Let's chart the course for success

Dedicated to improving industry outcomes by lifting capability and unlocking what matters: Progress | Performance | Purpose

Through Construction Sector Advisory, Training, and Investing in our Industry, we help organisations and people navigate toward a thriving future.

Introduction

Welcome to Navig8 Construction Advisory

Navigating complexity. Aligning teams. Delivering lasting value.

At Navig8, we exist to help clients and their projects set a clear course – empowering people to perform, unlocking potential across teams, and lifting the standard for our industry.

 

We do this by combining pragmatic insight, collaborative leadership, and a balanced perspective – shaping solutions that make a difference, today and for the future.

Our Priorities

Charting industry progress via three priorities:

Each a destination on the journey to a stronger construction ecosystem

Advisory

“Setting a smarter course”

Helping capital projects & construction sector organisations set a course for success – guiding decisions that shape outcomes from the very start

Training

“Equipping people to perform”

Building confidence, competence, and capability – empowering people to navigate challenges and seize opportunities

Investing in our Industry

“Lifting the tide for all”

Driving lasting positive change across the construction ecosystem – advocating for a more resilient, sustainable, and high-performing sector

Meet the Directors

Gavin Shaw

Gavin brings over 30 years of experience in capital project delivery and business leadership. As a trusted advisor and project leader, he’s known for helping people stay calm, play to their strengths, and find their way to safe harbours. His work spans public & private infrastructure, industry standards reform, and capability development across New Zealand’s construction sector.

Gavin profile picture

Mark Thomson

Mark brings over 20 years of experience in the planning and delivery of major commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects and programmes, in New Zealand and overseas. He’s known for building high-performing teams and creating the conditions for people to do their best work.

 

 

Services

Strategic Support Across Governance, Procurement, and Leadership

Delivery & Procurement Strategy

Project & Programme Establishment

Project Governance, Leadership & Directorship

Partnering & Team Development

Independent Certifier (Engineer to Contract)

Project & Programme Controls and Reporting

Project Reviews, Lessons Learned & Recovery

Training & Capability Building

testimonials

Trusted by Industry Leaders

“Through his engagement with Navig8 Construction Advisory, Gavin has consistently delivered exceptional service to Health NZ. His contributions span from strategizing on procurement and delivery to successfully leading as the Interim Project Director for some of our most challenging capital projects. Gavin’s leadership style is characterised by his encouragement of unconstrained and innovative thinking. He skilfully brings together diverse perspectives to tackle challenges in new and inventive ways. His approach fosters a culture of transparency and trust, which has been instrumental in driving our teams toward achieving practical and efficient results. Gavin’s enduring impact is highly valued at Health NZ, and we confidently recommend his seasoned, pragmatic advice to anyone in the construction sector seeking reliable guidance.”

Blake Lepper
Head of Delivery – Infrastructure Investment Group, Health New Zealand

“Mark undertook an independent review of Auckland Transport’s ferry programme, with a particular focus on the multi-year delivery strategy. What stood out was the way he approached the assignment. Rather than relying on a single perspective or theoretical approach, he drew on specialist expertise and insights from across our team – forming these into a clear and practical assessment.

His review validated a number of our assumptions and gave us greater confidence in our preferred approach, while also highlighting areas where we could strengthen our thinking and bring in industry best practice. His recommendations were practical, balanced, and grounded in real-world delivery experience.

Mark listened carefully to our team, asked insightful questions, and provided us with implementable advice. I would recommend him to anyone seeking an independent, well-rounded perspective on a complex programme or strategic initiative.”

Nathan Cammock

Programme Director – Auckland Transport

“The obvious technical ability goes without saying. There’s a reason why Gavin Shaw gets called to manage the big projects. But I find Gavin’s true skill is his ability to identify the crux of an issue and reason his way through it, deciphering the issues in a way that leads to effective resolution. I’ve witnessed times where Gavin has reasoned a room of differing and antagonistic views into a cohesive team agreeing a way forward. To have the skill to get multiple parties on side quickly, is a skill not many have. And the time and cost benefit that skill brings, is Gavin’s primary asset.”

Fleur Aldridge
Infrastructure Lawyer – Major Project Governance

What Sets Us Apart

Why Navig8?

Beyond Theory

Advice rooted in real-world experience – where commercial realities shape behaviours and practical solutions drive results

True Partnership

We work with you – solving problems together with shared intent

Sector-Wide Perspective

Lifting industry standards while delivering strong project outcomes

Clear Communication

Timely, honest, and direct conversations – saying what needs to be said with respect and clarity

Insight & Perspective

Applying insight and perspective to shape actionable strategy

Supporting Growth

Empowering people to grow by fostering trust, respect, and the confidence to engage

Ready to Set a Smarter Course?

Facing uncertainty or planning your next move? Let’s talk and find the best path forward with Navig8.