From Aberdeen to Aotearoa, Neil’s journey with RLB began in 1999 as a quantity surveyor.
In 2021, he was appointed Technical Director, a testament to his dedication and expertise. Neil is known for his calm demeanour, diligence, collaborative approach and expertise in healthcare projects, which have become the cornerstone of his remarkable career.
How it all began
Neil’s passion for numbers and problem-solving led him to quantity surveying – a path suggested by his college career advisor. At just 17, Neil began working for a main contractor in Aberdeen while studying quantity surveying at Aberdeen Technical College.
After seven years, Neil joined a contractor specialising in prefabrication projects – a unique field at the time. “We were taking fully built bedrooms to site and dropping them in. It was fascinating work,” he recalls. During this time, he also completed a Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying, balancing work and study.
Joining the RLB whanau
A market shift left Neil facing redundancy, but this turned into an opportunity that led him to RLB. He explored opportunities in New Zealand and Australia at an overseas work expo. Neil decided to visit New Zealand to get a feel for the country, and it didn’t take long for things to fall into place.
During his visit, he took part in five interviews, including one with Bob Buskin at RLB. Just two days before he was due to return to the UK, Bob called with a job offer and a start date scheduled for two weeks later.
Reflecting on his first impressions of New Zealand, Neil says: “It was completely different from the UK – friendlier, cleaner and more outdoorsy. I loved the warm weather and laid-back vibe. It just felt right.”
A legacy in healthcare
Neil found his niche in healthcare, working on projects for Counties-Manukau and other DHBs.
“Each project was different. I’d be working on a radiology department, a ward block, and an endoscopy unit all at the same time. The variety and complexity kept me on my toes,” he says.
Counties-Manukau DHB (now Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora Counties-Manukau) stands out as a client Neil has worked with for 22 years. “They’ve been great to deal with – always open to advice and collaborative. Having such a long-standing relationship with a public entity is rare, and I value the trust we’ve built over the years.”
“We opened a site office there for the Middlemore 2000 Programme of work which began back in 1997”, says RLB Director, Richard Anderson. “Neil joined me on site in 2002. He’s been at the helm since that time, providing support services to Counties-Manukau until we finally closed up last year.
Among his proudest achievements is the Tiaho Mai Acute Mental Health Unit at Middlemore Hospital. Neil played a key role in transforming an existing rundown facility into a new culturally appropriate and functional space.
Calm and collected
Neil’s easy-going personality shines through in the way he engages with clients and colleagues; always willing to listen, share advice and consider multiple perspectives before forming an opinion. “My partner remarks that if I were any more laid-back, I’d be horizontal.”
Career milestones
Neil has consistently proven himself as a diligent and approachable team member, culminating in his promotion to Technical Director three years ago. He reflects on this achievement with pride: “I always strive to provide the best for my clients and exceed their expectations. The trust and respect I’ve earned over the years mean a lot to me.”
However, Neil considers being a father his greatest achievement. I pushed myself as hard as I could to provide a comfortable life for my son,” he proudly says.
What’s kept him here for 25 years?
For Neil, RLB has always felt like home.
“The directors have been supportive, approachable and great leaders. I’ve had the privilege of working on large-scale, challenging projects with incredible teams. The people here are genuinely good to work with.”
Neil also values New Zealand’s lifestyle.
“I love how laid-back it is here, and being so close to the islands like Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands is a bonus. It’s a lifestyle you can’t beat.”
“Of course he misses football, and his beloved Glasgow Rangers,” says Richard. “But the pull of Ibrox Park simply cannot compete with the life choices he and his partner Janette have made. We Scots are a long-suffering audience of the ‘beautiful game’ – he’s made the right choice.”
Looking ahead
Neil is excited about the future of healthcare construction, with technology and innovation paving the way for change. From AI-assisted surgeries to cutting-edge medical facilities, the sector continues to evolve, and Neil is eager to stay at the forefront of these advancements. He’s also passionate about nurturing the next generation of quantity surveyors.
“It’s great to see the young quantity surveyors progress and develop the skills.”
Outside of work, Neil looks forward to continuing his interest in lawn bowls, which he started playing five years ago.
Thank you, Neil!
Neil’s 25 years of dedication, leadership, and expertise have left an indelible mark on RLB and the healthcare sector. His colleagues look forward to the projects and successes yet to come.
Richard comments: “Neil is a remarkable individual on many levels. A joy to be around and an absolute pleasure to work with. He’s calm, considered, and knowledgeable, instils confidence and is highly respected. He epitomises professionalism, and RLB is very pleased to have him in our team. On a personal level, he’s a good friend, despite his football choices.”
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