Waiotahi Contractors operations coordinator for quarries Nicole Pierce is surprised to be named the MinEx Kristy Christensen Memorial Award winner at the 2026 Komatsu New Zealand Women in Extractives event.

The annual awards, hosted by the New Zealand Minerals Council, Aggregate and Quarry Association (AQA), and MinEx, recognise outstanding women across the extractives industry and celebrate leadership, innovation and commitment.

The award Pierce received carries special weight. It honours Kristy Christensen, who spent 15 years working in underground coal mining while advocating for workplaces that better support women. Christensen died of breast cancer at 37, leaving a legacy that continues to shape industry culture and expectations.

Waiotahi colleagues Hollie Atarau and Gerard Hull nominated Pierce for her leadership, professionalism and unwavering focus on people.

The world of quarrying

Pierce’s pathway into quarrying was anything but traditional.

Growing up in Whakatāne with a passion for horses, she studied tourism and travel at Waikato Polytechnic before building a career in hospitality and food management. A later role at Farmlands during Covid drew her closer to a rural environment – something she admits felt more aligned with her interests.

In 2021, Pierce started with Waiotahi Quarry as an administrator, then moved into quality assurance, overseeing materials destined for the Ōpōtiki Harbour project.

“That leads to a more environmental role, where I follow the strict environmental code Waiotahi takes so seriously,” Pierce said. “That includes monitoring dust emissions and ensuring roads and waterways aren’t polluted.”

The variety of work – and the company’s focus on training – keeps her engaged.

“The company is really good at upskilling people, and I love learning new things. That’s what keeps me interested,” she said. “Whether it’s gaining my wheels, tracks and rollers endorsements or taking on new tasks, there’s always something to build on.”

Pierce is now working toward her B Grade Quarry Manager certification, which Atarau said reflects both her ambition and her commitment to strengthening capability across the wider operation.

A people-first approach in a tough environment

Atarau said Pierce stands out for her hands-on, practical leadership style.

Waiotahi colleagues, People and Capability Manager, Hollie Atarau and HSQE Manager, Gerard Hull (not pictured) nominated Nicole. Photo / Supplied

“Nicole demonstrates outstanding leadership across quarry operations through a people-focused approach that consistently sets high standards,” she says. “She’s not afraid to get stuck in and regularly works alongside the team on site.”

Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Nicole also plays an important role in building a culture where staff feel supported.

With few women on site, she becomes a trusted sounding board, encouraging open communication and helping to create a workplace where people feel safe to speak up.

She places particular emphasis on mental wellbeing – an area she believes is critical to both safety and performance.

“The mental health of the team is extremely important to me,” Pierce said. “People need to be looked after to be productive.”

Pierce supports the rollout of the UOK BRO NZ wellbeing initiative within the company. The programme provides free and confidential counselling services, alongside practical support such as budgeting advice.

“In my eyes, it really is okay to not be okay,” she said. “No one should be carrying the weight of their problems alone, whether that’s work-related or personal.”

Christensen said Pierce’s approachable nature and empathy have a lasting impact.

“When issues arise, Nicole is proactive and solution-focused, often the first person on site working through challenges and identifying practical solutions,” she said. “She also steps into leadership when the quarry branch manager is on leave, ensuring continuity and strong performance.”

Safety and solutions

Alongside her operational responsibilities, Pierce plays an active role in strengthening safety practices across the business.

She is a committed member of the health and safety committee and contributes to ongoing improvements in systems and processes, helping reinforce a strong safety culture within quarry operations.

Pierce also works collaboratively with other quarry managers and the company director, sharing knowledge and supporting wider organisational goals.

Her ability to lead is most evident in complex situations.

One standout example involved the removal of metal stockpiled on private property – a long-running issue that presented logistical and community challenges, including resistance from local residents.

Pierce took the lead in engaging with iwi and landowners, navigating the situation with sensitivity, persistence and professionalism.

Through careful co-ordination, the material was successfully removed, transported to the processing site and sold – a significant outcome given the complexity of the situation.

Nicole Pierce receiving her award from Chief Executive Officer at MinEx and Aggregate & Quarry Association NZ, Wayne Scott. Photo / Supplied

Pierce remained on site throughout the process, ensuring operations ran smoothly and safely, while maintaining strong relationships with all parties involved.

Christensen said this reflects the qualities that make Pierce deserving of national recognition.

“Nicole’s professionalism, approachability and strong leadership – combined with her commitment to people, safety and operational excellence – make her a highly deserving recipient of this award.

“She has a very bright future in the quarrying industry, and we are proud to have her as part of our team.”