Daphne didn’t start her career in construction. In fact, she was working in hospitality as part of the front office team at an international hotel group and had a clear progression path laid out ahead of her. But after a solo trip, something shifted. She realised the path she was on wasn’t something she wanted to pursue long term and started to think more seriously about what she genuinely enjoyed.
That reflection led her to construction. She had always enjoyed working with people and was drawn to numbers and problem-solving. After enrolling at Unitec to study a Diploma of Construction, she attended a career fair during her second year of Quantity Surveying studies, where White Associates was one of the companies looking for cadets to join its two-year cadet programme. Quantity Surveying stood out because it combined what she was looking for: technical work, collaboration, and variety.
After submitting her CV and going through the interview process, Daphne was particularly interested in more than just the role itself. She wanted to understand how the cadet programme worked, how it could improve over time, and what the company culture was really like. Those answers mattered, and when she was offered the role, she felt confident enough to take the step into a completely new industry.
Starting as a cadet at White Associates was a turning point, and not one she had to navigate alone. She joined at the same time as another cadet, Adam Harris, who is now also a Quantity Surveyor at WA, which made the transition less daunting. Together, they asked questions, supported each other, and worked through the initial uncertainty that naturally comes with starting something new.
Her early months were structured around building a strong foundation. Regular training sessions, including weekly Q&A sessions with the senior team, gave Daphne the space to ask questions, deepen her understanding, and learn directly from experienced professionals. The approach was gradual, rather than being thrown in at the deep end, the team introduced work in stages and across different areas, giving her the opportunity to discover her strengths and interests along the way.
As her confidence grew, so did the complexity of her work. Around six months in, and after completing her studies, Daphne had the opportunity to work with the Bank Funding Team. While initially overwhelming, it quickly became a valuable learning experience that broadened her understanding of the role. After a year, she transitioned back into post-contract work, now with a much stronger skillset and greater clarity about where she could add value.
A defining moment in her journey came when she worked on the Derby Square at Takanini Town Centre. It was here that Daphne saw her development translate into real impact. Working alongside senior team members, specifically working with Jesse Conradie, the Engineer to Contract on the project, she gained hands-on experience and strengthened her skills across both Bank Funding and post-contract work. The project itself went on to receive an Excellence Award at the 2026 Property Council Industry Awards, a milestone that reinforced the significance of the work she had contributed to.
For Daphne, one of the most rewarding aspects of the role is seeing a project come to life. From drawings to completion, she experienced firsthand what it means to contribute to something tangible. Sitting in a restaurant at Derby Square and recognising her part in its delivery was a standout moment. A reminder of the impact of the work done behind the scenes.
Throughout her journey, one lesson has stood out: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Daphne credits the culture at White Associates for making this easy. The senior team are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping others learn. There is no expectation to have all the answers, instead, curiosity and open communication are encouraged.
Now working as a Quantity Surveyor, Daphne reflects on her cadet experience as a time of growth, support, and opportunity. Her advice for future cadets is simple: don’t put too much pressure on yourself. The White Associates environment is open-minded and welcoming, and everyone is there to help you succeed. Take the time to learn, ask questions, and just enjoy the process!
Daphne’s journey shows what’s possible when you’re given the right support, exposure, and encouragement early in your career. At White Associates, the cadet programme is designed not just to teach technical skills, but to help individuals build confidence, find their direction, and grow into their role, just as she has done.