Interest in CEMARS and the carboNZero programme is growing rapidly and we are fortunate to have an experienced, innovative and passionate team dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions using credible methods that are effective for both business and the environment.
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Dr Ann Smith, Chief Executive Officer
Ann splits her time between the Auckland and Lincoln offices. She is responsible for developing the strategic direction of the business with the Board of Directors and reporting to them on progress; providing leadership toward the achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, strategy, and its annual goals and objectives; and leadership to position the Company at the forefront of the industry strategic direction and business management.
Ann has previously been Acting Head of Department at the University of Hertfordshire and prior to that she managed a range of large European Union funded collaborative environmental management projects involving multiple corporate and government funding partners. Ann has a broad range of experience and expertise in environmental management and sustainable development strategies. Her previous roles include sustainability coordinator for the University of Hertfordshire at a time when it developed a new campus with clear sustainability goals and targets. Ann provided the technical leadership for the development of CEMARS and the carboNZero programme as certification schemes and subsequent international accreditations from the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ), the UK Environment Agency and the Carbon Disclosure Project.
Ann was joint winner of the 2009 EECA Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Energy Award which was awarded by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority of New Zealand.
Ann has Bachelor of Science (Honours) in botany and psychology from the University of Adelaide, a Doctorate in marine biology from the University of London, and a professorship in environmental management for business from the University of Hertfordshire.
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Dr Belinda Mathers, Technical Manager & Certifier
Belinda is based at Lincoln and is the Certification Manager for the Programme. Belinda is responsible for witnessing audits, verifier assessments, and ensuring that the JAS-ANZ accreditation commitments are upheld throughout the verification process, as well as being central to the technical development of the Programme.
Belinda has over ten years’ experience in GHG emissions management across a range of industry sectors and countries, and a broad range of experience in environmental assessments and due diligence, developing and auditing environmental management systems, and resource efficiency. She has experience in energy and waste auditing for industry, as well as compliance auditing. Prior to joining the carboNZero programme, Belinda was GHD’s global technical leader for Environmental Management Systems and Audits, with responsibility for developing and maintaining technical competency across GHD’s international operations.
Belinda has a Bachelor of Engineering in chemical and process engineering from Canterbury University and a Doctorate in chemical engineering from Monash University.
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Karen Tipper, Verification Manager & Deputy Certifier
Karen is based at Lincoln and her work involves undertaking verifications and undertaking independent reviews as part of the certification process.
Karen joined us from Deloitte where she worked as an Audit Senior Manager. She has provided both internal and external audit services to many clients in New Zealand, UK and Germany. Her experience includes external and internal audits of both listed and private companies and internal controls reviews.
Karen is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) with over ten years accounting and auditing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in German and business studies from Warwick University.
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Stu McKenzie, Senior Technical Advisor & Verifier
Stu is based at Lincoln and supports organisations as they go through the Programme. He leads sourcing and assessment of carbon credits for those clients that require offsets for their carboNZero certification.
Stu has considerable experience in greenhouse gas accounting and has contributed to several research projects including the New Zealand Carbon Monitoring System and EBEX21 indigenous forest carbon credits programme. He is continuously seeking options to minimise his own personal impacts and is increasing his rate of cycling to work, use of a carpool, and making his house more energy efficient.
Stu has a Bachelor of Science in geography and earth sciences and a Postgraduate Diploma in natural resource management from Massey University.
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Stephen Burgham, Technical Advisor
Stephen is based at Lincoln and supports organisations as they go through the Programme. He has responsibility for maintaining and developing the Programme's emissions factors database.
Stephen has many years of research experience in soil science (including field description of soils, interpretation for land use, and soil databases) and he has specialised in remote sensing, image processing of satellite data and environmental management.
Stephen has a strong interest in environmental issues. He has a large organic vegetable garden and his house is becoming increasingly energy-efficient.
Stephen has a Bachelor of Science in earth sciences from Massey University.
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Sebastian Mierau, Technical Advisor & Verifier
Sebastian is based at Auckland and supports organisations as they go through the Programme. He is responsible for developing tools and systems to assist organisations to measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions and product carbon footprints in order to meet verification requirements.
Sebastian has experience at central and local government level in climate change policy, emissions profiles, environmental footprinting, product life-cycle assessment, and climate change mitigation strategies with the Ministry for the Environment and the Communities for Climate Protection programme.
