Our People
Inspired. Agile. Genuine.
Our people are at the core of what makes Ergo different. Meet some of the faces and have a brief introduction to the wealth of experience and talent we have to offer at Ergo.
Chris Turney
BE. CPEng MEngNZ
Director & Founder
Chris Turney
Director & Founder
Chris has been involved in all aspects of electrical engineering, providing conceptual and detailed design for primary and secondary systems up to 110kV. He is passionate about the company's culture, quality and delivery. Chris also enjoys a glass of Pinot Noir and spending time with his wife and four (almost grown-up) boys.
Richard Cuthbert
BSc (Hons), MSc., CEng, FEngNZ
Chairman
Richard Cuthbert
Chairman
Richard is a company director and advisor. A civil engineer by profession, he has held senior leadership positions for major UK multi-discipline engineering consultancies. Since joining Ergo in 2014, he has been responsible for the company’s governance and strategic development. Outside of work Richard enjoys family time, sport and running (slowly) on the hills of Waiheke lsland.
Craig Brown
BA, BCom.
Advisor to the Board
Craig Brown
Advisor to the Board
Craig oversees the administrative and financial operations of Ergo and has extensive experience in financial and systems roles. Craig has worked in the capacity of CFO or financial controller for various organisations, and has also been an audit manager for PWC. Craig is also a squash player, and enjoys escaping to Hahei.
Alistair Williams
MSc., CEng.
Managing Director
Alistair Williams
Managing Director
Alistair joined Ergo in 2015 with extensive experience in project and design management, and business development for power transmission and distribution in NZ, Australia and the UK. Born and bred in Scotland, (and with a taste for modern Scottish music) Alistair now calls NZ home with his wife and two girls.
Soumya Doar
BE (Hons)
Senior Engineer - Head of Power Systems
Soumya Doar
Senior Engineer - Head of Power Systems
Soumya is a valued engineer who works and project manages a range of detailed design projects, including the design of RTU replacements, 11kV circuit breakers, new 11kV switchrooms, TMS systems and auxiliary panels. Soumya is a keen snowboarder, and can also be found doing group fitness and boot-camps.
Steve Gaskin
CPEng (Civil/Structural) BE NZCE
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering / Health & Safety Manager
Steve Gaskin
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering / Health & Safety Manager
Steve is the lead engineer for Ergo Consulting’s Civil team, Steve has had 13 years working in electrical industry in various roles and differing types of projects. As a Principal Engineer with more than 20 years’ experience in civil and structural engineering Steve has been responsible for the design and management of works across various sectors. Steve is partial to a good scotch which is balanced by the occasional session at Crossfit.
Kane Morison
BE (Hons) – Mechanical
Wellington - Office Lead / Business Development Lead
Kane Morison
Wellington - Office Lead / Business Development Lead
Kane Morison joined Ergo Consulting in February 2021. Kane is leading the establishment of Ergo’s Wellington Office with a view to further supporting our existing clients and establishing new opportunities. Kane has worked in the Energy sector since graduating in 2009. He has broad experience across both Power Generation and Transmission. Most recently Kane was National Delivery Manager at Transpower where he lead a team of Project Managers delivering both Lines and Substations infrastructure projects across New Zealand. In his spare time, Kane enjoys spending time with his young family. He’s also a very keen fisherman and diver when the Wellington weather permits.
Jack Stainton
BE (Hons), BSc
Christchurch Office Lead / Operations Manager
Jack Stainton
Christchurch Office Lead / Operations Manager
Located in our Christchurch office, Jack has experience in secondary design, switchgear retrofit projects and greenfield substation projects, having previously worked with Ergo in Auckland. Jack likes to work on vintage motorbikes and has been involved with rowing (as an athlete and coach) for over a decade.
Angela Lin
BCOM Accounting & Finance + CPA Australia
Finance Manager
Angela Lin
Finance Manager
Angela started at Ergo as Finance manager and is responsible for the day-to-day financial elements of Ergo’s operation. Having graduated from the University of Auckland and a current full member of CPA Australia, she’s always had a passion for numbers and problem solving which has resulted in, what she feels will be, a lifelong career in Accounting. In Angela’s spare time, she loves to spend time with her young family.
