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.

Specializing 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.

Lead Air Quality Scientist

German (pronounced “Herman”) holds a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in science. He currently is the Lead Air Quality Scientist at Unitec Institute of Technology's Environmental Solutions Research Centre. Simultaneously, he 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.

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 expertise in waste minimization, training, logistics, and undertaking processes. Additionally, her background includes proficiency in waste analysis to identify waste polymer types and explore potential solutions or diversion strategies from landfills.

During her leisure hours, 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.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Penny enjoys travel, outdoor activities such, and has a passion for art and design.

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. As Unitec Institute of Technology’s Research Partner Enterprise, he helps academics to meaningfully collaborate with industry, communities and government agencies for impactful, sustainable change. Having collaborated with Terri-Ann and her team for years he has been seconded to support EIC in fostering sustainable systems change in New Zealand.

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 studying 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 longsword fencing or with a good book.

Environmental Scientist

Cole is an environmental scientist who completed his bachelors degree at the University of Auckland. Cole has a keen interest in household contaminants, river restoration and healthy homes. He has worked in environmental consultancy reporting on asbestos, lead based paints and methamphetamine. More recently, he has been involved in projects investigating methods of reducing embodied carbon in building products.

Cole is currently in his fourth season of professional cricket and has represented the Auckland Aces in over 35 fixtures. He has played as a professional cricketer in England and the Netherlands.

When a free weekend does present itself, Cole enjoys camping near the beach or fly fishing on the Tongariro river.

Analyst

Ciaran recently completed his degree in science at the University of Auckland, specialising in pharmacology. With a passion for chemistry and medical science, he started at EIC with an interest in indoor contaminants and air pollution.

Currently, Ciaran is responsible for maintaining, calibrating and testing our wide array of sensor technology. In addition, he is developing his skills as a research assistant for the team.

In his free time, Ciaran enjoys learning about volcanology, is interested in aviation and is a keen tennis player.

Financial Accountant

Angela's expertise spans accounting, administration, and logistics, particularly in the waste management sector. She is very familiar with the processes around the collection, handling, and disposal of solid, hazardous, and reusable waste.

Beyond her professional focus, Angela is passionate about soccer, both as a player and a spectator. She is very fond of a good cup of coffee and loves to sing karaoke with friends. She also enjoys getting out into the great outdoors at any opportunity.