Meet the Evolocity Team

JESSICA CATHRO

REGIONAL COORDINATOR BAY OF PLENTY AND NATIONAL EDUCATION LEAD

Jessica has a background in project management and teaching. She spent time in the UK working in IT Project Management before moving back to New Zealand to teach Digital Technology, Math and Business studies at a high school in Westport.

It was at Buller High School that she became involved in Robotics and Engineering, but not until her little brother got involved in EVolocity did she spend any time in mechanics. It has been a steep learning curve but Jessica is now proud to say that she has indeed built a working kart and “boy is steering tricky!”.

Jessica currently works with Rotorua Lakes Council to deliver engineering and technology programmes to schools all over Rotorua, alongside holiday programmes and after school clubs.

Contact Jessica Jessica.Cathro@rotorualc.nz

SAM KNOX

ONLINE LEARNING - TECHNOLOGY

Research and development in the field of mechatronic engineering has been Sam’s focus thus far. He has been involved with modern technologies such as drones and computers, having spent much of his time building them. As well as studying as a mechanical engineer, his experience includes electronics and music. He is currently the music producer for a pop/EDM band.

Sam is passionate about building a sustainable future and supporting technologies that operate on renewable materials and energy sources. He takes fulfilment from passing on knowledge and assisting others in the development of theirs. Sam has spent several years living in Papua New Guinea, which has given him a wider appreciation and broad understanding of other cultures.

Sam’s inspiration comes from the creative process of developing new and exciting technologies and making a positive difference for our future.

Contact Sam sam@evolocity.co.nz

SARAH FITZGERALD

CHIEF EXECUTIVE & REGIONAL COORDINATOR AUCKLAND, TARANAKI

Sarah Fitzgerald is an experienced renewable energy sector leader committed to supporting youth and industry in the transition of the global energy market to a zero carbon economy. She views education as an essential role in this journey to develop future generations of innovators in sustainability.

Sarah is also Principal of Nikau Energy, a communications and events company committed to the cleantech sector providing knowledge sharing platforms to help facilitate the adoption of clean and renewable energy solutions. Prior to joining EVolocity Sarah spent eight years living in the Middle East where she held roles with a number of prominent renewable energy organisations including General Manager of the Clean Energy Business Council and founder of the MENA region’s Women in Clean Energy (WICE) Program.

Before moving to Dubai with her husband and daughter, Sarah was Head of the CEO’s Office at Westpac New Zealand and was actively involved in the local non profit sector. Contact Sarah sarah@evolocity.co.nz

NATALIE RUTENE

REGIONAL COORDINATOR WELLINGTON, MANAWATŪ AND WAIKATO

Natalie has a background in business development in the tourism and hospitality sectors both here in New Zealand and the UK, Natalie is passionate about growing an organisation’s profile and reach, often using live events as the medium. With a particular focus on building programmes in the not-for-profit sector, that support and encourage youth or build awareness around environmental issues and solutions, EVolocity is a great fit! Natalie works alongside her Business Partner of four years – Charlotte Tollervey. They are Owner/ Operators of PomPom Events & Marketing – a New Zealand based business that provides both event/ programme management and marketing support to primarily not-for-profits. Natalie is excited to be part of a growing programme that has such positive impact on youth across the regions of New Zealand. 2022 will see the PomPom team take the lead on the EVolocity programme for the Wellington & Manawatu regions and coordinate the National Finals competition.

Contact Natalie natalie@pompom.co.nz

CHARLOTTE TOLLERVEY

REGIONAL COORDINATOR WELLINGTON & MANAWATŪ

With over seven years international experience in the UK in both event and marketing roles, Charlotte has been based in New Zealand for the past nine years, where she has continued her love for both live events and communications.

Originally from the corporate arena Charlotte now works alongside her Business Partner of five years – Natalie Rutene. They are Owner/ Operators of PomPom Events & Marketing – a New Zealand based business that provides both event/ programme management and marketing support to primarily not-for-profits. They share a passion for working for projects that are creating change and making an impact primarily in the youth and environmental space, and this is in fact what led them to establishing their business originally.

EVolocity ticks both boxes and Charlotte being based locally in the Wellington region is excited to take the lead on the EVolocity programme for the Wellington & Manawatū regions. Contact Charlotte charlotte@evolocity.co.nz

JO MORGAN

HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS

Jo has worked in the not for profit sector for over 17 years as a Fundraising professional or Manager of various charities in health, youth related, community law and animal welfare. “My journey in the charitable sector started in the Bequests area with the then named Foundation of the Blind.

I will always be grateful for the path my career took into the world of philanthropy and service. I have been touched so often by the generosity and compassion shown towards the vulnerable in our society, by individuals and entities that have showed great moral and financial support. These benefactors choose to care about inspiring positive change and empowering others who dare to dream.”

Jo’s work with EVolocity facilitates supporters to help open doors and career pathways for rangitahi who have a willingness to learn and whose imagination and talents are endless. Jo is based in the sunny Bay of Plenty region. Her past times include caring for her many pets, music-singing/song-writing and volunteering/supporting local animal rescues.

Contact Jo jo.morgan@evolocity.co.nz

CLAUDIA REYNOLDS

MARKETING

Claudia is passionate about the value of STEM in schools and getting kids inspired through hands-on learning. She loves being involved with anything creative, and is looking forward to her new role as Marketing & Communications Coordinator at EVolocity. Claudia will be keeping our community up to date online, helping us reach new audiences, and assisting to make our events run smoothly. Outside of work, you’ll find her at the beach, chasing around two little people or in the kitchen attempting to whip up something sweet.

Contact Claudia claudia@evolocity.co.nz

THOMAS GALBRAITH

TECHNICAL LEAD SOUTH ISLAND

Thomas is an Electrical Engineer with experience working with electric vehicles and recently inspace electronics and aerospace propulsion systems.

Whilst studying Bachelor and Master degrees in Electrical Engineering at the University of Canterbury, he was actively involved with Formula SAE for a number of years, eventually taking on the position of Chief Engineer and Team Lead for the electric vehicle team. He has also served as an official Technical Inspector (scrutineer) at the Australasian Formula SAE competition. Thomas’ interests include electric powertrain design, EV safety systems, lithium battery design, DC motor control, embedded systems, PCB design and project management. When not doing engineering, you will probably find Thomas out on a mountain bike or surfboard!

Contact Thomas thomas@evolocity.co.nz

KEITH ANDERSON

Keith is a 4th year Computer Systems Engineering student in 2022 at Auckland University, studying a mixture of electrical, computer and software engineering courses.

Team Leader of the Formula SAE team in 2020 and 2021, he was responsible for the coordination of a team of 50 student engineers, as well as managing the executive management team, sponsorship liaison, and financial management. Keith is also currently a Firmware intern at Halter NZ, involved in the development of innovative firmware which automates cow movements across farms using an app and GPS-enabled collars.

Contact Keith keith@evolocity.co.nz