Chris Turney
BE. CPEng MEngNZ
Technical Director – Power Systems
Chris Turney
Technical Director – Power Systems
Chris has been involved in all aspects of electrical engineering, providing conceptual and detailed design for primary and secondary systems up to 110kV. He is passionate about the company's culture, quality and delivery. Chris also enjoys a glass of Pinot Noir and spending time with his wife and four (almost grown-up) boys.
Soumya Doar
BE (Hons)
Senior Engineer – Head of Power Systems
Soumya Doar
Senior Engineer – Head of Power Systems
Soumya is a valued engineer who works and project manages a range of detailed design projects, including the design of RTU replacements, 11kV circuit breakers, new 11kV switchrooms, TMS systems and auxiliary panels. Soumya is a keen snowboarder, and can also be found doing group fitness and boot-camps.
Carla Smith
BE., NZCE, CPEng MEngNZ
Technical Director – Power Systems
Carla Smith
Technical Director – Power Systems
A founding staff member of Ergo, Carla is a project manager who has extensive knowledge of project history, client standards and detailed design. As Technical Director, Carla manages delivery of quality and technical excellence. Outside of work, Carla plays indoor netball (for several teams) and is a volunteer archeology assistant.
Ross Dodd
NZCE
Principal Engineer – Section Lead – Power Systems
Ross Dodd
Principal Engineer – Section Lead – Power Systems
Ross is a highly experienced project manager and design engineer with particular expertise in substations, TMS, generation, metering, DC chargers, SCADA panels and switchgear. Ross has established electrical design standards for many Ergo clients. Ross loves mountain biking and travel - especially holidaying around NZ in a campervan with his family.
Jack Stainton
BE (Hons), BSc
Senior Engineer - Christchurch Office Lead - Power Systems
Jack Stainton
Senior Engineer - Christchurch Office Lead - Power Systems
Located in our Christchurch office, Jack has experience in secondary design, switchgear retrofit projects and greenfield substation projects having previously worked with Ergo in Auckland. Jack likes to work on vintage motorbikes and has been involved with rowing (as an athlete and coach) for over a decade.
Gavin Austin
BE (Hons)
Senior Engineer - Section Lead - Power Systems
Gavin Austin
Senior Engineer - Section Lead - Power Systems
Gavin has joined Ergo as design team leader and senior engineer after having recently returned from living in Canada for the last 3 years. Gavin has experience in secondary design and protection, power system analysis, project management and team leadership. In his previous role in Canada, Gavin led the growth and development of a team of engineers completing substation design work for one of the largest utilities in the US. Outside of work, Gavin enjoys adventuring in the outdoors, spending weekends hiking, skiing and biking.
Alan Barrow
Elec. HC, BA
Technical Director – Principal Engineer – Power Systems
Alan Barrow
Technical Director – Principal Engineer – Power Systems
Alan is a highly respected protection engineer with extensive experience in the electrical industry; his roles previous to Ergo included Secondary Asset Development Manager, Team Leader Protection and Protection Engineer for various utility companies. Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Alans’ interests include English literature, linguistics, DIY and cycling.
Richard Fairbairn
CPEng (NZ) & Int. CPEng
Technical Director - Power Systems
Richard Fairbairn
Technical Director - Power Systems
Richard is a Power Systems Engineer with 30 years’ experience in the analysis, development, concept-design and management of electrical infrastructure. His younger years were spent in Zambia and Zimbabwe and he has worked in South Africa, North America and New Zealand in a number of different roles, which have ranged from asset manager for a utility through to global practice leader for earthing/grounding design. Richard’s spare-time activities tend to be focused on exercise and include running, hiking, cycling and surf paddle boarding.
David Fraser
BE (Hons)
Technical Specialist – Senior Engineer – Power Systems
David Fraser
Technical Specialist – Senior Engineer – Power Systems
David has rejoined us, having been with Ergo from 2013-2016. David has experience in secondary design and network modelling projects. He has an interest in protection studies and is keen to develop as a protection engineer and power system analyst.
Larry Nerida
Bsc Electrical
Technical Specialist - Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Maria Kobe
BE, PhD (Electrical)
Technical Specialist – Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Maria Kobe
Technical Specialist – Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Maria's expertise in network engineering is an asset to Ergo’s technical team. Maria completes earthing, cable, load flow, network modelling & design studies using ETAP, XGSLab, CYMCAP & DIgSILENT software. Maria is Ergo’s living encyclopedia. She can often be found sharing interesting pieces of information in the lunchroom.
