Our Team

Current Chair of the Association of Building Compliance

Laura Williams professional role is the Operations Manager a Bay Building Compliance Management Ltd (BBCM). Laura has over 20 years’ experience and has been a member of the Association for over 10 years.

Laura’s expertise are in building warrants of fitness, specified system subcontractor management, remedial and installation management, fire evacuation schemes, trials and training, IQP inspections and the resolution of various building compliance issues, all of which have proven instrumental in her having an overarching understanding of all aspects of building compliance and fire evacuation management. Laura is keen to remain as an active and contributing member in the industry and is an advocate of sharing knowledge to better improve our understanding of life safety in NZ buildings.

Gale is a Director and Co-owner of AssetCare Limited and has been a member of the Association since inception. Since the start of AssetCare in 1999, Gale has developed the Building Compliance section of the company, which includes processes and protocols to ensure clients meet their legal obligation.

Gale has been involved in developing a customised software solution to improve job management, compliance inspections and reporting to clients. With more than 15 years experience in the Building Compliance Industry, Gale brings a background of knowledge in company administration and financial control and has been Treasurer of the Association since 2009.

Lindsey Matthias is the National Business Development Manager at Argus Fire Protection with 16 years’ experience in the Fire Protection and building compliance industry.

Lindsey is involved in the strategic business development including tendering, contractual relationships, developing and delivering Testing & Maintenance schedules for Fire Protection systems for existing and prospective client premises.

Lindsey to passionate about educating building owners and tenants on their obligations and gaining more knowledge on compliance and Building Warrant of Fitness requirements.

When she has some spare time she enjoys getting out on the water fishing and gardening & DIY.

Lyall worked for a multinational lift company for 21 years before leaving to establish Lift Solutions Ltd, an independent specialist lift and escalator consultancy, in 2003. In 2006 he also established Infrastructure Analysis Ltd, a company which undertakes IQP inspections and energy use and performance analysis of lifts and escalators.

With almost 40 years in the industry, Lyall has an intimate understanding of lift standards, service contracts and service delivery requirements which complement his technical expertise with both of existing and newly installed equipment.

Lyall is IQP certified throughout NZ for SS8 equipment. He is passionate about raising the standard of lift installation and servicing by working with suppliers to ensure all vertical transport systems remain safe for users - all of the time. He is pleased to be part of the Association of Building Compliance Management Team.

Warwick is a Practicing IQP and Inspection Consultant, with close to 20 years direct and indirect experience in Fire Protection and Building Compliance.

From school Warwick joined the Royal New Zealand Navy as an Engineer and trained in Fire Protection and Damage Control at the Naval training facility .

He is a Director and Building Services Manager of Christchurch based Compliance Building Services Ltd.

Personally Warwick is keen to see IQPs more actively involved in Construction Monitoring, He can also be seen on the side-lines supporting his two children on sports fields up and down the country.

Nick joined Argest In 2021 after managing Wellington City Council's Building Consent team. With his extensive expertise in compliance and regulatory frameworks, Nick leads a team of compliance consultants who provide specialist expertise to state schools in the challenging space of Building Warrants of Fitness and building compliance. Nick's unique skill set enables him to connect the dots between Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs), building owners, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and local councils. His dedication to facilitating effective communication and collaboration among these diverse parties is a testament to his commitment to building safer and more compliant educational facilities. As part of supporting the compliance sector Nick is on the Management Committee of the Association of Building Compliance NZ.

Steve has been in New Zealand since 1998 working in the fire alarm and building compliance field is now the senior BWOF admin for FFP.

Steve also has his IQP registration in the South Island in SS 1,2,3/2, 3/3, 4, 13/2, 13/3, 14/1, 14/2, 15/1, 15/2, 15/3, 15/4 and 15/5.

Prior to living in New Zealand Steve lived in the UK and has an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering and followed this with 13 years in the lift industry where he worked overseas and trained staff from all around the world.

Steve has a passion for teaching others and takes great pleasure in seeing those that he mentors evolving and moving into successful careers.

Steve believes that building compliance is a field worth entering as it provides the opportunity to shape the buildings of the future and to make them safe for all who use them.

Darrell began her career at BRANZ in 2001, where she gained valuable experience in product appraisals, building codes, and standards, and developed a strong understanding of their impact on the construction industry.  After 13 years at BRANZ, she expanded her expertise by joining Opus, where she worked across Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) compliance, fire engineering, and IQP inspections.

Her passion for building compliance and fire safety led her to Wellington City Council in 2015, where she continues to play a key role.  Darrell's work focuses on building compliance and BWoF management, including the development of new compliance schedules, resolving unconsented building work, and overseeing IQP registrations.

Darrell values collaboration and education in her work - whether it's learning something new, sharing knowledge with others, or working together to find practical solutions.  Her goal is simple: "I want to be approachable where it matters".

I have an extensive background in administration, training and event management, particularly in the area of support and development. I am passionate about delivering quality customer service outcomes by working collaboratively and developing individuals through industry training initiatives. I look forward to supporting your membership or training needs and working with you. 

Kia ora koutou katoa, my name is Trent Fearnley and I am the CEO for The Association. The educational landscape has undergone a major change that affects all training up to level 6 qualifications and this includes skills and training relating to our members. My goal is to enhance the capabilities of ABC Tech and increase the educational offering to enable our members to not only to upskill themselves but to gain suitable qualifications for their role and for any changes that may come from the Reform of Occupational Safety and the introduction of the licencing regime for Safety Critical Work. The roles of our members are critical and essential for maintaining the safety of people within the built environment.

I have over 26 years experience in the fire industry and the education industry, ranging from firefighting to fire investigator to fire risk management and fire engineering. I have been recently involved with the Reform of Vocational Education in NZ and I am also on the Board of Vocational Engineering Education NZ and the Institution of Fire Engineers.

It is my pleasure to provide our members with prompt, reliable support for any account and administration queries.  It's my goal to ensure your experience is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

I take pride in deing detail-oriented and approachable, and I'm always focused on delivering high-quality customer service with a positive attitude.

I enjoy working in fast-paced environments with diverse projects, and I'm always looking for ways to improve efficiency and contribute to the supportive, productive team culture here at the ABC.