NZGA Board Candidates 2025/2026

Director - Geothermal Resource Specialist
G&A Geothermal Advice Limited

It is a pivotal time for NZGA, coincident with Government-support of innovative geothermal utilisation, Māori-driven initiatives and evolving regulatory landscape. We need NZGA to inform and influence Government energy policy, showcase our achievements, educational opportunities and industry-enhancing practices.

I am a team player, committed to integrity, openness and enthusiastic to share insight with NZGA. Based in Taupō, my >30-year consultancy and research experience has given me a profound understanding of issues impacting geothermal development, and knowledge to address challenges facing our industry.

I obtained a PhD (Geology) from the Geothermal Institute (Univ. Auckland). After post-doctoral study, I worked on geothermal projects in New Zealand and Indonesia, before accepting a position at Tohoku Univ. (Japan). I joined GNS Science in 2004, with a focus on geothermal system characterisation and development-supporting testimony for Kawerau, Ngatamariki and Ngawha consents.

From 2009, I managed GNS’s “Geothermal Resources of New Zealand” and “Harnessing New Zealand’s Geothermal Resources: Hotter and Deeper” research, before transitioning to Head of Geothermal Sciences. I was co-recipient of Royal Society of New Zealand’s President Award for “research-based technology enhancing renewable geothermal energy”, IDDP advisor, NZGA (2019-21) and IGA (2019-23) Board member, MBIE Assessor for Science Investments and submitter to Environment Select Committee for RMA Amendment. I joined Baseload Capital in 2019 as Chief Geological Officer, before establishing G&A Geothermal Advice, with projects in Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, New Zealand and teaching at Univ. Auckland. I support the NZ Māori Council at the National Freshwater and Geothermal Resources Inquiry (Waitangi Tribunal).

Looking ahead, I will advocate greater Government engagement, enhanced public awareness of geothermal initiatives and champion a feasibility study to assess financial viability / long-term objectives of a NZ Geothermal Centre of Excellence.

I am excited to support NZGA and contribute to our shared success and prosperous future.

Senior Lecturer, Geothermal Institute
University of Auckland

I am a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland based at the Geothermal Institute. I currently teach, research and consult in geothermal both domestically and internationally – as well as teach 1,000 undergraduate engineers per year. I have been on the organising committee for the New Zealand Geothermal Workshop for the last 4 years and have attended numerous international conferences as part of a New Zealand delegation. I have governance experience from being on the board for the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association and am the current secretary for Women in Geothermal NZ (WING NZ).

My expertise in education and international links have led me to put myself forward for nomination to the board of NZGA. I believe I can make particularly useful contributions to the following areas supporting NZGA’s wider direction and goals:

• Increasing New Zealand’s presence in the international geothermal community following a New Zealand Inc approach.
• Strategy development on educational opportunities for upskilling the geothermal industry.
• More cohesion between NZGA and the Geothermal Workshop to deliver a better conference for the whole industry.
• Coordinating school outreach – particularly for groups underrepresented in geothermal.

Associate
Mitchell Daysh

Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Hikurangi te maunga
Ko Tukituki te awa
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ko Ngāti Porou ōku iwi
Ko Mason Jackson tāku ingoa

I am currently employed by Mitchell Daysh – a resource management and environmental planning consultancy with offices across the motu. I studied earth sciences at the University of Waikato and have over 28 years of environmental management experience in New Zealand, focused in the energy and regulatory sectors.

I have been a member of the NZGA Board since 2022. During this time, I have served on the Information and Education, Membership, Finance and Nominations Committees. Apart from the valued opportunities my tenure on the board to date has provided me to work alongside so many like-minded proponents of geothermal, a special highlight for me over this time was facilitating and formulating the Indigenous Geothermal Peoples Declaration during the Inaugural Indigenous Geothermal Symposium held in Hawaii in October 2024. It is great to see this declaration getting exposure within the international geothermal community. My work on developing new information and education material for the NZGA, particularly in respect of māori and their unique relationships with geothermal resources, has also been a special highlight.

I remain acutely aware of the important role that geothermal energy plays in the global effort to decarbonize, and of the associated challenges that face future renewable resource use more generally. I have been particularly encouraged over the last couple of years by the genuine and overt investment and regulatory reform efforts shown by numerous governments, including our own, to accelerate the development and use of geothermal resources. My sense is that the geothermal community is heading into another era of significant change and positive impact. With my resource management background and related skills, I would like to continue to assist the NZGA fulfil its important role in what I’m sure will be a very busy but exciting time to come.

Ngā manaakitanga

Mason

CEO
Elemental Group Limited

My current role is CEO of Elemental Group Limited. In addition to ensuring ongoing work for our staff and consultants, I am constantly evaluating investment opportunities. These range from something as simple as entering an overseas market to blue sky thinking that assists with the global transition to renewable energy.

I have a high EQ and an understanding of Māori tikanga with a strong commitment to upholding these values.

In all negotiations I look for solutions that are win-win for all key stakeholders, the environment and future generations.

My background is in geosciences, and my interests lie in providing energy solutions to local and global communities to ensure both energy security and equity as we transition away from our reliance on hydrocarbons.

Managing Director
MTL

Tēnā koutou katoa

My geothermal journey began in 1996 at the University of Auckland’s Geothermal Institute, with a thesis at Contact Energy’s Wairakei site. Since then, I’ve contributed to major geothermal, water, and industrial projects across New Zealand and internationally.

Today, I lead MTL NZ as Managing Director, bringing over 25 years of experience in complex infrastructure delivery. Our team of geothermal engineers is currently involved in some of New Zealand’s largest geothermal developments.

I believe collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital to advancing our sector. Achieving New Zealand’s Geothermal Strategy requires global partnerships and the support of new technologies. I actively connect international experts with our local geothermal community to drive innovation.

My governance journey began in 2022 with MTL’s Board of Directors. I now serve as Board Chair and am a member of the Institute of Directors. I am also a Board Member of WING NZ, advocating for gender equity and female participation in the geothermal sector.

I’m deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, and I actively promote gender equity and equality. Since joining MTL, I’ve worked to improve our gender balance — appointing two female engineering area leads and supporting the development of female team members into leadership roles.

If elected, my aim is to:

• Advocate for equal opportunities for all genders in the Geothermal Sector
• Support NZGA with my business acumen and governance experience
• Bring a fresh perspective to the board, with a view of successfully delivering complex above-ground infrastructure collaboratively
• Use my participation at national and international geothermal events to grow our industry by collaborating with existing industry leaders and bringing in new technology partners to our geothermal community

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa