Symposium Day Speakers
Daniel Brown
Manager, Electrify NZ, MBIE
Bio
Daniel manages the Electrify NZ policy team at MBIE - primarily working on resource management policy to better enable the construction and operation of energy infrastructure. He previously managed the Energy Use policy team at MBIE and the National Planning Framework team at Te Waihanga, and has wide experience in energy infrastructure, innovation and environmental planning issues.
Daniel is presenting on the government's Electrify NZ programme - with a particular focus on resource management reform to help accelerate the build of energy projects, including grid-scale solar.
Daniel Cunningham
Co-Founder, Lodestone Energy
Bio
Daniel is originally from Canada where he led the commercial development of Canada's largest solar farm. He came to New Zealand to start Lodestone with Gary Holden and has led the development of the first two sites into operation, two into construction and a further eight to shovel-readiness.
Allen Davison
Allen Davison
Electricity Authority
Bio
Allen started in the commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry. He has worked in government since the 1990s, primarily on energy policy and Building Code issues. Today, Allen is Principal Analyst – Retail & Network Policy at the Electricity Authority. His work focuses mainly on Part 6 of the Code Connecting distributed generation.
Dr. Stuart Johnston
Lead Advisor Engineering and Technical, Electricity and Engineers Assoc
Bio
Stuart is the Lead Advisor, Engineering & Technical at EEA where he is responsible for leading the Asset Management and Future Networks workstreams. Prior to joining EEA he had over 25+ years of experience in across various roles in the Electricity Supply Industry in Australia, including TransGrid, Energy Networks Australia and AEMO. His experience includes operational activities including asset management, as well as being involved in national energy strategy development and supporting Australia and New Zealand's work on navigating the energy transition pathway for the sector.
Stuart Johnston
Engineer
Andy McCarthy
Founder, CEO, Director, Advisor
Bio
Andy McCarthy is a lifelong advocate for renewable energy, having worked in the Australian sector and abroad for nearly 25 years.
Andy founded Gippsland Solar in the garage of their home in 2010, in a tiny village above the coal-dominated region of the Latrobe Valley. Andy overcame years of adversity, setbacks and ridicule from within coal country, building Gippsland Solar into one of the largest employers of its kind in Australia.
In late 2019, Andy secured an acquisition by RACV (est. 1903 with over $5bn in annual revenue), and stayed on as CEO and Managing Director of RACV Solar for 3 more years.
Having complete his post-acquisition duties, Andy is now a business coach, advisor, consultant and public speaker in the energy industry. Andy has published a book about his journey, which has just been released and is titled ‘Here Comes The Sun’.
Philippe McCracken
Managing Director, IT Power
Bio
Philippe has extensive experience in utility-scale grid-connected PV experience in Australia, as well as remote area PV hybrid mini-grids in the Pacific. His skillset bridges the technical, managerial and financial aspects of renewable energy projects, having worked variously as lead design engineer, project manager, contract manager, and financial analyst. His experience both as client-side engineer and as lead design engineer have given him a good understanding of the real-world challenges facing project developers, designers, owners, and end-users.
Philippe McCracken
Emma McRae
Boffa Miskell
Bio
Emma has a wide range of experience working for both public sector and private clients on landscape assessment, landscape planning, landscape design and regeneration projects in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, where she began working on solar schemes in 2012. Emma has specialist expertise in carrying out landscape and visual effects assessments for renewable energy developments including solar farms, single wind turbines and larger wind farms. Emma has also provided landscape advice to local councils and provided evidence in relation to this on their behalf at Hearings. She also has specialist experience in undertaking glint and glare assessments for solar developments. Her work in the renewables sector has involved working alongside developers, planners and engineers and ecologists to achieve sustainable and coherent design outcomes.
Emma will speak about integrating utility scale solar and battery storage into the rural environment from a landscape perspective. Emma will discuss how to understand a site from a landscape perspective, potential pitfalls, the scale of solar developments and solar design in terms of landscape integration and mitigation and how developers can prepare to create solar schemes which have achievable landscape outcomes.
Marcos Pelenur
CE, EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)
Bio
Dr Marcos Pelenur became Chief Executive of EECA in September 2023. Previously he worked for the Behaviour Insights Team in Ottawa, Canada and several policy leadership positions at MBIE. Marcos has a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, is a Chartered Professional Member of Engineering New Zealand and is registered as a Chartered Engineer with the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Mark Ryall
Transpower General Manager Grid Service Delivery
Bio
Mark is a seasoned professional with Transpower, New Zealand since 2006. As the Executive General Manager of Grid Delivery, he has a sound understanding of the complexities of energy infrastructure. Mark is adept at navigating regulatory frameworks and optimising grid operations, which ensures a reliable supply of electricity across the nation. His strategic vision and innovative approach drives continuous improvement and resilience in the ever-evolving energy landscape. Mark and his team of 200 staff is accountable for the end-to-end life cycle management of New Zealand grid assets from project investigation, through capital build of grid assets, and the ongoing maintenance of the network. Committed to sustainability and technological advancements, Mark is dedicated to shaping a future where efficient, clean, and affordable energy is powering New Zealand. Previously, Mark has worked in project management and consultant roles in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Further to his degree from Lincoln University, Mark completed the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Executive Programme.
Mark Ryall
Rogier Simons
Sunergise & SEANZ Director
Bio
With over 15 years of experience, Rogier is a noteworthy leader with extensive business knowledge of the residential, commercial, and utility solar and BESS sectors. Rogier’s goals include accelerating Aotearoa’s decarbonisation by delivering innovative clean energy, storage and electrification solutions. In addition, he harbours a solid commitment to assisting SEANZ members in navigating and front footing the rapidly growing large-scale commercial and Gigawatt utility solar sectors. His vast experience, clear communication, and ability to be decisive in business will help SEANZ fulfil its trifecta vision!
Rogier Simons
COO
Tim Sparks
Director, Network Pricing, Electricity Authority
Bio
Tim leads the Authority's Networking Pricing team, responsible for improving price signals for the distribution and transmission segments of the electricity supply chain. Tim’s work is aimed at facilitating lowest overall cost to consumers, including promoting efficient investment in and operation of energy technology and demand-side flexibility. Tim has previously worked in telecommunications, having held roles at Chorus and Optus, with a focus on economic regulation.
Trent Tscheuschler
Utility Scale Solar (USS) Technical Programme Manager
Bio
Consulting to the Renewable Energy Industry, helping large scale generation connect to the grid. Unlocking issues with front end feasibility and consenting through to project construction and O&M.
Bringing in 25 years experience across Aviation, Rail, Oil and Gas, Data centre and Distribution and Transmission power to assist your project through to completion.
Negotiating with Distribution and Grid owners to deliver connections at least cost to the developer.
Relationships with all major contractors in New Zealand involved in the electricity industry.
