Meet the
Team
We aim to build and supplement capability, in our global ecosystem,
to help us all tackle the big problems.
We are busy evolving as a company, with our staff being the core engine of innovation. Its our policy to take up the technical challenge to build a leading edge ultra-efficient consulting team, that spans the globe and uses tech to super charge our outcomes and life experiences.
Damian Young
Managing Director
Director Science and Innovation
BE (Env), Dip Sus, GRI cert
Damian is an environmental engineer who is woven a multi layered approach into his professional and business ventures.
His clients are represented across multiple industries and sectors including Power Generation, Three Waters providers (Councils across Australasia) and the Marine Sector.
As an Environmental Engineer he has led in Environmental Science and Infrastructure Management, across New Zealand.
He has specialized in developing and implementing bespoke geospatial solutions to meet environmental, social and economic outcomes, for clients and communities.
Barry Carter
Principal Engineer
Civil Engineer BE (Civil), CPEng NZ
Lead consultant in the planning, delivery and implementation of stormwater catchment initiatives, practices and projects across New Zealand.
Broad experience in leading and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, integrated practical outcomes at catchment and local scale.
Barry brings a high level of strategic input and direction to our clients and Zealandia Projects. He has hands on experience and this provides an edge we all benefit from.
He is a chartered professional engineer and adds quality assurance and technical experience to our team.
Ajay Desai
Commercial Director
MSc in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering,
Bachelors in Civil Engineering.
Fellow of ICE, Chartered Professional Engineer, Registered Commissioner.
Ajay is a highly experienced civil engineer with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, specialising in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering.
He brings international experience in civil, water, catchment, and infrastructure projects, with a practical focus on integrated water management and sustainable infrastructure.
At Zealandia, Ajay leads the engineering practice, providing technical leadership and mentoring across the project portfolio. He brings strategic insight, deep technical expertise, and a solutions-focused approach to helping clients navigate complexity and deliver resilient, future-ready outcomes for communities and ecosystems.
Hannah Currie
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability in Business Consultant
Bsc and MSc in Biological Science
Hannah's role is the Sustainability in Business consultant. She graduated from the University of Canterbury with a MSc in Biological Sciences, and a BSc in Biological Sciences with endorsements in Ecology and Biosecurity.
Along with her science background, Hannah has experience in both sales and the agricultural sector in team management and building client relations.
Hannah leads business support and administration, offering creative input on projects, providing professional service and incorporating sustainability driven processes.
Hannah brings passion for sustainability and an ambition to create new initiatives to combat the impacts of climate change.
Adrian Percival
Technical Director - Planning
Be Environmental Engineering
Adrian is an experienced senior environmental engineer with more than 20 years’ experience across consultancies, infrastructure providers, and regulatory authorities. He brings a practical, whole-of-system approach to flooding, stormwater, wastewater, and three waters infrastructure challenges.
His expertise includes flood risk, overland flow paths, stormwater planning, lifecycle costing, stream prioritisation, and RMA consenting, supported by RMA Commissioner training.
At Zealandia, Adrian helps projects de-risk early by aligning engineering inputs, statutory requirements, and stakeholder needs. Outside work, he is Commodore at his local yacht club and enjoys spending time on the water with family and friends.
Outside of work, Adrian’s the Commodore at his local yacht club and loves spending time on the water with family and friends.
Tom Stephenson
Principal GIS Consultant and Digital Transformation Lead
Bachelors in Resource Studies, with a major in Environmental Management. MSc in Geographic Information Science. Certified in Esri & FME professional.
Tom is a passionate GIS professional with over 18 years experience working in Oil and Gas, Environmental Planning and Design, Facilities, and Local Government.
His technical background is in GIS support and administration, geospatial analysis, data management, and Esri Enterprise GIS software implementation.
Tom is motivated by building ‘spatial’ relationships with clients and colleagues, empowering end-users through open-access technology, and adding value to data by unlocking it’s potential through analysis, interpretation, and visualisation.
He leads Zealandia in geospatial and digital technologies to build a more prosperous and sustainable future!
Adrian Vosloo
Principal Engineer and Programme and Portfolio Management Advisor
Bachelors and MSc in Engineering
Over 25 years’ experience with complex infrastructure projects and over 20 years’ experience in a senior management role with local government and Council owned utility businesses providing water, wastewater and stormwater services to small and large communities.
