We are experts and industry leaders in renewable energy systems development and implementation.
Meet the Team
Our team of innovative, tenacious, passionate, and highly-skilled individuals thrive on developing a better future for New Zealand through robust, fit-for-purpose, and industry-leading solar energy solutions.
We’re committed to best in class, first to market, and delivering projects our clients can be proud of.
We value:
Thinking differently to bring creative solutions to the table | Everyone has unique attributes to contribute!
A ‘partnership first’ approach | We commit to collaboration between colleagues and clients, from contract to commissioning.
Safe and supportive work communities | We have each other’s backs.
Working smarter to get it done | We pull together and use our tenacity to deliver.
Championing community good I We’re making an impact one step at a time.
We value:
Thinking differently to bring creative solutions to the table | Everyone has unique attributes to contribute!
A ‘partnership first’ approach | We commit to collaboration between colleagues and clients, from contract to commissioning.
Safe and supportive work communities | We have each other’s backs.
Working smarter to get it done | We pull together and use our tenacity to deliver.
Championing community good I We’re making an impact one step at a time.
Whether it’s securing a contract, hitting project milestones, or commissioning New Zealand’s largest solar farm to date, every step is a moment we can be proud of.
With individuals hailing from 12 different countries and cultures, we’re proudly diverse. We believe this gives us powerful perspective as we grow. If you’ve been nodding along as you read this, why not get in touch? You might be a perfect fit for the Infratec team!
Management Team
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David Barnett
Acting Chief Executive Officer
David Barnett
David has a strong background in finance, risk management, markets and supply chain across the banking, FMCG and electricity sectors, culminating in being appointed Group CFO at Infratec’s parent company WEL Networks in 2019. During this time, he was appointed a founding Director of Infratec New Zealand Limited and sister companies NewPower Energy Services Limited and NewPower Energy Limited and more recently transitioning to a key member of the NewPower / Infratec Advisory Group.
In February 2025 David was appointed Acting CEO and brings with him a strong focus on delivering quality outcomes for our customers while growing New Zealand’s renewable resource.
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Bharti Patel
Engineering Services Director
Bharti Patel
Bharti has 13 years of experience in the energy industry, working in New Zealand and in the UK for local and international clients. Her experience includes working for Transpower and consultancies including AECOM (NZ) and TNEI Services (UK).
Bharti developed a passion for renewable and low carbon network projects while working in the UK. Her work involved feasibility of development projects and included a focus on power system studies to enable connection of renewable generation.
While at Transpower Bharti worked for the System Operator as an operations engineer. In this role she was responsible for planning outages on the system by assessing power system and market impacts to meet regulatory requirements. She then moved to a project management role where she delivered strategic and tactical projects which included forging new ways of working within the business.
Joining Infratec in October 2021 she is excited to be leading the engineering team to build innovative solar and battery projects in NZ and the Pacific.
In her spare time, you’ll find Bharti gardening or on walks in Wellington’s town belt.
Training & Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Commerce, Operations Management
- Prince 2 Practitioner
- ICAgile Certified Professional
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Nick Bibby
GM Infratec NZ
Nick Bibby
Nick has over 20 years’ experience in the civil, environmental and renewable energy sectors. Nick developed his civil engineering knowledge with Downer NZ and refined his skill set as an Environmental Engineer with Cardno NZ. Based in the UK with RES, Nick led a team that designed and constructed large scale onshore wind power projects in the UK, Scandinavia, Turkey and South Africa. Nick has worked on small scale wind, solar and HV transmission projects in Europe and lead a FEED development of a 300MW biomass plant in England. Since joining Infratec, Nick has project managed the Kiritimati 11kV mini-grid + Solar/Diesel project and programme managed the Cook Islands EPC delivery. Nick now heads the Infratec NZ Team which identifies and secures development through to construction, ensuring continuity of a strong development portfolio. When not trying to cover the world in solar panels, Nick divides his time between endless DIY projects, climbing mountains and attempting to surf.Training & Qualifications:
- BE (Hons) Forestry Engineering, University of Canterbury (1999)
- CEng (UK), MICE (2014)
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Ricky Smith
GM NewPower Energy
Ricky Smith
Ricky has 30 years’ experience in the NZ electricity industry. Starting out with New Zealand Electricity with the Clyde hydro power station construction, Roxburgh hydro substation refurbishment, the HVDC Pole 2 hybrid project at Benmore. Later, he worked for Meridian Energy as a Diagnostic and Performance Engineer, optimising hydro generation maintenance. Ricky was involved with the construction and commissioning of Te Apiti Wind Farm and lead electrical engineer for West Wind. He worked for Transpower in Wellington for 12 years, having several roles, including project managing the Haywards’ synchronous condenser refurbishment and closing out and operationalising the Siemens HVDC Pole 3. As a Senior Manager, he went on to lead specialist engineering teams, responsible for the maintenance and operation of Transpower‘s assets, including HVDC converter stations and Cook Strait cables, synchronous condensers, STATCOMs, static VAR compensators, transmission and substation primary equipment, protection and automation.Training & Qualifications:
- BE (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Canterbury
- Trade Certificate Electrical Fitting
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Jamie Aitken
CFO
Jamie Aitken
Jamie has over 20 years’ experience in finance roles across several industries, from media and newspapers in the UK to more recently the energy sector in NZ. Jamie has previously had senior management and finance roles with Pioneer Energy and Meridian’s Energy for Industry (EFI) customer Build, Own Operate heat and power business, as a subsidiary, and then a successful on-sale to Pioneer Energy. With Pioneer he was Finance Manager of the retail and energy solutions business and led the successful transition of Pioneer becoming a Tier 1 electricity market participant and Trader. Jamie joined Infratec in June 2021.
