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.
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Angelina Coelho
Environmental Engineer
Water Sensitive Design and Nature Based Solutions
Angelina is a passionate Environmental Engineer with a master’s degree in environmental science and technology.
In her role at Zealandia, Angelina contributes project input and expertise, particularly in technical leadership, land restoration ecology, and the integration of science and engineering. For urban planning projects, she lends her skills and expertise to the management and design of complex stormwater assets based on the principles of the Water Sensitive City and Water Sensitive Design.
Angelina combines social and natural sciences to advance understanding for the better and broader implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Water Sensitive Design (WSD) for the protection and restoration of urban streams. Her research delves into WSD literacy, the capacity of constructed wetlands to buffer thermal pollution, and policy opportunities to enhance stormwater management.
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 her passion for sustainability and an ambition to create new initiatives to combat the impacts of climate change.
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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
Tom Stephenson
GIS 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 am 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 of expertise in environmental, and marine and freshwater systems to Zealandia, where he is driven by a passion for innovative solutions to problems of environmental monitoring and enhancement while fostering sustainable growth. He has a strong background in environmental fluid mechanics, marine and freshwater chemistry, and large-scale data collection and analysis.
Cameron joins Zealandia following over a decade of working in a wide range of environmental science and engineering areas in New Zealand. Prior to this, he developed innovative methods for tracking carbon in coastal ecosystems and gained extensive experience in planning and executing complex field projects during research at Stanford University.
At Zealandia, Cameron applies his wealth of experience to water quality monitoring, contaminant source tracing and identification, and providing technical expertise to clients—all while navigating New Zealand’s changing regulatory landscape including the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) and National Environmental Standards (NES). His work embodies Zealandia's mission to foster urban development while enhancing and protecting the natural environment.
Cameron’s dedication stems from a deep personal connection to New Zealand's beautiful outdoor spaces and a desire to create a legacy of sustainability for future generations. His collaborative approach, coupled with innovative engineering expertise aims for client success and thriving ecosystems:
"I want my children to swim in pollution-free waters and marvel at natural wonders as I have done. My mission is to help New Zealand prosper in concert with the natural world that is central to our identity and well-being. Through collaboration, science, and technological solutions, we can have sustainable cities, healthy people, and robust environmental protection. This is why I work to ensure project success for our clients."
Toitu te marae a Tane Toitu te marae a Tangaroa, Toitu te iwi
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.
Janet Cole
Principal Engagement Lead
Janet is a strategic engagement specialist with a background in journalism, community-Council partnerships, and sustainable city initiatives. Her expertise lies in fostering transformative collaborations that drive meaningful environmental and social impact.
Before joining Zealandia Consulting, Janet played a key leadership role in regional and local transit-oriented development with Waitakere City Council, advocating for sustainable urban planning. Her contract work on sustainable catchments then deepened her commitment to partnerships, particularly in reciprocal engagement with Manawhenua.
As the former Kaihautū Chief Executive of Kaipātiki Project environment hub, Janet spearheaded impactful environmental initiatives, strengthening community-led ecological restoration, zero-waste programmes, and sustainability education. Under her leadership, the organisation won the inaugural Mayoral Conservation Award for Collaboration, tripled its turnover and staff capacity, and significantly expanded its native plant nursery enterprise. She also played a leadership role in establishing Te Aka Kōtuia, a collaborative iwi-hapū-community nursery network, promoting peer learning and capability development, and in delivering projects to support Take Mauri Take Hono - a cultural health indicator framework created by Manawhenua to guide placemaking, flood resilience and restoring the mauri of Te Ara Awataha, which feeds into Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.
Janet was also Co-Chair of Environment Hubs Aotearoa for two years, working with Ministry for the Environment and 21 hubs to co-create and implement a five-year programme building regional sustainability leadership and creating lasting, positive change for our environment and future generations.
At Zealandia Consulting, Janet’s focus is on leading effective engagement strategies to ensure Zealandia continues to support mana-enhancing outcomes for all stakeholders and drive meaningful change in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ajay Desai
Technical Director Engineering
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. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a Chartered Engineer with Engineering New Zealand, he brings deep technical expertise and a global perspective to the water sector.
Over his career, Ajay has delivered successful outcomes for clients across New Zealand, the UK, and the Middle East—adapting to diverse regulatory frameworks and environmental conditions. His credentials include recognition as an International Professional Engineer/APEC Engineer and active membership in CIWEM. He also serves as a registered Independent Commissioner, reflecting his commitment to governance, sustainability, and professional excellence.
Ajay’s work spans civil and three waters design and modelling, catchment management, infrastructure planning, and transport. He is especially passionate about integrated water management and sustainable infrastructure development. With a solutions-focused mindset, Ajay brings both strategic insight and technical depth to projects, helping clients navigate complexity and achieve long-term environmental outcomes.
At Zealandia, Ajay leads our engineering practice—bringing technical leadership and mentoring across our project portfolio, and helping shape resilient, future-ready solutions for communities and ecosystems.