Broad experience in transforming forward works programmes from an annual asset centric infrastructure capital investment approach to a customer centric program management approach.
Adrian brings his many years of experience to advise clients on programme control systems, essential for the successful implementation of infrastructure programmes.
He also has experience in developing cost estimation, cost database and cost coding systems for utility organisations. These systems are critical elements for the successful implementation of projects.
Cameron McDonald
Principal Environmental Specialist
PhD in Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
Cameron brings 20 years’ experience in environmental engineering, marine and freshwater systems, and large-scale data analysis. His expertise spans environmental fluid mechanics, water quality monitoring, contaminant source tracing, marine and freshwater chemistry, and complex field investigations.
Before joining Zealandia, Cameron worked across a wide range of environmental science and engineering projects in New Zealand. His earlier research at Stanford University focused on innovative methods for tracking carbon in coastal ecosystems and planning complex field programmes.
At Zealandia, Cameron applies his technical expertise to help clients understand and manage water quality, identify contaminant sources, and respond to New Zealand’s evolving regulatory landscape, including the NPS-FM and NES. His work supports practical, science-led solutions that enable sustainable development while protecting the natural environment.
Janet Cole
Principal Engagement Lead
Janet is a strategic engagement specialist with a background in journalism, community-Council partnerships, and sustainable city initiatives. She brings strong expertise in building collaborative relationships that support meaningful environmental and social outcomes.
Before joining Zealandia, Janet held leadership roles across transit-oriented development, sustainable catchments, community-led ecological restoration, zero-waste programmes, sustainability education, and iwi-hapū-community nursery networks. As former Kaihautū Chief Executive of Kaipātiki Project, she helped significantly grow the organisation’s impact, including expanding its native plant nursery enterprise and supporting award-winning collaboration.
At Zealandia, Janet leads engagement strategies that strengthen relationships, support mana-enhancing outcomes, and bring people together around shared environmental goals. Her work helps build trusted partnerships and drive positive, place-based change across Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Emmanuelle
Martinez (Manue)
Principal Aquatic Scientist and Quality Manager
PhD in Marine Science, MSc in Environmental Science and BSc in Biological Sciences
(Dr) Manue is a marine and coastal ecologist with over 20 years of experience, both in New Zealand and overseas, working in various roles in academic, private, and non-profit organisations. She has conducted and lead numerous research projects and routinely design and implement a wide range of monitoring studies, from a multidisciplinary approach.
Her educational background includes a PhD in Marine Science from Massey University, NZ, a MSc in Environmental Science from the University of Otago, NZ, and a BSc in Zoology from the University of Leicester, England.
Manue brings her enthusiasm, ‘can-do’ attitude, and passion to inspire change and help find innovative and practical solutions to better protect our environment in a fast-evolving world”.
She also has a strategic role as a Quality Manager for Zealandia Consulting and Leads our work in the Northland Region, based in Whangarei
Roan Allen
Software Engineer and AI Analyst
BSc Computer Science
Roan is a Software Engineer and AI Analyst at Zealandia Consultancy, where he applies emerging technologies to support and enhance our projects. Alongside software development, Roan provides IT support that helps keep digital systems running smoothly.
Holding a Bachelor of Science majoring in Computer Science, Roan is constantly looking for the latest technological innovations and sees adaptability and continuous learning as key to successful projects. He is particularly excited about exploring the interface between GIS and organisational operations to increase productivity, sustainability, and impact for communities.
Roan led development of OpenCare, an award-nominated AI adaptive learning platform designed to help healthcare workers better support the mental health needs of older adults. Collaborative and solutions-focused, he values clear communication, knowledge-sharing, and using technology to create practical opportunities.
Outside of work, Roan enjoys studying Eastern history and exploring the beauty of the Waitākere Ranges in west Auckland. Bringing together a curious mind, strong technical foundation, and collaborative spirit, Roan is motivated to add value to every project.
Pooja Singh
Environmental Engineer
PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Pooja is an Environmental Engineer with over 15 years of experience in water and environmental management across India and Aotearoa New Zealand. Her international career spans irrigation design, stormwater management, and flood risk assessment, bringing both breadth and depth to her engineering practice. She has worked closely with councils and agencies to support climate-resilient planning and water management strategies.
Pooja began her career in India, where she designed and delivered large-scale irrigation systems, led technical teams, and supported clients in adopting efficient and sustainable water management practices. Building on this foundation, she pursued postgraduate studies in Water Resources Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, and later completed a doctoral degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Auckland.