When not working, Jamie can be found chasing after his young son who has recently learnt to cycle, snowboarding on fair weather days and DIY and gardening around the house.
Training & Qualifications:
- BCom, Accounting and Business Management
- Chartered Accountant Australia and New Zealand, CAANZ
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Paul Kirkham
Commercial Director
Paul Kirkham
Paul has a career spanning more than 40 years in the electricity generation, transmission and distribution sectors, telecommunications, rail transportation and industrial industries across New Zealand, Australia and Pacific Islands. Paul’s career commenced at Electrix Limited (now Omexom), in engineering, project and programme management and business development roles. The second career step was with Alstom New Zealand Limited (who over the 11 years of employment, changed its name five times, ending with Transfield Services New Zealand Limited), in project and programme management, business development, commercial management and general management roles. The third career step was with Transpower New Zealand Limited, in commercial management and procurement roles. The fourth career step is with Infratec/NewPower Energy Services New Zealand, in a commercial management role. Through these various roles, Paul has participated in many of New Zealand’s largest construction projects, including as commercial manager for Transpower on the NZ$785M upgrade of the 1400MW HVDC link between the New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Paul has also played a key role in outsourcing of utility infrastructure maintenance, and as strategic commercial manager for Transpower, lead the procurement of replacement outsourced contracts associated with maintenance and enhancement of the New Zealand national electricity grid, with contracts collectively valued at >NZ$2.5B over the 10-year term. Outside of work, Paul is busy with his wife, Susan, in supporting his four children and one grandchild.Training & Qualifications:
- BE (Hons) Electrical Engineering, Auckland University (1980)
Business Development Managers
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Tom Wheatley
Senior Developement Project Manager
Tom Wheatley
Tom is a masters qualified Senior Project Manager with excellent financial and communication skills. With a natural entrepreneurial flair and strong project management background, he enjoys working collaboratively in diverse teams to achieve positive outcomes. Throughout a core project management/consulting career he has embarked on several ventures including futures trader in London, financial adviser qualification, crypto mining and trading, director at a NZ electricity retailer start-up and co-founder at a blockchain storage company. Project experience ranges from large scale SAP implementation projects for international companies in the banking, industrial and retail sectors, with a recent focus on the NZ health sector. Key projects include; Ministry of Health radiology service improvement project, operating theatre software upgrade; clinical letter dictation software; speech recognition solutions; rollout of Microsoft Suite to 3000+ users to support the COVID pandemic working model; moving local Payroll solution to the cloud. Tom loves new technology and fresh challenges. -
Chris Service
ESCO Market Lead
Chris Service
Chris is the ESCO Market Lead. He is passionate about making a positive impact and specialises in shaping sustainable energy solutions that match the needs of his clients, in what are often remote and challenging conditions. Chris’s clients vary from commercial businesses to national utilities which require bespoke solutions and have a broader community development edge to their activities. Chris joined Infratec in 2018 and has spent the last decade conducting new business development activities in renewables across Africa and Europe. In Europe, Chris was responsible for new market entry for Sungevity International, driving the company’s international growth strategy and expansion into Italy and Belgium. In Africa, Chris supported the growth of rural Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in rural off-grid communities in Uganda, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Burkina Faso and bringing solar energy services to remote communities for the first time. When not pushing for impact with renewable energy, Chris is always up for a mission just for the fun of it, be it setting up a mini-golf team for the sole purpose of attending a World Cup or convincing his kids cycling in the rain is fun.Training & Qualifications:
- PGDipTech – Energy Management, Honours with Distinction (RE System Design, Remote Access Power Supplies), Massey University (2012)
- BA – Environmental Management (2005)
- Social Returns on Investment Certificate (2013)
Featured Profiles
Daphne Cockburn
SYSTEMS & LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
Daphne Cockburn
Daphne is a procurement and logistics specialist who joined Infratec in 2017.
