Our People

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

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

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

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.

Soumya Doar

Senior Engineer – 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.

Amrita Sharma

Engineer – Power Systems

Amrita is skilled in detailed design particularly in substations. Amrita came to Ergo through our graduate programme and has experience in a number of industries, including power utilities, food manufacturing, and electrical equipment supplies. Amrita is Ergo’s samosa supplier, often bringing them in their hundreds due to popular demand.

Steve Timmins

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.

Alan Barrow

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

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.

Albert Le Roux

Engineer - Power Systems

Albert has been involved in various substation projects. Albert’s experience includes project management, detailed design and commissioning of protection and automation schemes. Albert is originally from South Africa and enjoys hiking and DIY projects.

Allan Fong

Graduate Engineer – Power Systems

Allan is a recent graduated from Auckland University of Technology, specializing in Power and Control. He has a strong interest in Primary design and network modelling. Allan enjoys working on his cars and watching Pokemon with his kids in his spare time

Jack Stainton - Christchurch Office

Engineer – 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.

Matthew Whitmore

Graduate 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.

Olivia McIntyre

Senior Designer - Section Leader – 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.

Maria Juvy Karamihan

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.

John Esnaola

Senior Designer – Power Systems

John is an experienced CAD Designer having worked in Engineering Consultancies in New Zealand and Australia. He takes pride in producing quality detail drawings. John has returned recently from Australia to be closer with family. Outside work he likes to go to the gym and spend quality time with his wife and son.

Nivlesh Harakh

CAD Trainee

Nivlesh is a CAD Trainee at Ergo Consulting. This is his first year doing CAD and electrical work and he also has some experience with mechanical engineering. Outside of work Nivlesh loves travelling, fishing, playing soccer and spending time with his family. He is also a huge dog lover.

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.

Jonny Lung - Christchurch Office

Engineer – Power Systems

Jonny is based in our Christchurch office and has experience in 33/11kV substation design as well as underground reticulation. Jonny has spent most of his time since graduation working as a design engineer at Connetics where he gained experience in substation and reticulation design on distribution networks (Orion and Aurora) and private HV networks. His out of work interests include photography and basketball.

Kenny Dunn

Senior Project Manager - Section Lead – Power Systems

Kenny started with Ergo in February as Senior PM and Section Manager for the Project Management group in Power Systems. Kenny has worked in the power industry for 10 years with Vector as a Project Manager, has most recently worked in the construction industry primarily on projects with Auckland University and has also carried out various other engineering project management roles. He enjoys cycling, tennis, soccer and generally keeping fit and participates in several sports with his two daughters.

Sarel Peens

Senior Engineer – Power Systems

Sarel has relocated to NZ from South Africa and joins the Power Team as a Senior Engineer. He is an electrical engineer with 13 years’ experience in power systems consulting services. His working experience is in power system studies, power line designs, substation primary and secondary design, project execution and project management.

Nigel Stevenson

Director - Control Systems

Nigel joined Ergo in 2005 to develop the Control Systems department. Nigel’s appreciation of good design stems from his electrical apprenticeship; he now has extensive experience in design specification, supervision, commissioning and project management. Nigel enjoys spending time with his two daughters, as well as the gym and soccer.

Scott Wilson

Head of Department - Control Systems

Scott has been in the electrical industry since his 1988 electrical apprenticeship, which has given him a solid understanding of ‘constructability’. Scott’s speciality is industrial electrical and controls hardware design, project management, and mentoring for his team. Outside of work, Scott is a keen footballer and cricketer, and enjoys spending time with his family.

Richie Murray

Principal Engineer - Control Systems

Richie has been involved in the water and wastewater sector since entering the work force in 2007. This exposure has provided Richie with a unique insight into how mechanical and electrical systems interrelate, and providing optimal control system results for clients. Richie is a proud Dad to Thomas, born early 2015.

Dima Ibrahim

Senior Engineer - Control Systems

Dima is an experienced control systems engineer especially in the water and wastewater sector. Dima is skilled at detailed design of motor control systems, telemetry, PLC hardware and instrumentation. Dima’s experience in site supervision, commissioning, project management, specification and documentation development makes her a well-rounded engineer. To relax, Dima enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Jonathan Cuff

Engineer - Control Systems

Jonathan undertakes detailed design of water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations at Ergo; previously he was an automation engineer at Tiwai Point aluminium smelter. Jonathan is also experienced in site upgrade and condition assessments, hazardous area electrical designs and project management. Jonathan is a keen gamer and enjoys trips home to Invercargill.

