Meet our team

Co-Director

Terri-Ann trained as a Chemical Oceanographer before completing an MSc and a PhD in Water and Wastewater Engineering. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and a Chartered Chemist and Environmentalist. She is a part-time Associate Professor at Auckland University of Technology's School of Future Environments and an Adjunct Professor at Southern Cross University in Australia.

Specialising in environmental engineering, Terri-Ann is passionate about preserving sensitive environments. A significant portion of her research is dedicated to the Construction and Demolition sector, focusing on effective waste management strategies. Additionally, she is deeply involved in studying and developing solutions for risks related to asbestiform minerals, such as asbestos. Terri-Ann is co-founder and current Chair of NZ's first (and only) asbestos related charity - the Mesothelioma Support and Asbestos Awareness Trust.

She loves spending time with her family in Auckland and is crazy about dogs, art, sport and 1920's murder mysteries.

Co-Director

Nigel, a distinguished Master Builder since 1996, presently holds the position of President for the Auckland Master Builders. With an unwavering dedication to sustainable practices, he fervently champions recycling and eco-conscious methods in construction.

Nigel has over 40 years of experience within the construction sector. His seasoned expertise extends to effectively addressing the dynamic changes within the industry. His keen understanding encompasses the intricate challenges posed by evolving government mandates, societal shifts, and environmental considerations. One of his most notable projects achieved a remarkable feat by diverting more than 90% of waste from ending up in landfills. This accomplishment was realised through rigorous planning, the utilisation of recycled materials, and stringent waste management protocols. Setting a gold standard in the construction arena, Nigel is a vocal proponent for waste minimisation, addressing sustainability challenges, and the incorporation of eco-friendly methodologies.

Nigel is a keen golf player and enjoys going to the gym and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

General Manager & Sustainable Systems Advisor

Gregor holds Master’s degrees in both science and business with a MSc in biology from RWTH Aachen University in Germany and a Master of Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Auckland. He is an active researcher in sustainability covering topics such as waste minimisation, bioremediation of asbestos contaminated soil and risk assessment of contaminants in the environment and supply chains.

Gregor is passionate about bridging the gap between science and innovation on one side and practical application in business on the other to make clever, new solutions that drive change to a more sustainable world a reality. Interested in the values and beliefs that drive sustainable transformations, Gregor is a (very part-time) student of environmental ethics at the University of Auckland’s philosophy department. Driven by a desire to change how we do things he is excited about the opportunities working at EIC brings him.

As an archery coach Gregor enjoys teaching beginners the art of archery. To relax he loves some time spent medieval longsword fencing or with a good book.

Lead Environmental Analyst

Joanne completed her Master's degree in Environmental Science at the University of Auckland - investigating the effect of woodburning practices on household arsenic levels. With a background in Chemistry and Environmental Science, she started with an interest in indoor contaminants and air pollution.

Joanne received a Prime Minister's Scholarship to Asia and Latin America (PMSA), leading her to explore the cultural importance of mangroves, plastic recycling practices and local air quality in Dharavi, Mumbai.

She has extensive experience in waste minimisation, trainings, logistics, waste analysis (to identify waste polymer types) and exploring potential solutions or diversion strategies from landfills.

In her free time, Joanne enjoys bouldering and walking her dog.

Sustainable Design Consultant

Penny Thomson (MBA, BDes (Hons), BA) manages research and design at the Environmental Innovation Centre. With a background that includes lecturing in communication design at Unitec and AUT, along with experience in advertising and fashion.

Penny brings a diverse skill set to her role. Specializing in crafting infographics that simplify complex technical and scientific concepts, she demonstrates a deep commitment to environmental science through impactful visual communication. She is recognised for her ability to connect people and translate complex sustainability concepts into clear, actionable initiatives.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Penny enjoys travel, outdoor activities such as mountain biking and skiing, and has a passion for art and design. Penny is currently based in Wānaka.

Lead Air Quality Scientist

German (pronounced “Herman”) holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in science. He is EIC’s Lead Air Quality Scientist and holds the position of Senior Lecturer at the School of Construction and Engineering at Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland. German is in the process of completing his doctoral degree, delving into the realm of Indoor Air Quality.

German’s forte lies in environmental engineering, boasting an extensive understanding of Indoor Air Quality, with a specific emphasis on homes in Auckland. In addition, he actively contributes to waste minimisation research, solidifying his dedication to holistic environmental management.

German is a keen chess player and loves to travel.

Waste Minimisation and Sustainability Professional

Suzy is an experienced Waste Minimisation and Sustainability professional with a collaborative, considered approach to leading projects and strategic relationships. She is passionate about using data and stakeholder collaboration to drive meaningful environmental change.

Suzy is an elected member of WasteMINZ’s Recycling and Resource Recovery Sector and currently works with Auckland Council’s Waste Solutions Team, leading C&D waste baseline data projects and supporting the recovery and relocation of more than 1,100 flood-damaged properties.

Previously, Suzy led a cross-government waste minimisation procurement project for the Department of Corrections, working with MBIE, NZGP, MfE, Iwi and major government agencies. Her career also includes sustainability and stakeholder roles with Far North District Council and Downer NZ, where she worked across major infrastructure projects.

Outside work, Suzy is a keen sailor and yacht owner, enjoys fishing, golf and time with friends and family, and walking her rescue whippet, Alfie.

Senior Waste Specialist

Mark is a sustainability professional with more than 20 years of experience developing and implementing resource-efficiency projects and environmental initiatives, with particular expertise in waste minimisation. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree from The Open University and a Master of Management from Massey University.

During 13 years at Auckland Council, working in the construction and demolition waste sector, Mark introduced innovative approaches to construction waste management, many of which have since been adopted across the industry. He has led projects focused on designing out waste, advancing deconstruction methods, and initiating new research into construction waste. 

In 2019, Mark was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship to study how social enterprises, government agencies, and businesses work to reduce construction waste and improve resource recovery across North America.

Outside of work, Mark is a keen musician and enjoys the outdoors, motorcycling, and DIY projects.

Environmental Analyst

Mahjoob is a process engineer with hands-on experience in the food manufacturing industry. This work focused on maintaining reliable and efficient production processes, leading compliance audits, and supporting team training. Mahjoob also holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

Mahjoob enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds. Having lived and worked across Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and New Zealand, he has learnt that adaptability and collaboration can be just as important as technical expertise.

He recently completed a Master of Engineering Project Management at Auckland University of Technology, graduating with First Class Honours. His research focused on plasterboard waste management, which sparked a growing interest in sustainable infrastructure and resource recovery.

Outside work, Mahjoob enjoys hiking, competing in table tennis, going to the gym, and is slowly learning street photography.