Our board
The Eco Choice board members have significant leadership experience in their respective industries and are committed to creating a more sustainable future.
Each of them offer valuable insights that shape the way we approach our mission.
Andy Hill
Chairperson
Andy joined the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in 2020 as Director Auckland.
With 15 years at the Ministry for Primary Industries focusing on policy and natural resource management, and 9 years in marine research, he offers a holistic view of environmental sustainability.
His diverse experience includes roles at the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as serving as Private Secretary to a Minister.
Andy holds advanced degrees in environmental and marine science, as well as engineering.
Huia Iti
Stakeholder Representative
Huia has been the driving force behind Ecostore’s product development since 2007, turning the company’s sustainability vision into a reality by shifting the brand’s packaging from petrochemical plastic to sugarcane-based plastic.
With a BSc in Chemistry from Auckland University and prior roles in industries like building and dental care, he brings a nuanced perspective to sustainability. Huia not only understands the challenges of adopting sustainable practices in business but has also successfully navigated them.
His thoughtful, holistic approach has been key in maintaining Ecostore’s status as the most recognised sustainable brand for five consecutive years (Colmar Brunton Better Futures Report, 2014-2018).
Andrew Gair
Board Member
Andrew is Director of Movida NZ Ltd, a brand marketing consultancy. He has 25 years’ experience in strategic branding, marketing consulting and management leadership roles. He has worked with local and international companies across a broad spectrum of industries, assisting them in rethinking their brands and developing their strategic and creative roadmaps.
Andrew has a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University, has lived abroad for many years and is passionate about Aotearoa’s potential as a model for sustainable performance and as a catalyst for a global change for good.
Gael Ogilvie
Board Member
Gael brings four decades of governance and executive leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainability, both in New Zealand and internationally.
She has held key roles in various organisations including Auckland Council and AECOM, and has led large-scale projects focused on climate action and community education. Gael has also been involved in several governance roles with organisations like the Sustainable Business Network and the Resource Management Law Association.
As a social entrepreneur, she founded the Tread Lightly Caravan, an initiative which has successfully educated thousands of New Zealand school children to consciously change their lifestyle for the betterment of the planet. She is currently in the process of launching a new business venture to highlight and celebrate New Zealand’s native flora and fauna.
Chloe Van Dyke
Board Member
Chloe Van Dyke is the founder and director of Chia Sisters; an innovative, sustainable, and health-focused beverage business, and co-founder of Businesses For Climate Action; an organisation that brings industries together in Te Tau Ihu to collectively work on their environmental impact.
Chloe is an Edmund Hillary Fellow, Asia Pacific Obama Leader, SheEO Venture, and Asia New Zealand Foundation member, showcasing her strong international ties in social and environmental entrepreneurship.
She was a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year and won the Deloitte Fast 50 Regional Rising Star award. With a Bachelor of Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience, Chloe also has a keen interest in business ethics, sustainable systems, collaborative models, and intergenerational thinking.
Saia Latu
Board Member
Born in Tonga and raised in South Auckland, Saia Latu left school at 14 and faced significant challenges before becoming the Founder, CEO, and General Manager of TROW Group.
With over 20 years in deconstruction, civil infrastructure, and maintenance, Saia aims to foster a circular economy that benefits Maori and Pasifika communities by providing support and opportunities they often lack. Under his leadership, TROW Group has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Westpac “Community Contribution Award” and the 2021 Zero Waste Awards “Excellence in Innovation.”
Saia continues to lead the industry in sustainable practices and inspire others to adopt more sustainable practices.
Kate Gunthorp
Board Member
Kate brings 15 years of legal and banking experience to her role as a Director in the ESG Advisory team at Westpac. Since the inception of the Sustainable Finance market in New Zealand, she has been keenly involved in driving sustainability within the banking sector.
Kate is passionate about helping New Zealand businesses transition to a low emissions, nature-positive, and more sustainable economy. She sees Eco Choice’s ecolabelling as a crucial tool for businesses to retain their competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.
As part of the Institute of Director’s Future Director’s programme, Kate is thrilled to have the opportunity to begin her contribution to ‘Good Green Governance’ at Eco Choice.
Martin Workman
Board Member
Martin leads Tūmatakōkiri (Māori Rights and Interests, Policy and Science, Treaty Settlements and Partnerships) at MfE. He has been at Manatū Mō Te Taiao since 2016, working on such exciting things as improving the health of our waterways and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector.
Before working at MfE, Martin worked on freshwater policy for the Ministry for Primary Industries and held roles at the Ministry of Fisheries, Nelson City Council, Tasman District Council, and Northland Federated Farmers, focusing on environmental management. Martin grew up in Kaitaia and affiliates with Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.
Our staff
Our female-led staff of sustainability experts, business leaders and fierce advocates all share a common kaupapa: protecting Aotearoa’s environment for future generations.
With their diverse backgrounds, they are united by their unwavering commitment to the planet and its people.
Laura Gemmell
Laura Gemmell, joined Eco Choice Aotearoa from World Vision International in early 2022.
Laura has worked around the globe in a range of roles including public engagement and reputation management. She has received numerous international accolades including two Webby Awards for partnerships with Al Jazeera and Foreign Policy.
Laura has a background in journalism and has recently completed a post-graduate course in Business Sustainability Management through the University of Cambridge.
Keeli Gregory
Keeli is Eco Choice Aotearoa’s Operations Manager and is often endearingly referred to as ‘Keeli-pedia’ due to her institutional and general knowledge.
Keeli is the first port-of-call when making contact with our office.
Her attention to detail and systems and processes, ensure the ecolabel runs smoothly.
As a mother of two, Keeli is passionate about protecting our planet for future generations.
Stella H Jeon
Stella Jeon is Eco Choice Aotearoa’s Head of Strategic Partnerships.
She joined the ecolabel in July 2022, bringing with her a diverse background in international development, sales, and marketing.
She holds a postgraduate degree in social psychology from the University of Auckland and recently completed a certificate in Human Potential in the Digital Economy at Tech Futures Lab.
Fascinated by human behaviour, Stella is keen to explore its intersection with social justice and sustainability in business.
Dr Andrea Edwards
Andrea Edwards is Eco Choice Aotearoa’s Head of Standards, with a PhD in Environmental Science from the University of Auckland.
In 2022, she joined the Working to End Racial Oppression (WERO) programme; conducting a study on the drivers and impacts of environmental injustice on ethnic communities in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Outside of her environmental work, Andrea is a programme facilitator with the Peace Foundation; responsible for teaching conflict resolution skills to secondary students.
Andrea is eager to collaborate with businesses and communities on developing innovative sustainable solutions.
Alex Eddington
Alex Eddington is Eco Choice Aotearoa’s Sustainability Partnerships Manager.
Alex is a sustainability and business improvement professional with over 25 years of experience helping organisations enhance their environmental and operational performance. Originally from Auckland, Alex spent a number of years in Canada following his OE where he had his own consulting company.
Prior to owning his own company, Alex was a certified environmental management system auditor; implementing and auditing HSE management systems. Alex first started his career with Auckland Council, working on waste minimisation projects, following on from his environmental technology degree.
Alex is now back in Auckland where he lives with his partner and two children. He loves being home again and is passionate about New Zealand businesses driving sustainability forward. Alex works Stella, our Head of Strategic Partnerships, to develop strong relationships and businesses, government agencies, and non-profits to drive sustainability in key sectors.