Steve Timmins
NZCE
Technical Specialist – Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Steve Timmins
Technical Specialist – Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Steve is experienced in all aspects (construction, maintenance, design and management) of network protection as well as power systems fault analysis, relay configuration and settings for distribution networks, and on-site commissioning. Steve enjoys running, almost as much as he enjoys ‘working-from-home’ in Coatesville.
Allan Fong
BE (Hons)
Technical Specialist – Engineer – Power Systems
Allan Fong
Technical Specialist – Engineer – Power Systems
Allan recently graduated from Auckland University of Technology, specializing in Power and Control. He has a strong interest in Primary detailed design, network modelling and protection. Allan enjoys working on his cars, reefing and play fighting with his kids in his spare time
Mufid Altorok
BE, MEngNZ
Technical Specialist - Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Mufid Altorok
Technical Specialist - Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Mufid is from Jordan and started working in the electrical industry in Saudi Arabia in 2009. He has experience in medium and high voltage substation protection schemes and switchgear, including sizing new substations and upgrading or replacing existing substations. His design work overseas means that he is familiar with international standards such as IEC & ANSI. Mufid relocated to New Zealand in early 2018. His interests include playing chess, swimming and reading.
Rose Jayaweera
BE (Hons)
Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Rose Jayaweera
Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Rose joined us from Vector, with six years’ experience working for power systems utilities, including risk based asset management and substation projects. She is keen to develop her design skills at Ergo as well as utilising her project management experience. Outside of work, Rose loves getting outdoors and spending time with dogs.
Jun Qin
BE (Hons)
Engineer – Power Systems
Jun Qin
Engineer – Power Systems
Jun is a graduate from the University of Canterbury and is part of the Power Systems team. He is enjoying detailed electrical design and loves snowboarding in his spare time.
Fergus Duggan
BE (Hons)
Engineer - Power Systems
Fergus Duggan
Engineer - Power Systems
Fergus is a recent graduate from the University of Canterbury, where he studied Electrical Engineering. Originally born in the UK, but had grew up mostly on the Kapiti coast, he is now enjoying a new experience of living in Auckland. He has an interest in all aspects of power systems and design and is eager to apply what he has learned on real-world projects. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym and spending time with friends.
Caitlin Bergervoet
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer – Power Systems
Caitlin Bergervoet
Graduate Engineer – Power Systems
Caitlin is a recent graduate from the University of Canterbury, where she studied Electrical Engineering. Having grown up rurally in Hunua, she is now based in Christchurch. She has a particular interest in underground cables and is enjoying detailed electrical design. Caitlin enjoys playing saxophone and flute, having been involved in the music community (both playing and teaching) for many years.
Ben Buckley
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer – Power Systems
Ben Buckley
Graduate Engineer – Power Systems
Ben is a recent graduate from the University of Canterbury, where he studied Electrical Engineering and a Master's degree in Engineering Management. He has a strong interest in detailed design and is excited to bring his skills to the industry. In his spare time, you'll find him charging at the local skatepark, chasing barrels in the surf, or carving down the ski slopes.
Christina Yuan
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Christina Yuan
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Christina is a recent graduate from the University of Auckland, where she majored in Electrical Engineering. She is very keen to learn a range of design skills and is looking forward to becoming an experienced power system engineer. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding and video editing.
Bhaviteja Muppalaneni
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Bhaviteja Muppalaneni
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Bhaviteja is a recent graduate from the University of Auckland, where he majored in Electrical and Electronic engineering. He has a keen interest in power and control engineering and is looking forward to learning and growing as an engineer, picking up a wide range of design skills from the experienced power systems team at Ergo. In his free time, he loves playing and following sports, particularly cricket and football.
Royce Park
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Royce Park
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Royce is a recent graduate from the University of Auckland, where he majored in Electrical Engineering. He has a strong interest in learning and applying various aspects of power systems design. In his spare time, he enjoys building and tinkering with PCs, and playing video games. He also enjoys cooking, making use of his previous experience as a cook.
