Rate My Professor Mark Hanson

Mark Hanson serves as Project Manager/Estimator in the Property Services Division at the University of Otago, Dunedin Campus. His career in the trades commenced at the tender age of 15, encompassing hands-on roles such as emergency plumber and acting plumbing foreperson prior to his current position. Having emigrated from Nottingham in the United Kingdom in 2008 alongside his wife Deb and their two young children in pursuit of improved life prospects, Hanson adapted swiftly to New Zealand. Notably, at 38 years old, he committed three years to rigorous study, qualifying as a registered gasfitter and plumber, which bolstered his contributions to the university's infrastructure maintenance.

Drawing from his intimate familiarity with campus facilities and maintenance teams, Hanson has been instrumental in key projects. He spearheaded the initiation of a comprehensive support structure for the Eccles Building, including the strategic appointment of two specialized engineers to manage electrical, mechanical, and plumbing services throughout the construction phase, practical completion, and final handover. Hanson's exemplary dedication was honored with the prestigious first-ever Chief Operating Officer’s (COO’s) Award. This accolade stemmed from his swift and effective handling of a severe blocked drain emergency at the Plaza Unipol Recreation Centre, where flooding threatened washrooms and reception just before the academic semester and a high-profile Robbie Williams concert. Collaborating with Ewan Burnett and the Foley Plumbers team, he identified the blockage, demolished a wall section, cut into the affected pipe, rerouted the effluent via a sucker hose, and deployed a jetter hose to clear the obstruction, ensuring full restoration well past midnight. Furthermore, as a certified Independent Qualified Person (IQP number 474), he holds expertise in SS7 Backflow Preventers systems. Hanson advocates for robust people management, emphasizing that approximately 90 percent of success in his field hinges on interpersonal dynamics, proactive communication, and treating all stakeholders as valued customers by furnishing timely updates and disruption notifications.