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) Buisness Unit Managar 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
Abbie Watson: (Immediate Past President) Director at Wadding Solutions with an operational background integrating ISO and HACCP into the business. I am passionate about environmental and sustainability issues, and being an advocate for the plastics industry. I thrive on building networks and developing relationships within the industry with the aim of making positive, long term change. Current Immediate Past President.
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.
Richard Latta: Managing Director for an Extrusion and Injection moulding Business in Wellington.
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.
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 in plastics resin supply. 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.
Murray Jorgensen: 30+ years in Manufacturing with Plastics being a more recent addition. Early career as a Toolmaker and Product Development Engineer, progressing into Management within various Manufacturing Industries. The experiences in these varied companies and proved valuable moving into the Plastics Manufacturing industry. Moved to PPL 4 years ago as Operation Manager helping build PPL and the Team, looking forward to the exciting future “and challenges” the industry has to offer. Member of the Waikato branch.
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.
Sarah Perrott: I've spent the majority of my life, directly and indirectly in the Plastics Industry, with the family business and in joining the Pact Packaging team as Operations Manager, first at the Henderson site and now based in East Tamaki. My plastics career started as a picker/ packer as a kid on the weekends when delivery pressures were high, as Perroplas grew from being a one-man-band to a household name in plastic Housewares. After school I entered the Commercial Construction industry working across accounts, administration and contracts, before spending some time in the Freight Forwarding industry. I joined the Perroplas team thereafter and quickly worked my way to Factory Manager bringing new technology into the plant, lean philosophies and upskilling the team in a variety of areas. Witnessing the growth in teams and individuals as they develop and find confidence in themselves through becoming not just competent, but expert in what they do and leaders in their own right, is incredibly rewarding. Experiencing the plastics industry continuously change since the 1980s with improved technologies, increased competition and of course recently its environmental impact has demanded we all constantly learn, develop new strategies and adapt quickly, to operate ahead of the curve. The plastic industry is unique and has a history that my family has been a part of for over 40 years. I look forward to putting my experience and knowledge to use in helping to steer it through the next phase of challenges.
William Dickinson: KChem.
Cameron Thompson: Managing Director of Lane Plastics, a premier custom injection moulding business based in East Tamaki, Auckland. Cam has spent his career in the manufacturing industry after originally graduating with an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree. His passion for mechanics, design, and engineered solutions led him into a career in injection moulding and polymer processing.
Industrial Relations Chairperson: Vacant