Nina Tutini has recently been promoted to Asphalt Paving Foreperson, the first female to hold this position in the history of Fulton Hogan. Nina shares her journey.
I’ve been in the roading industry since 2003, starting as a QA at Works Infrastructure. My initial goal was to be an engineer, and I enrolled in their study programme. Family circumstances changed, and I made the decision to stay working on the roads.
In 2020, I moved from the QA role into Leading Hand, which gave me more responsibility, including organising the teams and trucks, people, more client interaction, and running the job when the supervisor was absent.
Now in my new role as Asphalt Paving Foreperson – I’ll be running a crew of eight. We service the Auckland and Northland regions, so the variety is immense.
As a woman working in an intense environment, how did you cope?
When I first started in the industry, I was one of the first woman. I like to get to know the crew I’m working with, what they’re like, what makes them happy, and then I take that knowledge when I’m responding to each individual. Being a woman, I think instinctively you take on the role of looking after the guys, and they feel they can confide in you. I’m the second youngest of six, with four brothers, and worked in hospitality prior to starting in roading, so I know how to handle big personalities.
Was the move to a Foreperson role something you had targeted in your personal growth?
I was focused on achieving a role like this, so when the opportunity was offered, I was thrilled. The culture here is awesome.
Gary adds, “Nina joined us already very experienced from her time elsewhere. Her attitude really stood out. She was able to manage the team in a really positive manner and keep them happy.”
What motivates you?
I want to do a great job for me. You’re in a male dominant industry, and it’s good to be recognised for the experience and knowledge that I personally bring to site, not sitting on the bottom rung, with nowhere to go after 17 years.
Outside of Fulton Hogan, I care for my mum, and I’ve just purchased a house, so there’s a lot of DIY in the house and garden keeping me busy. Plus, I’m going to become a Nana in April, which I’m very excited about. Unfortunately, they are based in Australia, so with the borders closed, we’ll be doing a lot of Facetime.
What are you most excited about?
I’m really looking forward to a new challenge, and taking on more responsibility – I thrive off this, and know I perform best when I’m using my brain.
“Behind Nina is a great crew and whole team supporting her. Gary is a great teacher and imparts his knowledge freely – so when we planted the seed in Nina’s head over a year ago, I knew that she would see this as the great opportunity that it is. We offer the right opportunities, and ultimately want our people to succeed. If one succeeds, we all do, and I know that Nina will be one of the highlights to watch,” says Surfacing Divisional Manager James Scully.
