one of the biggest shifts facing construction: digital product passports. With costs rising, resources tightening and pressure mounting to build more sustainably, the idea of...

  10. A grit engineered legacy

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot, we’re having a kōrero with Professor Charles Clifton — legendary structural engineer, longtime HERA collaborator, and newly named Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. From early experiments to revolutionising the way Aotearoa designs for seismic and fire...

  11. Artificial Intelligence: Skill up or sit out?

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Matt Ensor. AI strategist and industry innovator — he unpacks what the rise of AI really means for the construction sector. From practical tools to mindset shifts, Matt shares his take on where we’re already seeing AI in action (even…

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  12. Cracking the CompWebPen code

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot, we’re having a kōrero with Maryam Hasanali. Maryam is a structural research engineer at HERA and the brain behind the scenes driving our newly launched software tool, CompWebPen. Join us as we dive into the thinking, coding, and collaboration that brought...

  13. Sparking a passion for structural fire

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Lydia Frater. Lydia's journey through her HERA internship has been nothing short of transformative. As a third-year engineering student at UC, she stepped into the world of structural fire engineering with minimal prior exposure—only…

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  14. Busting through constructed barriers

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Louise Jordaan. Workplace safety is more than compliance, it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel responsible and empowered to speak up. In this episode, we discuss shifting from a “tick-box” approach to real conversations...

  15. Welding hazards and how to stay safe

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Patrick Fenemor. Ensuring safety in welding is crucial for protecting workers, minimising long-term health risks, and keeping industries running smoothly. In this episode, we explore the hidden dangers welders face, from toxic fumes…

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  16. Fireproofing the future with HIT

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Mayank Shrivastava. Fire protection is about more than just buildings—it is about saving lives, ensuring resilience, and keeping businesses running. In this episode, we explore the challenges of modern fire safety in steel and hybrid...

  17. From carbon-heavy to carbon-zero

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Jeremy Sole. Jeremy, Executive Officer of the Sustainable Steel Council (SSC), shares the council’s key initiatives for 2025. SSC is launching a Green Star-related audit scheme to help the steel industry meet sustainability standards...

  18. Real-time insights for safer structures

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Kaveh Andisheh. Kaveh is the project led for the theme of Monitoring 4.0 in the Endeavour Funded and HERA led Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research project. We dive into Monitoring 4.0 and speak about how it is revolutionising structural...

  19. From shed to spotlight

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Grier and Jill Fuller. We explore the award-winning Hinuera Sheds project with Steelworks NZ, a standout example of sustainable construction. The team shares how they transformed a demolished shed into a world-class structure, earning...

  20. Construction’s knowledge currency

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Kenneth Husted. Unlock the secrets of successful tech transfer in the construction industry with our insightful discussion on the Endeavour Funded and HERA led Ngākopa Construction 4.0 research project! Kenneth, project lead for the...

  21. Wired for data success

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Professor Xun Xu. Is data connectivity the key to transforming the construction industry? In this episode, we talk with Xun, who is the project led for the theme of Data Connectivity and Standardisation in the Endeavour Funded and…

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  22. A circular rethink for construction

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Michail Karpenko, Kaveh Andisheh and Holger Heinzel. In this episode, Michail, Kaveh, and Holger discuss the transformative concept of circular design in the context of Construction 4.0. Circular design focuses on reusing materials to...

  23. Tactics to achieve low carbon design

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Helena Gervasio. What if the key to a sustainable future lies with structural engineers? Join us as Associate Professor Helena Gervasio, from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, and HERA Structural Systems GM Kaveh Andisheh, delve...

  24. Sustainability 'beyond the build'

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Sarah McLaren. In this episode, we chat with Sarah McLaren, Professor in Life Cycle Management at Massey University, and Sustainable Future Project Lead for the HERA led and Endeavour Funded Construction 4.0 research, about the…

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  25. Designing for well-being: The role of interactive healing environments in modern cities

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Yvonne Chan Cashmore. This podcast delves into the transformative concept of Interactive Healing Environments (IHEs) and their potential to enhance urban well-being. Dr. Yvonne Chan Cashmore, Associate Dean of Engagement for Auckland...