In his free time Sebastian loves to look after his bees and experience nature. In the past he has developed pest control and monitoring systems to secure organic status for a Nelson beekeeping business. Sebastian is a supporter of newly emerging raw, organic, and super food movements and he also loves meditating and sun gazing.
Sebastian has studied towards a Masters of Science in energy and environmental management at the University of Flensburg, Germany. A requirement for this degree was an international exchange year, which he completed in Victoria University of Wellington. This research evolved into a Masters of Science thesis in geography about the flow-on effects of climate change in the Pacific.
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Dr Anthony Hume, Product Carbon Footprinting Advisor
Anthony is based in Wellington and is Senior Life Cycle Management Advisor at Landcare Research and a contractor to carboNZero Holdings. He is responsible for supporting clients as they prepare for certification of products.
Anthony has over 12 years experience in the research and application of environmental Life Cycle Management in Europe and New Zealand. He led the carbon footprinting research for NZ Pipfruit and Berryfruit sectors and water footprinting for Kiwifruit sector, and was instrumental in leading and completing the LCM for Manufacturers programme.
Before joining Landcare Research, Anthony worked on life cycle management and European environmental policy initiatives for Fujitsu Services (Europe), the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF), The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), BioRegional and the Consumer Organisation Which? Limited. Achievements include helping setting up end-of-life takeback systems for waste electronic and electrical equipment (Fujitsu Services), co-ordinating responses to the 10 Downing Street Better Regulation Task Force on UK producer responsibility legislation (EEF), integrating life environmental impacts into product performance analysis (Which? Ltd), and leading policy responses to the proposed European regulations on carbon dioxide emissions’ reduction from passenger cars at the European Commission (SMMT
Anthony has a Bachelor of Science in physical geography from University of London, and Masters in environmental management and law and a Doctorate in environmental technology from Brunel University.
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Julie Sandilands, Product Carbon Footprinting Advisor
Julie is based in Auckland and is a Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprinting Consultant at PE Australasia on secondment to carboNZero Holdings. She is responsible for developing tools and specifications to help clients measure their product carbon footprint.
Julie is experienced in Life Cycle Assessment and carbon footprinting, having assisted organisations and companies throughout the world, particularly in the metal and mining and forestry sectors.
Julie has a Bachelor of Science in physics and chemistry and a Masters of Engineering Management from the University of Canterbury.
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May Chang, NZ Advisor & Verifier
May is based at Lincoln and provides technical key account management support for our clients to ensure they progress through the Programme in a timely manner. This includes supporting businesses and events from sign-up to being ready for verification, and monitoring the small enterprise certification programme.
May works closely with our partners and special projects, including Project Litefoot Trust, a green initiative that is led by New Zealand’s most prominent athletes working towards measuring and reducing their own emissions and inspire more people to live sustainably. May is a talented golfer and has been a member of the Canterbury Women’s Golf Team since 2000.
May has a Bachelor of Recreation Management in tourism and marketing from Lincoln University.
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Daniela Ramirez, Business Development Manager - Latin America
Daniela is based at Lincoln and works with both New Zealand and International clients, particularly in Latin America, to help them achieve Programme certification
Daniela has a special interest in climate change and carbon management. She is an environmental engineer with experience in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems and food and safety standards in different sectors such as wine, animal production and food processing. She was also an assistant lecturer for an environmental management course at the University of Chile.
Daniela has a Bachelor of Science in natural resources from the University Of Chile and a Master of Technology in environmental management from the University of Malaya, Malaysia.
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Josephine Rudkin-Binks, New Zealand Sales Manager
Josephine is based at Auckland and is responsible for leading the coordination, development and acquisition of domestic business for the Programme.
Originally from the UK, Josephine began her sales career in the hotel and events industry where she worked for Grosvenor House Hotel (Park Lane, London) and then as Sale’s Director for IBR (which is now, under the name of Zibrant, one of the UK’s largest events companies). In 2005 Josephine and her family moved to Auckland where she took a position with AUT The Conference Centre as business development manager. It was there that she found her passion for sustainability when she initiated the Conference Centre’s sustainability programme, which lead to them winning the Sustainable Business Network’s (SBN) “Get Sustainable Challenge” national finals.
Josephine has a BTEC Higher National Diploma in business and finance from the London Metropolitan University.
