HASANZ Independent Chair
Mike O'Brien
[email protected]
+64 27 450 8465
Mike has over 20 years of experience as a business leader. He has held executive positions in manufacturing, consumer electronics, technology and supply chain companies in New Zealand and overseas, along with various governance positions. Most recently, Mike spent five years as head of CHEP New Zealand, a subsidiary of Brambles, a global supplier of supply chain solutions. He holds an MBA from Auckland University. Mike is actively committed to improving the health and safety of New Zealand workplaces. He is on the steering group of the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum and has twice been a finalist in the leadership category of the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards. Mike is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, He is President of youth development charity CISV NZ.
Interim Executive Director
Joe Bain
[email protected]
+64 21 225 9710
Joe Bain is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and Fellow of Engineering New Zealand. He holds a PhD and a BE(Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury. Joe's day job is as the Operations Director of Motovated Design & Analysis in Christchurch. His professional practice covers design and certification of mechanical equipment, design of hazardous substance storage vessels, machinery safety, mobile plant safety, and frequent expert witness engagements. He is also the Chair of the New Zealand Society for Engineering Safety, a technical group of Engineering New Zealand.
Joe's working days and time vary.
Business & Operations Manager
Ruth Hefford
[email protected]
+64 27 201 1759
Ruth is the Business Manager for HASANZ and is responsible for the day-to-day operations that support the organisation, its member associations, and the HASANZ Register.
She has extensive experience across business operations, governance, finance, project management, information technology, human resources, and health and safety. Before joining HASANZ, Ruth spent many years as a volunteer firefighter, where she developed a strong appreciation for health and safety, risk management, and supporting people in challenging situations.
Ruth enjoys improving systems and processes, finding practical solutions, and ensuring things run smoothly behind the scenes.
Ruth's working days are Monday to Thursday (times vary)
Business & Programme Manager
Mia Troll
[email protected]
+64 27 229 9994
With over 20 years‘ experience in office management, project management, event management, and customer service. Mia is a well-rounded professional with a passion for people and building relationships. She has played a vital role in growing and developing the HASANZ business over the past years. She is the first point of contact for the HASANZ Scholarship Programme and is involved with the ongoing operations of the business.
Mia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and likes getting creative with DIY projects.
Mia's working days are Monday to Thursday (times vary).
Project Manager
Theresa Balke
[email protected]
+64 27 250 0453
Originally from Germany, Theresa has spent many years living and working in various parts of the world. Theresa has an extensive background in sales, customer service and corporate travel/event management. She is an excellent communicator with strong analytical skills and great attention to detail. As a dedicated and resourceful Project Manager, Theresa enjoys collaborating with HASANZ stakeholders to deliver projects for a healthier and safer Aotearoa.
Theresa’s working days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
ED Support
Bronwyn Presland
[email protected]
Driven and passionate, Bronwyn is strongly committed to achieving a healthier and safer working environment that reduces both physical and psychological harm. Motivated by doing social good, Bronwyn has a background in advocacy, public affairs and project management. She is skilled in leading high-performing teams to develop solutions and solve operational and technical problems.