CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Bart Mulder
Proarbor Hawkes Bay
SPEAKER BIO
Bart Mulder is a Hawke’s Bay business owner with 25 years of experience in arboriculture and business leadership. As the owner of Pro Arbore and Hi Viz Traffic Management, he brings practical industry knowledge and a strong focus on safety, quality workmanship and developing people.
Bart established Proarbore in 2002 and Hi Viz Traffic Management in 2022, both businesses subsequently played a role in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
His commitment to the wider industry extends to his roles on the National Executive Council of Civil Contractors New Zealand and the Board of the New Zealand ArboriculturalAssociation. Through these positions, Bart contributes to industry representation, professional standards and the development of future leaders.
With a hands-on approach to leadership, Bart is committed to building capable teams, creating opportunities and supporting the communities in which his businesses operate.
TALK TITLE
Cyclone Gabrielle: Grit, Adaptation and Opportunity
ABSTRACT
How? What? Why? These were questions with no clear answers as Cyclone Gabrielle unfolded. What followed was a story of sheer grit and determination—a period of relentless problem-solving, innovation and business reinvention.
Organisations had to adapt quickly, often learning through mistakes. With power, communications and contact with the outside world disrupted, new systems were needed to keep staff safe, coordinate operations and track jobs and progress. Decisions were made under pressure, approaches were continually adjusted and solutions emerged through teamwork and persistence.
This presentation explores the operational challenges and human toll of working through widespread devastation and uncertainty. Stress, exhaustion and emotional strain were part of the response, with tears often providing a necessary release. It also examines the positives and opportunities that emerged, including stronger systems, new capabilities and a greater understanding of what teams could achieve in extraordinary circumstances.