In this months members profile feature, we interviewed Matt Ward from Match Cato, a specialist in the underground utility industry, Matt shares his journey from the early, riskier days of excavation to the present, where technology and rigorous standards have significantly improved safety.
- How long have you been working in the industry?
Based on the amount of grey hair I now have, I cannot deny it is more than 20years.
- Would you like to share one of your company’s memorable stories or achievements from the industry?
I think looking back at the history of March Cato and my association with them it was the Hunua 4 watermain project in Auckland that has been the most notable and significant achievement in terms of step change for the business and really maturing into a genuine industry leader for service damage prevention and overall health and safety performance.
- How has utility detection technology evolved or improved since you first started using it, and how has it impacted your operations?
I recall one of my first projects being an underground storage tank removal job in Sydney and service location for that job was done with a 30ton excavator! Looking back I’m astounded we didn’t have more strikes but I also think back then we had a lot more experience and competency within the industry. Lots of generational knowledge passed down but the industry has grown very rapidly and taken on board a lot of new players which introduces risk, but also opportunity. The good news I see is that we now have much more rigorous standards and technology to utilise. The beforeUdig service is now very well known and most contractors working around utilities have good understanding of how to prove what is in the ground and safely dig around assets. For March Cato, we now have in-house locating capability including electromagnetic locators and hydrovac trucks.
- What regions does your company service for utility locations?
Auckland
- What do you enjoy most about working in the industry?
Working in civil infrastructure has a lot of challenges and that is what I thrive on. I love the fact every day is different, new sites, variety of projects, complex issues, a mix of people and a good balance of working in the office and field. The industry has a positive impact on people’s lives by providing critical life supporting resources and supplies (power, water, gas, comms, etc) and being part of the chain that keeps these vital supplies flowing is very rewarding.
- Does your company have any upcoming projects you’re excited about and would like to share some information on?
March Cato has a plenty of works in the pipeline (pardon the pun) and is always excited to deliver for our clients and the communities in which we work.
- What are your company’s future goals in the industry?
March Cato is committed to being a sustainable business and a lot of our goals are geared around this and helping the industry become stronger, more efficient and safer. We know there are still many issues out there and we are excited to be part of the solution to work with others and help reduce harm, improve value and protect the natural environment for future generations to benefit from.
- Is there any extra you would like to add?
Super proud to be have part of the NULCA NZ conception and evolution and looking forward to continuing to support the mahi of all involved and we see no reason why NZ cannot be a world leader in this space.
