Cooper Associates brings decades of experience and critical thinking to solving our clients problems. We offer our clients experience drawn from practical experience, not textbooks. Our advice is founded on in-depth experience across a wide range of disciplines and sectors. Our core areas of focus include:• Infrastructure advisory services• Procurement solutions and support

I led the procurement of a new rail franchise for Auckland Transport. This included the design and development of the service scope and specification, commercial framework, contract form and drafting, and the subsequent tendering, negotiation and appointment process for the rail franchise agreement for the delivery of Auckland’s metro rail services.The previous contract governing metropolitan rail services in Auckland had been in place since 2004, with only minor modifications during that time. Consequently, the operating and commercial model, risk allocation and incentive mechanisms were no longer considered optimal for the purpose of delivering a modern metropolitan rail service in which customers are at the heart. Development of a new rail franchise model has provided an opportunity for Auckland Transport to review how it manages and allocates responsibilities for metropolitan rail services across the region. The outcomes of the new integrated rail delivery model for Auckland are expected to deliver reduced organisational interfaces, a more appropriate allocation of risks across the rail system and improved efficiency, customer and safety outcomes.The new contract was awarded to Auckland one Rail, a consortium between ComfortDelgro Corporation and UGL Rail Services.

Greater Wellington Regional Council is responsible for the provision of public transport services in the Greater Wellington region. As Programme Director of the Bus Services Transformation Programme, I was responsible for delivery of a number of projects aimed at delivering a step change in the service performance, cost effectiveness and ease of use for customers of bus services in the region.These projects included:- Implementation of the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM) for bus and the associated process for procuring bus operating contracts across the region. The objective of PTOM is to deliver a competitive PT operator market in Wellington, with enhanced service levels and value for money for the public purse. The successful implementation of PTOM has been critical in delivering a range of interdependent transformational initiatives for public transport in Wellington. - Fleet transition – incorporating the transition from trolley buses and old diesel fleets to a low emission bus fleet and ultimately an all electric bus fleet in the region.- Networks, Customer and Transition – incorporating implementation of the new Wellington city bus network and the associated communication and transition arrangements with customers, bus operators and other stakeholders.- Transition Director - responsible for overseeing implementation of the above projects.

Marais-Lucas delivers rapid network installations for telecommunications, energy and utility providers using innovative trenching technology.

Strategic and commercial advice in the transport and infrastructure space.

Strategic and commercial advice in the transport and infrastructure space.

BDM in 'Energy for Industry', a business of Meridian Energy, providing industrial scale heat and energy plants via BOOT type schemes.

Project implementing ERP system for NZ Milk - focussed on business process requirements for logistics and supply chainof product to market.

Various roles across commercial, operational, Interisland Line.Helped implement Metroport inland port and bulk milk on rail developments.