Road safety comes naturally to Moala Ofa (Mo), a talented member of the team working on New Zealand's newest road - the Transmission Gully Motorway (Māori: Te Ara Nui o Te Rangihaeata).
As Delivery Manager, Mo and his team respond to incidents and break downs making sure road users are kept safe and out of harm's way, and that traffic continues to flow smoothly.
"In a breakdown the motorist and passengers are at high risk of exposing themselves to other road users especially if they are on the live lane, says Mo.
My team attend and help by removing the vehicle and making sure everyone is kept safe and away from live traffic.
The four-lane motorway runs for 27km, linking to the existing SH1 at Linden and to the Kāpiti Expressway at Mackays Crossing, and receives up to 25,000 cars travelling on it a day.
Mo's career journey
Mo began his career at Ventia as an Engineering Cadet, after coming from Tonga for further studies in 2018. After completing his studies in a Bachelor of Construction he was offered a role as Maintenance Engineer on Ventia's Auckland North-West urban maintenance contract.
I was lucky to work in a great team who accepted me, and I had a really supportive Manager.
Mo explains it was here his skills and passion for safety and leadership were noticed, leading to his recent appointment as Delivery Manager.
Aaron Lacey, Ventia Project Director Transmission Gully says Mo is a highly valued member of the team.
"Mo brings a huge amount of energy to his team of two seniors and eight responders. They are true Network Stewards," says Aaron.
Mo has great operational knowledge and experience that helps with the development of this newly formed team.
Moala Ofa (Mo) pictured with his family.
Mo says he feels really proud to work for a company like Ventia.
"I'm grateful for the opportunities Ventia have offered me and my family," says Mo.
When my wife and two kids decided we wanted to move out of the big smoke in 2021, Ventia gave me the opportunity to work in Wellington on one of the country's largest infrastructure projects.
Natalie Martin, Auckland NWU Maintenance Manager says that Mo's passion has set him up for a successful career at Ventia and beyond.
'Mo has taken every opportunity in his stride,' says Natalie.
I'm proud to see the growth and progress he has made at Ventia.
Thank you Mo and your team for ensuring that all roads lead to home.
About Transmission Gully
Ventia provides the operations and maintenance services, on behalf of Wellington Gateway Partnership to Transmission Gully.
Read more here: Proudly playing a role in Transmission Gully
About Road Safety Week
At Ventia we are committed to ensuring safe driving and vehicle safety to protect our people, our communities and all those who use our road networks. Read more here.