MVC 2025 Finalists Selection
Voting will close on 8th Decemeber 2025

I am proud to nominate Danny Newland for the Most Valuable Contributor (MVC) Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and transformative impact on workforce development at Titan Marine Engineering.Danny has been the driving force behind one of New Zealand’s most progressive and inclusive apprenticeship programmes. At a time when the marine engineering industry faces a critical skills shortage, Danny has led Titan’s response with vision, compassion, and technical excellence.Under his guidance, Titan has created a purpose-built training hub in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, supporting 18 apprentices with access to marine-grade tools, hands-on learning, and real-world project experience. Danny’s commitment to meaningful, safe, and high-quality training ensures that every apprentice is equipped to contribute from day one.What sets Danny apart is his holistic approach to development:He ensures qualified tradespeople are given time to mentor apprentices, embedding a culture of learning across the business.He has championed wellbeing and mental health, bringing in a life coach twice a month to support staff and foster a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.He has led the way in inclusive training practices, supporting neurodiverse learners with visual aids, speech-to-text tools, and hands-on demonstrations.He has built a culture of character and diversity, selecting apprentices not just for skill, but for integrity and potential.Danny’s leadership has had a tangible impact. Apprentices are thriving, morale is high, and Titan’s reputation as a training-focused employer is growing. As Competenz Training Advisor Rick Oliver notes, “Titan has created one of the most comprehensive apprentice programmes I’ve seen.”Danny is not just building tradespeople — he’s building confident, capable individuals who are proud of their work and their place in the industry. His own journey from apprentice to Technical Quality Manager is a testament to what’s possible when training is done right.Danny Newland is a true Most Valuable Contributor. His work is shaping the future of marine engineering in New Zealand, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.Sincerely,Todd WilsonOperations ManagerTitan Marine Engineering