Joseph Rule
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Joseph Rule
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Joseph is a recent graduate from the University of Canterbury where he studied Electrical Engineering. He grew up in Oamaru and lived in Dunedin for several years before moving to Christchurch. He has a keen interest in all aspects of power systems and design. In his spare time, he enjoys walking up the Port Hills, cooking, playing video games, and watching American Football.
Bo Li
BEngTech
Asset Data Technician/Junior Engineer
Bo Li
Asset Data Technician/Junior Engineer
Bo joined Ergo Consulting in September 2020. He has been in the Electricity Industry since 2014 with a primary focus in the Distribution Industry. He has a strong passion in substation design and protection and is keen to extend his existing skills. In his spare time, Bo enjoys spending time with his family, watching rugby and hiking.
Maria Juvy Karamihan
CAD Designer – Power Systems
Maria Juvy Karamihan
CAD Designer – Power Systems
Maria Karamihan is a CAD Designer hailed from the Philippines . She has worked in the Oil and Gas industry – 15 years for JGC Philippines and 9 years in Technip, Malaysia. After living in very populated countries she decided to come to New Zealand for a quieter life and beautiful scenery. After being in New Zealand for 9 months, she is very happy with her decision to move. In her free time, Maria loves to do paper quilling and she is also interested in cooking. Her passion for exceptional quality is the motivation for continuous improvement and development.
Simon Grainger
CAD Designer
CAD Designer - Power Systems
Simon Grainger
CAD Designer - Power Systems
Simon is a multi-discipline draftsman with almost 15 years of experience in New Zealand and Australia. He has worked on a diverse range of projects from automated processing equipment to electrical infrastructure and industrial LNG facilities. In his spare time, he likes to catch-up with friends and family and is an avid vehicle enthusiast.
Olivia McIntyre
CAD Designer – Power Systems
Olivia McIntyre
CAD Designer – Power Systems
Olivia produces high quality AutoCAD drawings for a variety of clients and projects. She is also involved with 3D and conceptual design drawings. Olivia has streamlined a number of CAD processes to ensure time saving efficiencies and quality. Olivia spends her spare time baking and renovating her house.
Steve Gaskin
BE NZCE, CPEng (Civil/Structural)
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering / Health & Safety Manager
Steve Gaskin
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering / Health & Safety Manager
Steve is the lead engineer for Ergo Consulting’s Civil team. Steve has had 10 years working in electrical industry in various roles and differing types of projects. As a Principal Engineer with more than 20 years’ experience in civil and structural engineering Steve has been responsible for the design and management of works across various sectors. Steve is partial to a good scotch and balanced by the occasional session at Crossfit.
Nigel Stent
NZCE (Mech)
Design Delivery Manager – Civil & Structural Engineering
Nigel Stent
Design Delivery Manager – Civil & Structural Engineering
Nigel is an experienced CAD and design manager, who has a background in industrial and power station projects in NZ and overseas. Nigel believes strongly in the efficient and on time delivery of projects that meet the needs of the client. When not at work Nigel will be found teaching his national mountain biking team or out cycling on the road.
Shashi Patel
BE (Civil)
Senior Structural Engineer – Civil & Structural Engineering
Shashi Patel
Senior Structural Engineer – Civil & Structural Engineering
Shashi is a structural engineer with eight years experience in a diverse range of projects from residential, commercial, and industrial. Shashi has a been involved in the power sector for over 6 years.
Stuart Dring
BE (Civil/Structural )
Civil Engineer - Section Lead - South Island
Stuart Dring
Civil Engineer - Section Lead - South Island
Stuart is the first recruit to our civil and structural team to be based in the South Island. Originally from South Africa, Stuart has been in New Zealand for 8½ years. He has had a mix of roles as a senior structural engineering consultant and construction project manager. Stuart’s off time is spent chasing after his adventurous toddler or racing his kayak on Canterbury’s fine rivers
Peter Druce
BE (Hons) Civil
Intermediate Engineer - South Island
Peter Druce
Intermediate Engineer - South Island
Peter is a Structural Engineer with just over 4 years of consulting experience in the South Island, born and raised in Dunedin. He has done a diverse range of projects from residential to commercial, industrial. In his spare time, he likes to catch-up with friends and family and is an avid book reader.
