Meet the Team
Meet the people in our Auckland workshop and office.
Ryan
Founder & Director | Hands-on Engineer
Hands-on and driven, Ryan brings experience, determination and a genuine passion for engineering to every project. Inspired by his father to pursue the trade, he leads by example, values his team and maintains a strong commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Named after his son, Forrest Engineering holds a significance that extends well beyond business. It reflects Ryan’s ambition, personal values and commitment to building something lasting, with his son never far from his mind.
Known for his sharp wit, competitive spirit and a good yarn, Ryan also maintains he’s the baddest pong player the streets have ever seen — a reputation his team is yet to confirm.
Shoni
Co-owner | Office & Operations
With a shared vision for Forrest Engineering’s future, Shoni brings creativity, initiative and a people-focused approach to the business. Overseeing office operations, administration and customer communication, she plays a key role in keeping things organised and running smoothly.
Naturally resourceful, quick to learn and attentive to detail, Shoni takes pride in supporting Ryan’s vision while bringing her own ideas, strengths and personality to the business they’re building together.
Delroy
Fabricator / Welder
With 34 years in the trade, Delroy brings a depth of experience in fabrication and welding, with a particular strength in stainless steel and pipework. He started in a family business and has spent decades refining his craft.
His rule is simple: do the job as if you are the one paying for it. Do it right, and do it once. He takes real pride in passing that standard on and seeing younger tradespeople grow in confidence and skill. Away from the workshop, he enjoys fishing and time with family.
Terry
Architectural metalwork
Terry brings more than a decade in the trade, steady workmanship and a particular strength in architectural work. He takes pride in seeing a job through properly, with care for both the finished result and the people it is made for.
Quiet, honest and hardworking, he is always open to learning something new. His talents extend beyond the workshop, too: he is a great cook, and his homemade spring rolls are a welcome team favourite.
Aklesh
Welder
Aklesh has been welding since 2000, after a tutor encouraged him to give a different trade a go. More than 25 years later, he still enjoys the craft, with arc welding a particular favourite.
He brings experience, a grounded attitude and the belief that no job is too big or too small to deserve care. Neat, precise work matters to him. Straightforward and friendly, he enjoys time at home and with family when the working day is done.
Connor
Apprentice
Connor found his way into engineering through an apprenticeship. Four years on, he is a quick learner with a positive attitude, a good sense of humour and plenty of energy for the work ahead.
A good day means producing something he is proud of, learning along the way and sharing a laugh with his workmates. He is especially keen to develop his drafting skills—proof that taking your work seriously and enjoying the people around you can go hand in hand.