Manish Makwana

Engineer - Control Systems

Manish is an engineer with a strong focus on factual decision making and problem solving. He is proficient in industrial electrical, instrumentation and controls design. He is particularly interested in innovative ways to deliver better, and seeks to continually improve his work. Outside of work he enjoys contributing to various technical meet up groups, as well as tinkering with programming and electronics.

Matthew Watson

Engineer - Control Systems

Matthew is an electrical engineer with experience across mining, manufacturing and water. He has nine years’ experience in the electrical industry including time as a qualified electrician. Previously he was an electrical engineer for an Australian open cut coal mine. Matthew enjoys kayaking on the harbour and walking the dog along Muriwai beach.

Nick Carson

Graduate Engineer - Control Systems

Nick is a recent graduate from The University of Auckland specialising in control, power and radio systems. Nick’s attention to detail and ability to communicate effectively ensures his understanding of electrical and electronic technologies, and their application to real world problems. Nick enjoys socialising with friends, and has a keen interest in current affairs.

Jude Fernandes

Graduate Engineer - Control Systems

Jude has recently finished studying an Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree at the University of Auckland. Jude’s ability to problem solve allows him to effectively apply his knowledge of electrical systems to practical situations. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family. Jude is also an avid footballer and badminton player.

Ivan Nyo

Engineer - Control Systems

Ivan is an electrical engineer with over 5 years’ worth of experience within the oil & gas industry which enables him to engage in electrical, control system and hazardous area design. He enjoys the outdoors and is usually found at the ski slopes or a mountain bike park.

Paul Bancroft

Engineer - Control Systems

Paul joins us after 6 years at Justswitchboards Ltd, with over 30 years of experience in the Electrical Industry, from Apprentice through to Engineer working on diverse projects from Super Yachts to conveyor systems. Paul enjoys spending time with family and friends, (depending on the season) he can be found on the mountain or in the sea, and if time permits busy DIYing or tinkering in his garage on his classic VWs.

Greg Blaski

Engineer - Control Systems

Joined Ergo in September, having migrated from South Africa. He is an electrical engineer with seven years’ automation engineering experience in the maize/wheat milling sector. His experience includes hardware engineering design of Motor Control Centre (MCC) panels, project management and electrical Installation planning for industrial plant control systems. In his spare time, Greg enjoys hiking and the occasional fishing trip.

Alberto Sepnio

CAD Manager - Control Systems

Alberto has rejoined Ergo’s Control Systems team in October 2017 as a designers. Alberto’s role is to facilitate, coordinate and manage the design drawings of the Control Systems’ team. He is uniquely placed to do this, being both proficient in AutoCAD and having an electrical engineering degree. Since moving to New Zealand in 2007 he has worked primarily as a CAD designer. Outside of work, Alberto has two sons, and a keen interest in Basketball, both coaching and playing.

Pranav Meelu

Graduate Engineer - Control Systems

Pranav joined Ergo as a Graduate Engineer, having previously worked in the aviation industry. Pranav graduated from the University of Auckland with a Master of Engineering specialising in Control and Power systems. Outside of work Pranav enjoys watching both forms of rugby, as well as being a petrol head.

Frank Kassai

Senior Engineer - Control Systems

Frank has been in the electrical industry for over 25 years. He has 14 years’ experience in baggage handling systems and considerable experience in process control for the freight, food and beverage sectors, including for Heinz, ABB and other major industrial firms. Outside of work Frank is a mad-keen soccer and cricket fan, fisherman and still tries to keep fit so that he can keep up with his wife and two boys who share similar interests.

Jagmeet Singh

Engineer - Control Systems

Jagmeet Singh has re-joined Ergo, having been with us in 2014/6. He graduated from Auckland University in 2013 and joined Ergo in May 2014 from N2P Controls. He left us in June 2016 to pursue a masters course at Auckland University and he now has a Master of Engineering in Bi-directional Inductive Power Transfer.

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

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.

Mark Tomkins

Office Manager

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.

Mark O'Brien

Management Accountant

Mark O’Brien joined Ergo Consulting in November 2016 as Management Accountant overseeing the company’s financial affairs. It’s a diverse role, not only handling the day to day accounting responsibilities, but also working alongside the operational team on project financial reviews. Mark, a Chartered Accountant, has a background in the construction industry with some of New Zealand’s largest construction and infrastructure companies. He recently returned to NZ after a number of years working in the Petro-Chemical finance sector in the Middle East.

Suzanne Callesen

Office Administrator

Suzanne has been involved in Administration for many years in a variety of industries. She has three teenage children and enjoys living near and exercising around Cornwall Park/One Tree Hill.

Shalini Bhandari

Office Administrator

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

Mark Tomkins

Team Leader - 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.