Conference Day Speakers - Residential / Commercial & Industrial

Dr Cristiano Marantes is a highly experienced energy sector executive with an extensive engineering background and an informed worldview on the potential of technologies and business opportunities that will likely emerge in a low emissions energy future. Personally, he brings to the position a life-long passion for enabling this future, through strong leadership, innovation and knowledge of new low emissions energy solutions.

Renewable Energy Lead, Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities. Jenny is a public housing professional with extensive experience supporting change and innovation initiatives. A background in Industrial Engineering, Public Management and a passion for the environment have shaped Jenny’s approach to the development of the renewable energy programme at Kāinga Ora. Jenny will be discussing The Kāinga Ora Renewable Energy Programme.

Matiu Taurau (Rangitāne, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahungungu). Matiu has a wealth of international and local experience in business. Matiu has been a Chartered Accountant since 2008 and is currently employed at GHA as the Senior Associate. Matiu has led the development of investment advisory services, business development and delivery of consulting assignments for GHA. His role also includes virtual management, organisational development and financial advisory. He will be discussing Tū Mai Rā Energy's values-based sector approach and community energy innovation (involving case studies).

Mike is a cherry orchardist from Central Otago who believes he has created the first fully electric commercial farm in the world. He grows top quality cherries with no diesel and last year shared the story of the payback periods at the SEANZ conference. Things have really changed in 12 months. Now Mike is the CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa and our goal is to electrify the 10 million fossil fuel machines in New Zealand as fast as we can. This means working with SEANZ and the solar industry to create the best possible outcome for our households, communities and businesses as we begin to electrify everything. Mike will be presenting on the latest developments towards a zero annual energy bill and what is required to change in the market to rapidly accelerate the electrification of everything.

Aaron started Freenergy Solar Solutions over 15 years ago and has been serving the residential and commercial solar market in Hawkes Bay ever since. With an engineering background and a passion for renewable energy, Aaron has experienced the early adopters through to the more recent rapid growth of the Solar & BESS industry. More recently Aaron suffered 100% loss of his warehouse and offices through ex cyclone Garielle and experienced first hand the devastation this brought to the region. With his parents, brother and many friends suffering significant loss of homes and now and some now dealing with managed retreat, Aaron has a first hand experience and many positive stories how energy resilience was vital in the aftermath.

Chris will be part of the Installer panel discussion.

Lance will be part of the Installer panel discussion.

Principal of Hoskins Energy Systems, Greg is a practitioner of designing and installing solar PV and storage systems - grid connected and off-grid. With 35 years in the field, Greg is the industry's technical go to man. Greg serves on other industry boards and is a member of the AUS NZ EL-042 Standards Committee - Renewable Energy Systems of Standards. Greg will be part of the Installer panel discussion.

Regan is General Manager of Central Otago based Infinite Energy. Prior to establishing Infinite Energy in 2013, Regan worked as a Business Development Manager for EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority) helping deliver the Warm Up New Zealand campaign. Regan is passionate about the environment & renewables, and maintains a keen interest in construction and building science. This interest has seen Regan recently gain the Homestar Practitioner qualification, and he believes we have a great opportunity to be the generation that drives the shift towards better, healthier, more efficient housing for all New Zealand families. Regan will be part of the Installer panel discussion.