National Executive

Plastics New Zealand is governed by an elected National Executive which sets the direction for the association. The Executive includes a broad representation of Members from across New Zealand and the plastics industry.

Current National Executive

Bob Gutsell: (National President) Business Unit Manager at Alto Packaging (PACT Group) based in the Waikato. An experienced collaborative leader with international multi-industry experience in Programme/Project, Innovation, Operations, and Quality Management. Current National President.
A word from our new President - May 2024

Chris Williams: (Vice President)  With 30+ years in the plastics industry, I bring deep expertise in the innovation, design, and manufacture of packaging solutions. My career has been dedicated to advancing high-quality, sustainable plastic packaging, from concept through to production.  I hold a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Mechanical) and completed a comprehensive apprenticeship as a Plastics Engineer. Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated a strong track record of delivering results, leading teams, and driving technical excellence.  Currently General Manager at Pack Tech Moulding Limited. I am passionate about applying my knowledge and leadership to develop cutting-edge packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and the market.

Simon Yandall:  Business Manager Polymers at TCL Hunt. With 30+ years of experience in the Chemical and Plastics industry in NZ, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth and evolution of the sector. Throughout my career, I have developed a profound interest in sustainability within the industry. Recognizing the environmental challenges we face, I'm driven to make a significant impact at a national level and look forward to working on strategic initiatives shaping the future for the industry. Current Auckland Branch President.

Melanie Maxwell: 10+ years at Clariant/Avient, supplying custom made additive and colourant packages to the Plastics Industry. Member of the Waikato branch committee for 4 years, before recently becoming Waikato Branch President - based in Hamilton.
Current Waikato Branch President. 

Matthew Smith:  General Manager for Axiam Plastics with 24+ years of manufacturing experience in food manufacturing, packaging, aluminium and timber joinery, and the last 4 years being in the plastics industry. I have spent time as a Health and Safety Advisor and built and owned a Vet Clinic with my wife. A Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Management) has given me a broad knowledge of engineering principals with a focus on business management and process improvements. Current Wellington Branch President.

 Mike Draper: Business Unit Manager at Talbot Advanced Technologies and current South Island Branch President. Mike has experience in manufacturing and supply chain in New Zealand and Europe. Mike moved from fast moving consumer goods to the plastic industry in 2014. Current South Island Branch President.

Roxanne Mason: Pact Group
Current Chairperson of the HR/IR Committee

William Dickinson: 9+ years in the plastics resin supply business. BSc.Hon in Chemistry and MBA. Currently Polymer Business Manager for KChem. 
Current Chairperson of the AFR Committee

 Ally Hopwood: Is the Sustainability Manager at Pharmapac Ltd, a manufacturing company specialising in pharmaceutical, medical, nutritional and personal care packaging utilising injection, injection stretch blow molding and extrusion blow molding. Current Chairperson of the Environmental Committee. 

Mark Mischefski: General Manager for Expol Ltd, a national manufacturer of Expanded Polystyrene. Completed a Masters of Business Administration in 2010. Current member of the Auckland Branch committee. Current Chairperson of the Expanded Polystyrene Sector (EPS) Group.
 

 Alan Shore: 20+ years in the plastics resin supply business. Currently Country Managarer for Ravago NZ Ltd, a raw material supplier to the Plastics Pipe Industry.
Current Chairperson of PIPA NZ.

Sam Dennis:  KChem Polymer Business Manager. MSC in Science, and current member of the Auckland Branch. With experience in both the technical and commercial aspects of the polymer industry, Sam is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving sustainable solutions. Current Corporate Suppliers Representative.

 Robert Michael: 30+ years in plastics. 20+ years in management. I have served on the board of a PTE for 3 years and previous experience on the National Executive and a past president of Auckland Branch. My current position is Mangaging Director of a custom moulding business.

Amber Maisey: Chief Operating Officer of the Maisey Group, a family business with a storied 75-year history, spearheading ventures across multiple industries spanning both domestic and international realms. Catering to both retail and wholesale sectors, this multifaceted and dynamic conglomerate thrives on unwavering innovation. Amber’s supervision extends over Elite Polymers and IP Plastics, strategically located in Hamilton and Auckland. These diverse manufacturing entities are involved in blowmoulding, extrusion, and injection moulding. A resolute advocate for sustainability and recycling, her fervour propels her pursuit of product stewardship, paving the way for Aotearoa’s transformation towards a circular economy. 

Sarah Brown: Sarah Brown is the Industry Relations Manager at Pact NZ and a board member at the Nelson Environment Centre. She’s a passionate advocate for sustainability and the circular economy in New Zealand. She has considerable experience in industry and government relations, communications, marketing, and driving impactful behavioural change. Career highlights include representing the telco sector in communications and product stewardship and significant roles at NZTA and Health NZ, focusing on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, behaviour change, and policy advocacy.

 Chris Amadio: Chris Amadio brings over 20 years of expertise in product development, equipment design, extrusion, and injection moulding to his role as Senior Process Development Manager at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. He leads the introduction of all injection moulded components for the company’s Obstructive Sleep Apnea masks business group. Chris holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics and a Postgraduate Certificate in Plastics. A passionate advocate for local manufacturing, he is committed to supporting the growth and resilience of New Zealand’s plastics industry as it navigates both current challenges and future opportunities.

Greer Larson-Compton: With 10+ years in resource recovery, Greer drives forward focussed communication, engagement, collaboration and strategy. In this and her other roles - managing Education and Engagement with Re.Group and as an Enviro Committee member with Plastics NZ, Greer works to amplify the drivers of positive environmental progress and raise understanding.