  26. The untold story of BIM

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Robert Amor. Robert Amor, Emerging Technologies Project Lead for HERA’s Construction 4.0 research, breaks down BIM as both a detailed model and a collaborative process. Discover how BIM’s data capabilities go beyond geometry to…

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  27. Skill set reset – vocational education at a crossroad

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Phil Alexander-Crawford. As CEO at Hanga Aro Rau Workforce Development Council (WDC), Phil leads the discussion on transforming vocational education, forging strong industry partnerships, and embracing workforce diversity. Phil breaks...

  28. 'The smart shift’ in construction

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Dr Alice Chang-Richards, Dr Yuqian Lu and Dr Yang Zou. All based out of the University of Auckland, together they make up the research team focused on Smart Construction in the HERA led and Endeavour Funded Construction 4.0 research via MBIE:...

  29. From old school to next gen

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Naomi Manu. Join us in this enlightening episode with Naomi Manu, founder of Pūhoro STEMM Academy and co-founder of Auraki Group, as we discuss the Tohu app. This innovative tool integrates traditional Māori practices for culturally grounded...

  30. Ngākopa - bridging tech and tikanga

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Saul Roberts, Fleur Palmer, and Patricia Te Whatu. Together, they delve into the steps taken to blend Māori knowledge systems and tikanga to represent modern construction practices through the lens of the Endeavour Funded Construction 4.0...

  31. Pioneering seismic research in Aotearoa

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Shahab Ramhormozian. Shahab is a Senior Lecturer in Structural and Earthquake Engineering at Auckland University of Technology. Join us as we chat about him being awarded the #INN0V8 impact industry award at the 2023 HERA Future Forum…

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  32. Fix it at the beginning – design low carbon!

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Troy Coyle, Kaveh Andisheh, and Craig Stevenson. We’ve brought together the team involved in HERA’s $772K project titled “Circular design for a changing environment – a design framework to reduce construction waste, lifecycle embodied carbon,...

  33. 2023 year in summary

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with our CEO Troy Coyle and the technical lead team Michail Karpenko and Kaveh Andisheh. Together, they reflect on an amazing year of mahi to support the heavy engineering industry of Aotearoa, New Zealand in construction and manufacturing.…

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  34. Reuse the past – the quest for net zero construction

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Neil Horsfield. Neil is Beca’s General Manager Global Building Structures. Join us as we chat about the potential for adaptive reuse of our building stock. Connect with Neil: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-horsfield-41b22622/...

  35. Constructing for resilience and durability

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Raed El Sarraf. Raed is Technical Principal at WSP New Zealand. He has extensive experience in corrosion engineering and asset integrity management of structural steel and other metal structures. Connect with Raed: LinkedIn:...

  36. Student of the year on fire!

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Fanqin Meng. Fanqin, who is no stranger to HERA, is a Structural Fire Research Engineer within our team! We are shining the spotlight on him as the recipient of the Student of the Year Award which he received at this years Future Forum…

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  37. Addressing the skills gap through diversity… 4 years later

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Byron Konia. Byron is a Senior Mechanical Engineer and Māori Advisor at Stantec in Wellington. We last spoke to him back in 2019 when he was just starting off his career as a young Graduate Hydraulic Engineer. Join us as we reconnect and find...

  38. Celebrating a mind of steel

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Geoff Bird. Geoff Bird was this years recipient of the HERA Foundation Keith Smith Memorial Award, for distinguished service to Aotearoa New Zealand’s metals industry. Join us as he chats with our Executive Board Chair Craig Stevenson on his...

  39. The connection between steel + timber (pardon the pun)

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Robert Finch. Robert is Director of Timber Unlimited and is also a member of HERA’s Industry Advisory Group for the "Low Carbon Design Framework for Low Rise Buildings” project. He has a background in Mechanical Engineering and Materials...

