Speakers
Conference Day Speakers
Steve Dixon
ANZ, ESG Specialist
Bio
Steve joined ANZ in 2021 as an ESG Specialist for the Business & Agri division, where he works closely with businesses to support their transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy. With over 20 years of experience in sustainability and climate strategy, Steve brings deep expertise from roles at the Ministry for the Environment, Maven Consulting, and as GM Strategy and New Products at Toitū Envirocare.
Throughout his career, Steve has seen firsthand how businesses can unlock significant value by embracing sustainability—not just in reducing emissions, but in driving innovation, efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Steve will be speaking about the important role finance plays in accelerating the solar phenomenon, what finance is available and what those in the industry need to do to access solar finance.
Duane Fernandes
The Exponential Agency
Bio
Duane is a strategy consultant with 15 years experience advising clients on how to position themselves to take advantage of disruptive technology and emerging business models.
Gareth Gretton
EECA, Lead Advisor
Bio
I am currently working as a Lead Advisor in the Research, Evaluation and Insights team at the NZ Government's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). I focus on sustainable buildings, solar energy, and the TIMES-NZ energy system model.
Ryno Verster
DSO Programme Director, Powerco
Bio
Ryno and his team are orchestrating Powerco’s transformation from an electricity Distribution Network Operator to a Distribution System Operator (DSO). This programme is a foundation of Powerco’s future-ready network strategy. It reflects the emerging role of electricity distribution utilities in a more holistic approach to energy and particularly how we will partner with our customers to achieve optimum future energy solutions.
Gareth Williams
Chief Operating Officer
Brendan Winitana
SEANZ Chair & CE
Bio
Brendan is an independent director and chair of SEANZ. With a background in governance, senior management and strategic planning, Brendan has held CEO and director roles in imaging solutions, IT and content management businesses as well as his own consulting practice specialising in industry and sector transformation and change and resulting new business models. His passion lies with SEANZ and the outcomes it seeks based on the expected exponential industry development to help drive the low carbon economy.
Industry Day Speakers
Kristin Gillies
Solassure, Digital Support
Bio
Kristin joined the board in 2016 to develop our communications strategy. Past roles in the not-for-profit sector have led Kristin to a career in digital communications and strategy. Kristin is motivated by the possibility for distributed renewable energy to increase energy democracy and contribute to resolving the climate crisis.
Phil Smith
Profitable Tradie, Chief Operating Officer
Bio
Phil is the COO and Director at Profitable Tradie - a worldwide organization focused on helping great Tradespeople become great Business Owners. Having helped over 2500 businesses, Phil is an expert on helping the Trades industry create more money, time and freedom
Gareth Williams
Chief Operating Officer
Brendan Winitana
SEANZ Chair & CE
Bio
Brendan is an independent director and chair of SEANZ. With a background in governance, senior management and strategic planning, Brendan has held CEO and director roles in imaging solutions, IT and content management businesses as well as his own consulting practice specialising in industry and sector transformation and change and resulting new business models. His passion lies with SEANZ and the outcomes it seeks based on the expected exponential industry development to help drive the low carbon economy.
SEANZ 2025 supported by
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Gold Partners
Events, Awards, and Expo Partners
