​WISE Committee Announcement

The WISE Committee has been appointed by the NZISM senior leadership team to oversee the ongoing management of the WISE NZ Network behalf of the NZISM senior leadership team.

The role of the committee is to support the delivery of the WISE National Events programme, develop communications, work with branches to develop local chapters, develop sponsorship opportunities, develop society media and marketing content, provide research and thought leadership and develop CPD opportunities including webinars and other online engagement opportunities.

Our new committee is made up of voluntary members as follows:

Selena Armstrong

Selena Armstrong is the CEO of The New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM). Selena’s role on the committee will be supporting WISE NZ with the full strength of the NZISM national office. NZISM is committed to the ongoing success of the WISE network and are providing project management expertise and administrative support to ensure that the committee continues to grow, develop and offer women working in safety the opportunity to network and learn from each other. Selena has a strong interest in the development and advocacy of women, and is committed to promoting and establishing networks across the safety industry that raise the competency and capability of health and safety professionals and practitioners.

Margaret van Schaik (Chair)

Margaret is a co founder of the Women in Safety NZ Group, started in 2010, and strongly believes in the encouragement, support and empowerment of women working in the health and safety profession. Margaret has

Margaret is a Chartered Member of IOSH, Certified Member of NZISM and a HASANZ Registered Health and Safety Professional. Margaret is Principal Consultant/Managing Director of van Schaik Health and Safety

Solutions, a boutique H&S consultancy based in Wellington.

Karla Mendiburu

Karla immigrated from Mexico to New Zealand 9 years ago, with a background in international business. Karla is a Health and Safety Coordinator for a lower tier Major Hazard Facility in the Bay of Plenty and is currently in the process completing a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management. Karla is passionate about engaging with operational teams and changing workplace culture and enjoys traveling. Karla believes empowered women empower everyone.

20 years experience in health and safety group management, advisory, and

regulatory roles in New Zealand and has a passion for coaching and mentoring others.

Kate Sutcliffe

Kate Sutcliffe has been working in the health and safety field for over 17 years. She started out as a Health and Safety Inspector, before moving into the areas of auditing, consulting / coaching and training. She is now a self-employed Health and Safety Specialist and Auditor, helping a number of companies make health and safety part of their everyday business. She is also part of the Avid Plus Ltd group of health and safety professionals. Kate is pleased to be part of a national group with the focus of promoting and supporting the profession.

Jane Grace

Jane is originally from the UK with a background in recruitment and business development, and currently working as General Manager Development and Resources for a large agricultural business.

Jane emigrated here with her young family in 2006 to live permanently in Methven. Jane has a passion for H&S, is a graduate member of NZISM and a HASANZ Registered Health and Safety Practitioner. Jane is excited to be working in the health and safety profession in New Zealand and believes great changes are happening, with more to come. Jane is looking forward to being part of this movement and the journey ahead with some incredible associates. Jane lives near Mt Hutt, skis like Bridget Jones, and loves to run the St Clare half marathon (but is terribly clumsy and falls down a lot).

Emily Steele

Emily is currently working as a Health and Safety Coordinator for a commercial construction company based in Auckland. Emily has been working in the H&S industry for five years and has completed the GradDipOSH through Massey University. Emily enjoys the challenge of prompting H&S and working towards continuous improvement in her current organisation. Emily is looking forward to working with our dedicated group of ladies to promote WISE and to support women working in the health and safety profession.

Alison Gill

Alison is a Chartered Member of IOSH, Certified Member of the NZISM, Registered Safety Practitioner and Director at edenfx HSE Recruitment NZ/AUS. She has worked in the Risk, Assurance, Governance and Safety Management discipline for 30 years and enjoys working with others developing talent and building success. Alison has a particular interest in Safety Psychology , developing high performing teams, mentoring youth and is an active Board Member of the New Zealand Centre for Gifted Education.

Tracey McGall

Tracey is a proven energetic leader with over 15 years’ experience in operational and corporate health, safety, quality and risk management across diverse industries. Tracey uses her experience, subject matter expertise and passion to add value and enjoys engaging and leading teams to deliver programs of continuous improvement to underpin and enhance organisational culture, governance and sustainability.