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Hayley Mercer
Civil Designer, Engineering Integration Lead
BSc (Hons) Geography; BSc Geography & Biology
Hayley is a passionate GIS and civil design specialist experienced on delivering infrastructure and water projects across Aotearoa New Zealand. She blends strong technical capability with calm, people-centred communication, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and turning complex spatial data into clear, defensible design decisions.
Her toolkit spans the Esri suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online), AutoCAD, and data-driven design platforms, with hands-on work in flood management, earthworks design, and Three Waters analysis. She has led project workflows, supported stakeholder engagement with councils and communities, trained teammates across GIS and engineering tools, and contributed to internal standards and reporting.
Hayley holds BSc and BSc (Hons) degrees in Geography from the University of Auckland, alongside professional training in stormwater treatment and leadership, including ArcGIS Online certification and a Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership).
At Zealandia Consulting, she focuses on integrating consultants and stakeholders to streamline communication and build the relationships that enable sustainable change. Outside of work, Hayley enjoys playing netball, catching live music, and spending time with family and friends.
Hana Dmitrovic
Civil and Environmental Engineer - Engineering Lead
Hana is Zealandia’s Civil & Engineering Lead, with specialist expertise in flood risk, three waters, modelling, design and consenting for residential and land development projects across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand. She brings strong technical capability together with clear, people-centred communication, helping coordinate multidisciplinary teams and translate complex hydrology and spatial data into practical, defensible design decisions.
At Zealandia, Hana leads civil engineering input across projects, supporting technical direction, design quality, project delivery and collaboration between engineering, GIS, environmental and planning specialists. Her expertise includes TUFLOW for flood modelling, ArcGIS Pro for spatial analysis and design, AutoCAD and BricsCAD for 2D detailing, alongside earthworks modelling and infrastructure design. She has managed projects through pre-construction, supported stakeholder engagement with councils and communities, and spent time seconded within Kāinga Ora’s Housing Delivery System, strengthening collaboration and delivery coordination.
Hana holds a First Class Honours degree from the University of Auckland. Her research examined flood resilience in Panguru, combining community knowledge, tikanga Māori and engineered solutions. Outside work, she volunteers with BirdCare Aotearoa, supports native wildlife care and enjoys exploring the maunga and coast, and spending time with whānau and friends.
GIS & Digital Solutions Consultant
BSc (Hons) Geography
Chris Turner is a GIS and Digital Solutions Consultant with a strong background in spatial analysis, geospatial programming, web app development and civil infrastructure design. He brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to using data and digital tools to support better environmental, planning and infrastructure outcomes.
With First Class Honours in Geography from the University of Auckland, Chris combines technical GIS expertise with applied experience across land development, three waters, flood modelling, overland flow path analysis and spatial data management. His work spans both public and private sector projects, including digital tools that help councils, communities and project teams better understand environmental change, flood risk and infrastructure constraints.
At Zealandia, Chris supports the development of innovative GIS and digital solutions, including interactive viewers, integrated data portals and custom analysis tools. He is also experienced in training and capability-building, helping teams use technology more effectively to deliver clear, practical and resilient outcomes.
Business Support Lead
Diploma – Human Resource Management
Dee is a seasoned business support professional whose career spans executive administration, project coordination, and relationship leadership across tertiary institutions, local government, and the private sector. She is recognised for creating the operational backbone that enables teams to deliver at pace and with confidence.
With experience supporting senior executives, research programmes, international relations, and engineering teams, Dee brings a high-trust delivery ethos and an ability to orchestrate complex workflows with precision. Her portfolio includes multi-stakeholder initiatives at AUT, coordination roles for governance bodies, and front-line organisational support within Councils and private businesses.
At Zealandia, Dee anchors business operations, internal processes, and streamlines the support architecture that underpins project execution.
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BSc (Environmental Science & Chemistry)
Natalia Curle is an environmental professional with over seven years’ experience in stormwater, flood resilience and environmental compliance. She brings a practical, delivery-focused approach to infrastructure and urban development projects.
Her experience includes large-scale overland flow path assessments, field programme coordination, ArcGIS-based reporting, consent support and quality assurance. She is skilled at working across technical teams, clients, contractors and communities.
At Zealandia, Natalia supports resilient urban environments by translating complex environmental information into clear, practical actions.