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Andrea Fairclough, Sales Executive
Andrea is based at Auckland and is your point of contact for enquiries about the carboNZero and Cemars Programmes. Andrea works directly with potential clients from all sectors to ensure they fully understand the Programme and the certification services that are on offer.
Prior to joining the carboNZero team, Andrea was a Sales Manager for a NZ freight company. As part of her role she championed them through the carboZNero programme and certification. As she was previously a client of carboNZero she completely understands what it’s like to be on the other side! Andrea has a strong background in sales with experience in the freight, FMCG, airline and marketing industry. Andrea has always had an interest in sustainability and the impact we all place on the environment. Outside of work you will find her at her local beaches enjoying our fabulous coastlines.
Andrea has a Postgradute Diploma in Business Marketing.
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Austin Hansell, Communications & Certification Assistant
Austin is based at Lincoln and divides her time between communication and marketing activities as well as administrative assistance for the Programme’s certification activities and technical development.
Austin has previously worked in technical writing, education and research. Her experience in technical writing is especially useful when she needs to navigate highly technical certification standards and procedures. When not at work, Austin is out exploring New Zealand, practicing her photography skills, or curled up with a book. She is also studying beekeeping and hopes to start a hive soon.
Austin has a Bachelor of Arts in literature and history from the University of New Mexico and a Masters of Arts in literature and film from the University of Oregon.
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James McLafferty
, IT Systems & Project Manager
James is based at Lincoln and manages the Programme calculators, website, web applications plus supporting software and servers. He is also responsible for project management of IT related projects.
James has been working with technology and businesses in New Zealand and the UK for over 10 years. He has an increasing interest in caring for the environment and the impact individuals have on global problems. When he is not working he can be found out in the hills or down a river enjoying the outdoors.
James has a Bachelor of Commerce and Physical Education from the University of Otago.
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Dr Brent Martin, IT Analyst & Developer
Brent is based at Lincoln and develops new tools and products for our clients and internal systems. He also works on IT strategy, business efficiency tools and the implementation of new software.
Brent has over 10 years of experience in software development at such organisations as Hewlett Packard, Wynyard Group, and Google. He also has 10 years’ experience as a senior lecturer in computer science and software engineering. Brent has won multiple awards for his work in research, education, and software development including the 2013 Hi-Tech award for most innovative software application, 2011 James Chen award for best research paper, and 2009 University of Canterbury Emerging Researcher award.
Brent has a vested interest in climate change and environmental action. He is a member of various environmental and heritage groups, almost always cycles or uses public transport, grows much of his own food and uses renewable energy. When not working, he can be found gardening, walking, working on his rural block, or playing in one of two bands.
Brent has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Physics from Waikato University; a Master of Science (first class Hons) in Computer Science and Machine Learning from Waikato University; and a Doctorate in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence from Canterbury University. Brent is an adjunct professor in Computer Science at Canterbury University.
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Guy Harris, Key Account and Project Manager
Guy is based at Lincoln and is responsible for Programme support to clients and carbon software, as well as internal support and administration for Sharepoint, Salesforce and project work.
Guy is a certified Project Manager and Business Analyst with over six years of experience in the carbon industry. He has recently returned from the UK where for the past three years he has been working in a similar role for our license partner, Achilles Information Limited. Previous to this, Guy was the IT Systems and Project Manager for carboNZero Holdings, and before that was a Systems Administrator and an IT Technician for Landcare Research. When not at work Guy can usually be found either swimming and surfing or in hills on his bike.
Guy has a honours degree in Development Studies from the University of Wales and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Computing from Lincoln University.
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Alana Vallance, Office Manager
Alana is based at Lincoln and looks after all office issues for the Programme team.
Alana's background is in accounts payable/receivable and office administration. She came to the Programme from working in Accounts at Landcare Research. She has a strong concern for the environment and has started using energy efficient lighting throughout her house and tries to recycle where ever possible.
Alana also has an interest in holistic health and has studied therapeutic massage for two and a half years.
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Alexandra Winter-Billington, Administration Assistant
Alex is based in Auckland and performs general administrative duties supporting the Sales and Marketing Team and programme operations on a part-time basis.
Alex’s background is highly varied, ranging from academic instructor to kayak guide to bar manager. She has been involved in environmental projects continually for the past 15 years and joining the carboNZero team was a natural step.
Alex has a Masters in Physical Geography specialising in glacial hydrology with respect to climate change.
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