Rebecca van Eyssen recognised for outstanding contribution to the structural steel industry
Rebecca van Eyssen of the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) is the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Steel Construction New Zealand (SCNZ) Chair’s Award. The annual honour recognises individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to New Zealand’s structural steel industry.
SCNZ Chair and MJH Engineering Managing Director Malcolm Hammond presented Rebecca with the award at a gala dinner in Auckland last night.
“Never one to seek the spotlight, Rebecca’s impact on SCNZ and the wider industry has been immense,” says Hammond. “This award recognises her dedication and professionalism, and the energy she brings to everything she does.”
Rebecca has been a constant, trusted presence in the structural steel industry for many years – first at SCNZ and now at HERA. Since beginning her journey with SCNZ in 2008, she has worked alongside the SCNZ team and its long line of Chairs, building strong, enduring relationships, and quietly guiding the organisation through every chapter of its growth.
Since joining HERA five years ago, Rebecca has continued to support the structural steel industry, helping maintain close and collaborative connections across the sector. She is widely regarded as the person everyone turns to when they need direction.
Rebecca was instrumental in broadening SCNZ’s focus beyond its technical roots to include genuine member engagement and support. She also led the charge to establish SCNZ’s own major events, including the inaugural conference in Rotorua in 2018. Today, those events have grown to capacity and set the standard for professionalism and polish – much of it thanks to Rebecca’s behind-the-scenes leadership and eye for detail.
Her quiet influence and tireless commitment have left an enduring legacy – one that continues to strengthen New Zealand’s structural steel community.
supply companies. SCNZ provides its members with technical advice on the latest in steel design trends and standards, networking opportunities and a representative voice with key industry and government decision-makers. For more information please visit www.scnz.org.