  40. Innovating for the global stage

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Cliff Ellery. Cliff Ellery is General Manager - Innovex at Tīra. From grassroot beginnings in the Taranaki, to receiving the 2023 #INN0V8 change industry award for exporting spiral welding innovations – in this episode we talk about the...

  41. Top tips to push steel bridge design boundaries!

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Phil Gaby. Phil is Project Director at Holmes ANZ and a civil structures designer, with expertise in bridges, wharves and water retaining structures. Specialising in design and constructing projects and alternative designs where value...

  42. Building green – carbon offsetting in practice

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Nico Patchay. In this episode, we’re having a korero with Nico Patchay, Technical Manager of Niche Modular Construction. As the first company to use HERA’s zero carbon steel program, Hōtaka Whakakore Puhanga Waro, through offsetting – we...

  43. World’s first fossil free steel

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Thomas Hörnfeldt. Thomas is the Vice President of the Sustainable Business at SSAB, coming from a background in the metals, construction and process automation industry. Join us as he chats with our Senior Structural Sustainability Engineer…

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  44. A case of BeLongEng?

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Enda Crossin. Enda Crossin is an Associate Professor and Director of Engineering Management Programmes at the University of Canterbury. Join us as we delve in to the BeLongEng project that he leads, which is the biggest ever longitudinal…

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  45. Pacific leadership in business

    10 May 2023 | Ep.90 – Pacific leadership in businessIn this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Rob Woolner. Rob is the Managing Director of Autex Industries Limited. In episode 87, we spoke with Rob about alternative education pathways for youth through vocational education and…

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  46. Addressing the barriers to become a sustainable business...

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we're talking with Mumin Bhat. Mumin is the National Business Development Manager for Ecostruxure Power at Schneider Electric and is passionate about helping businesses who need guidance to become more sustainable and are unsure how to measure their impact.…

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  47. House of Science

    5 April 2023 | Ep.88 – House of ScienceIn this episode of Stirring the Pot we're talking with Andrea Lun. Andrea is the South Auckland House of Science Manager who is passionate about making science more accessible for rangatahi (youth). Join us as we gravitate towards Te Whare Pūtaiao - House of...

  48. Vocational education and business skill development

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we're talking with Rob Woolner. Rob is the Managing Director of Autex Industries Limited. Like many, we all have that subject we enjoy talking about - join us as Rob chats about alternative education pathways for youth through vocational education and business...

  49. Engaging in sustainability

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re talking with Marie-Salome Duval-Chaneac. She is currently re-entering a Research Master in Engineering studies on Sustainable Resources Recovery at the University of Auckland on the circular economy. In particular, investigating new pathways for the...

  50. Succession planning for SME’s

    In this episode of Stirring the Pot we're talking with John Luxton. John is Founder of Regeneration HQ - a self-professed ‘anti-consultant’ hand crafting solutions for SME’s in Aotearoa with practical, hands-on support. Join us as we discuss a topic that we know is on many of our members mind as...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Created by metal minds for metal minds – join us for practical conversations that get to the nuts and bolts of the metals industry here in New Zealand. Connect with leaders & experts from across the globe who talk overcoming key industry challenges, and influencers who cast their eyes to the future. Perfect if you’re time poor but want to keep your finger on the pulse. Prepare to be challenged, informed & inspired!

HOSTED BY

HERA

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Stirring The Pot have?

Stirring The Pot currently has 133 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Stirring The Pot about?

Created by metal minds for metal minds – join us for practical conversations that get to the nuts and bolts of the metals industry here in New Zealand. Connect with leaders & experts from across the globe who talk overcoming key industry challenges, and influencers who cast their eyes to the...

How often does Stirring The Pot release new episodes?

Stirring The Pot publishes regularly with 133 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Stirring The Pot?

You can listen to Stirring The Pot on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Stirring The Pot?

Stirring The Pot is created and hosted by HERA.
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