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.
Mark Tomkins
BE (Electrical) (Hons), CPEng, IntPE, MEngNZ
Head of Department – Strategic Consulting
Mark Tomkins
Head of Department – Strategic Consulting
Mark is a chartered professional electrical engineer with nearly 30 years’ consulting experience. The majority of his career to date has been spent with Kingston Morrison and its successor organisations Sinclair Knight Merz and Jacobs Engineering, where most recently he was leading Jacob’s Industry division. He has significant major projects and overseas experience, including working in Kenya, Indonesia and Australia as well as throughout New Zealand. At Ergo, Mark will provide high level advice, particularly on safety issues, to existing and new clients with assets in the power, water, transport and primary industries sectors.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
Mark Tomkins
BE (Electrical) (Hons), CPEng, IntPE, MEngNZ
Principal Engineer - Power Systems
Mark Tomkins
Principal Engineer - Power Systems
Mark is a chartered professional electrical engineer with nearly 30 years’ consulting experience. The majority of his career to date has been spent with Kingston Morrison and its successor organisations Sinclair Knight Merz and Jacobs Engineering, where most recently he was leading Jacob’s Industry division. He has significant major projects and overseas experience, including working in Kenya, Indonesia and Australia as well as throughout New Zealand. At Ergo, Mark will provide high level advice, particularly on safety issues, to existing and new clients with assets in the power, water, transport and primary industries sectors.
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.
Jun Su
BE (Hons), MSc.
Designer-Power Systems
Jun Su
Designer-Power Systems
Jun Su has joined our Power Systems CAD team. Originally from China, he worked for the Fujian Electric Power Survey and Design Institute before completing his tertiary education in the UK, culminating in an MSc in Electrical Energy Systems from Cardiff University in 2014. He is now a PhD candidate at Auckland University of Technology, researching the Smart Management of EVs Charging in Distribution Networks. He enjoys playing basketball and travelling around New Zealand with his family in his spare time.
Jacob Smith
BE
Graduate Engineer – Power Systems
Jacob Smith
Graduate 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
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
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.
Jack Stainton – Christchurch Office
BE (Hons), BSc
Engineer – Section Lead – Power Systems
Jack Stainton – Christchurch Office
Engineer – Section 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.
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.
Zane Murphy-Ballantine
Designer – Power Systems
Zane Murphy-Ballantine
Designer – Power Systems
Hi I’m Zane, also soon to be C.A.D. legend. This is my first job in computer aided design and I intend on being the very best at what I do. I may be young but I am full of ambition and eager to learn. Before working with Ergo Consulting, hospitality was my career of choice. I was a bartender by night and barista/waiter by day. Some of my interests are playing pool or snooker, keeping up to date with the latest movies, camping, traveling, spending time with whanau and my younger siblings.
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.
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.
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.
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 7½ years. He has had a mix of roles starting as a senior structural engineering consultant at Worley Parsons and then Calibre before gaining experience with Cassidy Construction as a project manager. Stuart’s off time is spent chasing after his adventurous toddler or racing his kayak on Canterbury’s fine rivers.
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.
