Your Top of the South Committee

A big thank you to those members of the committee who are continuing to support our local branch by staying on.

And also, a great big, genuine "welcome on board" to our new committee members: Dan, Sara, Mia, Scotty and Sarah.

We hope to meet all local members soon but in the meantime, here's a little about us.

Caitlin Robertson

Kia ora,

Hailing from country Western Australia I’ve been working in Health and Safety for 11 years, I consider myself lucky to have worked in various industries – predominantly construction, mining, oil and gas.

Currently I am a stay at home mum to my beautiful children and being the Top of the South Branch Manager keeps me in the game and fills my cup. NZISM enables a great community of like minded professionals and we strive to deliver the support you need.

I’ve often been told I bring big positive energy to my work and consider myself a people person. My approach to health and safety is being a resource to empower my work mates, contractors and clients to do better, consider each other and challenge the norm for better outcomes!

Aaron Kennaway

Hello All, I’m Aaron and I’ve been involved in H&S since 2010 when I started as a HH&S Inspector based in Nelson. I’ve worked in Civil Construction, Commercial Construction, and manufacturing sectors and I was a part of the Dept of Labour’s investigation team looking into the Pike River Disaster.

I have managed H&S in commercial construction, forestry, sawmilling, horticulture, viticulture, and aquaculture sectors. I hold an International General Certificate in H&S as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in H&S (RISK). I currently work as a H&S trainer, consultant, and auditor.

Josie Carney

Originally from Motueka and based in Nelson. I have 1 daughter abroad and 2 daughters at home. Currently I work for Hemisphere Health in Richmond, primarily in the Health aspect of Health and Safety, with Audiometry, Spirometry and now Fit testing as a major element of my role.

I first joined NZISM as a student member in 2018 and have progressed through the NZISM framework to achieve Professional Membership. I get a lot of value out of the professional connections and conversations that NZISM is a conduit for.

Emma Blackburn

Hello, I’m Emma. I’m Owner/Director of Matrix Safety and Compliance Ltd. Early in my career I spent 17 years in the Royal Navy, where I conducted numerous investigations and taught emergency response management for shipboard operations. Upon moving to New Zealand, I joined what is now Airbus NZ and was responsible for four Airbus NZ sites (including one in Australia) - and in 2019 I too the plunge and started my own company.

I am an Exemplar Global Certified ISO45001 OHSMS Auditor, and a qualified lead auditor ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100. I’m also a UK Chartered (Professional) Engineer; a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET); an accredited NZISM Practitioner, and I have recently completed the NEBOSH International Diploma in OSH.

Outside of work, I live on a lifestyle block, with two adopted greyhounds and a 2-year old re-homed Great Dane to keep me company. I like to travel (and Hubby is keen for me to ride my Harley more than I do), love to cook, and have recently taken up CrossFit to help with overcoming the results of my baking!

Dan Mahony

Red eyed Canta calling Nelson home with two generally amazing kids ( oldest in the profile photo). Love staying active, gym running and sea kayaking when the weather permits it.

Have been involved in HSW since 2012 when I returned to NZ from the UAE and have been fortunate enough to be exposed to a variety of industries ( aquaculture, dairy, local government and horticulture). I am a strong supporter of the concepts that Todd Conklin, Sidney Dekker and the like promote. Safety, Health and Wellbeing is a function of leadership and should not be enforced by rules and screeds of paper.”

Sara Buchler

Kia Ora

I’m Sara, based in Blenheim currently I work for Airbus as their Manger Safety and Quality NZ Operations.

I have recently rejoined NZISM and I love connecting with like-minded Safety Professionals within NZISM and ultimately sharing learnings to make all of our workplaces safer now and in the future.

I have two beautiful boys that keep me busy and help my work brain switch off outside of work! If you see me around, come and say hi.

Sara

Mia Alunno

Food is a big part in our household. I love cooking for my family and friends, and creating memories with our two beautiful kids.

Scotty Edhouse

Kia ora Team,

I’ve been involved in Health & Safety since 2012 when I became a Rep, and over the years my roles began to evolve with more and more of a focus on health and safety. Eventually in 2021 I thought it might be worthwhile to get a better understanding of how things work and began the Graduate Diploma in OHS through Massey University (while working, family, sports, etc!)

In 2022, our Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor at Cawthron moved on to a new position and as she left gave me a “gentle” nudge to take on the role. My practical experience has included construction; commercial diving; diver training (Recreational, Technical, Scientific); and as a science technician for the last 20ish years I have been involved in everything from collecting mud, working in labs, operating various vessels, programming instruments and diving under the ice in Antarctica.

Now I get to apply what I know (and what I’m still learning) so that our scientists can do their amazing work and come home safe at the end of the day.

Sarah Clark

Originally from the Mighty Manawatu and now a resident in Blenheim, I work for a large vineyard and winery as the HSW Manager.I have spent the past 10 years or so working in OHS in a variety of roles (advisor to project manager), organisations (public and private) and sectors (compliance, food, and utilities) which has been great for someone who loves learning and working with others. Prior to this, I spent a chunk of time working in Science – so curiosity and data-led decision making is in my DNA.

I have an amazing daughter who is now overseas pursuing her dreams. Outside of work, I can be found exploring the many tracks and trails in my new surrounds and Aotearoa; in the garden, nose in a book; or catching up with friends over food.

I have been a member of NZISM since the start of my career in OHS and love being part of a community committed to sharing the knowledge and support – it’s such a great time to be a part of such a dynamic and growing area.