The Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (Ipenz) Transportation Group opened its annual conference at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Sunday and formal sessions started yesterday.
About 200 delegates from throughout New Zealand and Australia were involved in workshops with a focus on the importance of collaboration in transportation.
Organising committee chairman Phil Dowsett, of Dunedin, said discussion about cycleways was particularly relevant to Dunedin delegates and authorities.
A presentation on the rebuilding in Christchurch by keynote speaker and Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team general manager Duncan Gibb was also of interest to those from Otago, Mr Dowsett said.
''A lot of our consultants and suppliers are involved in the Christchurch rebuild. It's becoming more important we collaborate rather than just compete, particularly when things are tight and there's not a lot of money,'' he said.
Mr Dowsett, a New Zealand Transport Agency senior project manager, said the conference was an opportunity for professionals from throughout the industry to share ideas, better their understanding of topical issues and strengthen their networks.
Yesterday about 100 delegates toured Logan Point Quarry, opposite the stadium, where they had lunch at the bottom of the pit about 50m below sea level.
The quarry, owned and operated by Blackhead Quarries Ltd, supplies base course for roading as well as materials for other infrastructure and asphalt. Conference delegates also had the opportunity to tour the Dunedin Gasworks Museum and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, as well as dine at Larnach Castle.