Maes Shukur
BE (Hons)
Civil Engineer
Maes Shukur
Civil Engineer
Maes is a civil engineer with more than 7 years’ experience in the New Zealand construction industry. Having worked as a client, contractor, and consultant, Maes has seen the engineering world from many different perspectives. Having spent the majority of her time on site, Maes is looking forward to bringing her practical, on the ground knowledge to the design and project management space in Ergo. Outside of work, Maes enjoys spending time with her family and friends, getting outdoors, playing sport and attending shows – particularly stand-up comedy.
Chris Avery
BE (Hons) Civil
Civil Engineer - Lead Designer
Chris Avery
Civil Engineer - Lead Designer
Chris an experienced Structural BIM modeler and drafter who has led the drafting and BIM modelling and coordination on many large-scale commercial building projects. With over 20 years’ experience in the engineering industry, Chris is confident working collaboratively with engineers and designers from other disciplines to identify and resolve coordination issues well before the construction phase. Chris has worked on several large Power generation and power distribution projects in the past and has also spent a couple of years working on construction sites in the UK. Chris enjoys being with his family, playing tennis, and cycling.
Claire Alderton
BSR
CAD Draftsperson – Civil & Structural
Claire Alderton
CAD Draftsperson – Civil & Structural
Claire, who has joined the Civil and Structural team, has 5 1/2 years’ experience in the construction industry and 4 1/2 years’ in CAD drafting. When not working she can be found playing for the women's team at Onehunga Sports Football club and spending time with friends and family.
Wilbur Peters
BE (Civil/Structural )
Graduate Engineer
Wilbur Peters
Graduate Engineer
Wilbur Peters is originally from the Hawkes Bay. He has been in Auckland for the last four years studying at the University of Auckland, including a stint as an intern at Ergo. He is a recent graduate specialising in civil and structural design. In his spare time Wilbur enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding and exploring New Zealand.
Digvijay Singh
BE (Civil/Structural)
Graduate Engineer
Digvijay Singh
Graduate Engineer
Digvijay has a passion for structures and enjoys using critical thinking to tackle a problem from the ground up. Being introduced to a range of engineering projects at the University of Auckland and at his summer internships, Digvijay is excited to use his prior experiences and begin his professional career at Ergo. Being in a team environment encourages Digvijay to present his best, during work and outside of work. He enjoys playing sports such as social Golf, spending time with friends and family, and discovering new music.
Richard Cuthbert
BSc, MSc.
Chairman
Richard Cuthbert
Chairman
Richard is a company director and advisor. A civil engineer by profession, he has held senior leadership positions for major UK multi-discipline engineering consultancies. Since joining Ergo in 2014, he has been responsible for the company’s governance and strategic development. Outside of work Richard enjoys family time, sport and running (slowly) on the hills of Waiheke lsland.
Craig Brown
BA, BCom.
Commercial Manager
Craig Brown
Commercial Manager
Craig oversees the administrative and financial operations of Ergo and has extensive experience in financial and systems roles. Craig has worked in the capacity of CFO or financial controller for various organisations, and has also been an audit manager for a large chartered accounting firm. Craig is also a squash player, and enjoys escaping to Hahei.
Angela Lin
BCOM Accounting & Finance + CPA Australia
Finance Manager
Angela Lin
Finance Manager
Angela started at Ergo as Finance manager and is responsible for the day-to-day financial elements of Ergo’s operation. Having graduated from the University of Auckland and a current full member of CPA Australia, she’s always had a passion for numbers and problem solving which has resulted in, what she feels will be, a lifelong career in Accounting. In Angela’s spare time, she loves to spend time with her young family.
Shalini Bhandari
B Com, Post Grad Dip Business Admin (HR)
Administration & Accounts Support
Shalini Bhandari
Administration & Accounts Support
Shalini is from New Delhi, India and moved to New Zealand in 2009. She has got 12 years’ experience in accounts and admin. She enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Kate Pineda
BA(Hons) Community Education
Admin Support
Kate Pineda
Admin Support
Kate is originally from Scotland and has been in New Zealand for 10 years. She has a background in Community Education, Hospitality and administration support. When not at work, Kate spends her time looking after her young family or you’ll find her on the streets of Auckland running Half Marathons
