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
Owner/Director
Chris Turney
Owner/Director
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.
Tony Armstrong
Institute of Directors NZ, REA, NZCE
Advisor to the Board
Tony Armstrong
Advisor to the Board
Tony was the founder of Power Systems Consultants and CEO for over 20 years, creating an expert consultancy business of international scale in the electrical power sector. Among his other activities, Tony is currently Chairman of Pringle Beleski and Associates (PBA), specialist providers of contracting services and equipment for high voltage engineering in NZ.
Steve Gaskin
CPEng (Civil/Structural) BE NZCE
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering
Steve Gaskin
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering
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.
Alistair Williams
MSc., CEng.
Head of Department – Power Systems
Alistair Williams
Head of Department – Power Systems
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.
Kane Morison
BE (Hons) – Mechanical, University of Canterbury
Wellington - Office Leader
Kane Morison
Wellington - Office Leader
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.
Ali Shackell
B Soc Sci (Psych), Post Grad Dip Business Admin (HR)
Human Resources
Ali Shackell
Human Resources
Ali has worked in a number of industries at a senior level and provides the full range of HR services to Ergo; from strategic HR direction and planning to operational day to day consultancy, advice and support. Ali is keenly interested in facilitating a culture where transformation and change are possible through initiatives that enable an engaged and high performing workforce. Outside of work Ali enjoys time with family and friends and can be spotted out and about walking up Mt Eden or One Tree Hill – or in a local cafe
Akshata Singh
CA, BCom.
Finance Manager
Akshata Singh
Finance Manager
Akshata is passionate about numbers and people. A Chartered Accountant, she brings with her nearly 10 years’ experience in Financial, Tax and Management accounting, including M&A activity. She has gained these experiences through the various roles she’s held at a Big 4 Accounting firm and a Globally owned FMCG business. Being a homebody, in her personal time she likes to get into a good book or movie, and on very rare occasions she might even hop on the cross-trainer!
Jack Stainton
BE (Hons), BSc
Operations Manager
Jack Stainton
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.
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.
Alistair Williams
MSc., CEng
Head of Department – Power Systems
Alistair Williams
Head of Department – Power Systems
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.
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.
Rose Jayaweera
BE (Hons)
Engineer – Power Systems
Rose Jayaweera
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 (she is currently available for dog sitting assignments!).
Matthew Whitmore
BE (Hons)
Engineer – Power Systems
Matthew Whitmore
Engineer – Power Systems
Matthew is a recent graduate from the University of Canterbury, where he majored in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Matthew has an interest in substation detailed design. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys playing sports, playing PS4 and travelling to Rotorua to see his parents.
Peter Kim
BE (Hons)
Engineer – Power Systems
Peter Kim
Engineer – Power Systems
Peter has experience in a number of projects across several industries in New Zealand such as power generation, industrial water, oil & gas, mining, food & beverage. With extensive experience in project delivery, from concept through to commissioning, Peter has performed in both large multi-disciplinary and small single discipline teams.
Jacob Smith
BE (Hons)
Engineer – Power Systems
Jacob Smith
Engineer – Power Systems
Jacob is a recent graduate from the University of Canterbury, specialising in Power. He has a strong interest in detailed design and in his spare time, enjoys free diving, playing sports and exploring the outdoors.
Jun Qin
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer – Power Systems
Jun Qin
Graduate 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)
Graduate Engineer - Power Systems
Fergus Duggan
Graduate 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.
Soumya Doar
BE (Hons)
Senior Engineer – Section Lead – Power Systems
Soumya Doar
Senior Engineer – Section Lead – 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.
Alan Barrow
Elec. HC, BA
Technical Specialist – Principal Engineer – Power Systems
Alan Barrow
Technical Specialist – 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.
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. Using ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) and DigSilent software, Maria completes network modelling and design, load flow and earthing studies. Maria is Ergo’s living encyclopaedia. 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.
Larry Nerida
Bsc Electrical
Senior Engineer – Power Systems
Jandric Salvado
Bsc Science (Power)
Electrical Engineer
Jandric Salvado
Electrical Engineer
Jandric is an Electrical Engineer who has over 12 years’ broad experience in Power Industry. Having worked in consultancy and power utilities (distribution and transmission), he has good understanding of the industry standards and practices, especially with secondary electrical design, automation, communications and protection schemes of substations. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing sports such as basketball and billiards. He also has a great interest in cars.
David Fraser
BE (Hons)
Technical Specialist – Engineer – Power Systems
David Fraser
Technical Specialist – 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.
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
Engineer – Power Systems
Mufid Altorok
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.
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.
Christina Yuan
BE (Hons)
Graduate Engineer
Christina Yuan
Graduate Engineer
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.
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.
Maria Juvy Karamihan
CAD Designer – Section Lead - Power Systems
Maria Juvy Karamihan
CAD Designer – Section Lead - 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.
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.
Antonio Garais
CAD Designer - Power Systems
Antonio Garais
CAD Designer - Power Systems
Antonio has a strong background in power plant, refinery, petrochemical and oil & gas design where he gained during his employment in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. He was involved in project proposal, procurement, detailed design, and site supervision. He also holds a EWRB license as an Electrical Engineer and has experience in building construction. He enjoys playing basketball and travelling with his family exploring New Zealand.
Steve Gaskin
BE NZCE, CPEng (Civil/Structural)
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering
Steve Gaskin
Head of Department – Civil & Structural Engineering
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
Reynante So
Bsc Science (Civil)
Senior Structural Engineer
Reynante So
Senior Structural Engineer
Rey was originally from the Philippines and has a degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He has 15+ years in the structural engineering design which primarily focused on substation concept & detailed design. His family arrived in New Zealand in 2012, got their NZ citizenships last 2018 and enjoying new kiwi experiences, meeting new friends, and exploring beautiful sceneries. He loves spending time with family/friends, playing basketball, acoustic guitar, and nature sightseeing.
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.
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.
Ali Shackell
B Soc Sci (Psych), Post Grad Dip Business Admin (HR)
Human Resources
Ali Shackell
Human Resources
Ali has worked in a number of industries at a senior level and provides the full range of HR services to Ergo; from strategic HR direction and planning to operational day to day consultancy, advice and support. Ali is keenly interested in facilitating a culture where transformation and change are possible through initiatives that enable an engaged and high performing workforce. Outside of work Ali enjoys time with family and friends and can be spotted out and about walking up Mt Eden or One Tree Hill – or in a local cafe
Akshata Singh
CA, BCom.
Finance Manager
Akshata Singh
Finance Manager
Akshata is passionate about numbers and people. A Chartered Accountant, she brings with her nearly 10 years’ experience in Financial, Tax and Management accounting, including M&A activity. She has gained these experiences through the various roles she’s held at a Big 4 Accounting firm and a Globally owned FMCG business. Being a homebody, in her personal time she likes to get into a good book or movie, and on very rare occasions she might even hop on the cross-trainer!
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.
Karen Wolmarans
Admin Support
Karen Wolmarans
Admin Support
Karen has a background in Travel, Insurance and Admin roles, and enjoys meeting new people. Born in Auckland but has spent time living in the UK with extended family and Australia with her husband and two boys. When not at work she enjoys spending time with family, travelling and more than likely at a park, beach or pool with the kids trying to use up all their energy.
