28/04/2026
This week’s Roadworker of the Week is Alex, a dump truck operator at Goodman Contractors Ltd.
Alex is one of the people contributing to the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Roads of National Significance project, which is delivering 6.5km of four‑laning to improve safety, reduce travel times, and better connect communities across the region.
Alex’s journey into construction started far from Hawke’s Bay. Originally from Chile, she worked as a physical education teacher before deciding to travel. 6 years ago, she arrived in New Zealand on a working holiday without a word of English, but with plenty of determination and a willingness to learn. Her commitment to building a new life set her on a pathway she hadn’t expected.
Since joining Goodman Contractors Ltd, Alex has completed a Class 2 truck licence and training in truck and roller operation. She now operates a 30‑tonne dump truck, helping move the material that is shaping the new Hawke’s Bay Expressway lanes. She is the only woman among a team of seven machine operators and is already focused on her next goal of moving into excavator operation.
The construction sector can feel daunting when you’re stepping into a male‑dominated environment, but Alex has built strong relationships with the people she works alongside. She says the support and respect of her team have made all the difference as she grows her skills and confidence.
Thanks Alex, and the wider team working on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project. When you’re travelling through worksites, slow down and follow all signage to help keep roadworkers like Alex safe.
