Michelle Bain

Michelle has been a Director of Cato Bolam since1995 and has managed the company’s Orewa office since 2001. A highly experienced land development consultant and Registered Professional Surveyor, she has worked in the land development profession since 1990, with extensive experience across residential, commercial and rural development, including major projects and master planned communities.

Michelle specialises in development advisory, project leadership and the coordination of multidisciplinary consultant teams. As lead consultant on significant and complex land development projects, she brings together the right combination of planning, surveying, engineering, environmental and other specialist expertise to guide projects from initial strategy and feasibility through consenting, procurement and delivery.

Her strength lies in combining strategic thinking with practical project delivery. Michelle has established long-standing relationships with clients, councils and fellow professionals and is known for her ability to navigate complex development issues, build effective project teams and maintain a clear focus on achieving successful outcomes for clients.

As a Director, Michelle also takes an active role in the strategic direction of Cato Bolam, with a particular interest in ensuring the company continues to evolve, innovate and respond to changes affecting land development, the built environment and the communities in which it works.

Throughout her career Michelle has contributed actively to the wider surveying and spatial profession. In 2002 she was awarded the NZIS Fulton Bequest in recognition of her contribution as a young surveyor to the profession. She has also served on the Board of Survey and Spatial New Zealand for nine years, reflecting her long-standing commitment to professional leadership and service.

Outside work, sailing has been a life long passion. Michelle is an accomplished competitive sailor and World Masters gold medal list and has contributed extensively to the sport through club leadership, major event organisation and sailing governance. Her roles have included managing there development of Torbay Sailing Club, organising sailing for the World Masters Games, and she is currently Chair of the New Zealand Sailing Foundation, supporting talented young New Zealand sailors to pursue their ambitions internationally.

Michelle continues to race competitively, cruises the Hauraki Gulf with her family, and enjoys spending time in the mountains supporting her son’s international alpine ski racing. Above all, she values time with her husband and son.