Daphne brings with her over 20 years’ experience in procurement and logistics, many of these in the Royal New Zealand Navy where she led teams in the procurement, stock accounting and movement of spares and high value assets internationally. More recently she has been the Health and Safety Coordinator for NETcon Ltd (division of the Alpine Energy Group), a role in where her skills and knowledge helped navigate the company through the change of the Health and Safety at Work Act and where she initiated numerous wellness and staff engagement polices.
Since joining Infratec one of her main focuses has been establishing solid relationships with suppliers and key agents for the company. There’s always something on the go with this role and we are constantly evolving and finding the best solutions for the project teams so they can deliver the desired outcomes for our customers and the company.
Chip Self
SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER
Chip Self
Chip is an experienced Design and Controls Engineer with a history of working in the power production and power distribution industries in the United States. He emigrated to New Zealand in December of 2023, with his family, to experience everything the country has to offer. He enjoys new challenges in new environments where he can learn and grow as an engineer. He is skilled in electrical design, power testing, controls, and comms, as well as network engineering.
When not at work, he can be found on the tennis court, swing dancing, or learning a musical instrument.
Jack Howell
RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEER
Jack Howell
Jack brings a potent blend of data science expertise and renewable energy passion to Infratec. Beginning with a fascination of data and advanced analytical techniques such as ML and AI, his desire to create positive environmental impact and a love of portable power propelled him towards the world of renewable energy. This dual understanding allows him to approach renewable energy projects and the systems behind them with a strategic, data-driven lens.
Jack supported public health efforts through his role on the Ministry of Health’s Vaccination Data Reporting Team. Utilizing R, combined with his visualisation and analysis skills to ensure timely and accurate reporting, he helped manage vital data during the COVID-19 response.
When not tackling complex problems at work, Jack’s hands are rarely idle. He can be found tinkering with electronics, crafting DIY speakers, or venturing into the wilderness for an escape into nature.
Qualifications:
- BSc in Renewable Energy Systems & Data Science from Victoria University of Wellington
Cornelius Scheepers
SITE ESTABLISHMENT MANAGER
Cornelius Scheepers
Corrie has 16 years of experience in the energy and construction industries, working in New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, and various Pacific locations.
Corrie’s expertise in getting any site up and running led to him becoming Infratec’s Site Establishment Manager in early 2023 and takes him all over the country. Wherever possible, local workforce is engaged and great relationships are forged with the community. Corrie is a certified trainer and enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills.
Ziyaad Karod-Domingo
SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER
Ziyaad Karod-Domingo
Ziyaad is an experienced Design Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry in South Africa and internationally before emigrating to New Zealand. He is skilled in electrical design, energy power systems, power plants, and project engineering. Ziyaad’s strength is as an engineering professional, with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering focused in Power Engineering from University of the Witwatersrand. Ziyaad joined Infratec NZ in September 2020.
Claudio Bessone
Programme Manager
Claudio Bessone
Over ten years of my work experience was based in Central Africa, on projects mainly based in Zambia and Malawi. Working in that part of the world comes with many challenges, which as a Project Manager, meant I learned many skills. Most were based around problem-solving, working independently and good resource management.
During my seven years of working in New Zealand, I have adapted and evolved my skill-set to manage, in some ways, less challenging projects but ones that require focus on key areas such as health and safety, environmental protection and tight deadlines, never forgetting the focus being to provide the client with a high-quality product through positive interaction and attention to detail.
Darren O’Neill
Product Development Manager
Darren O’Neill
Darren O’Neill is an electrical engineer with 8 years’ experience in the electrical industry. Previously working for Transpower, he helped look after the inter-island HVDC link and other power electronic assets. Darren joined Infratec’s Business Development Team in January 2022 and relishes being involved in the renewable energy side of the industry.
Featured Profiles
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Chip Self
Senior Design Engineer
Chip Self
Chip is an experienced Design and Controls Engineer with a history of working in the power production and power distribution industries in the United States. He emigrated to New Zealand in December of 2023, with his family, to experience everything the country has to offer. He enjoys new challenges in new environments where he can learn and grow as an engineer. He is skilled in electrical design, power testing, controls, and comms, as well as network engineering. When not at work, he can be found on the tennis court, swing dancing, or learning a musical instrument. -
Chris Service
ESCO Market Lead
Chris Service
Chris is the ESCO Market Lead. He is passionate about making a positive impact and specialises in shaping sustainable energy solutions that match the needs of his clients, in what are often remote and challenging conditions. Chris’s clients vary from commercial businesses to national utilities which require bespoke solutions and have a broader community development edge to their activities. Chris joined Infratec in 2018 and has spent the last decade conducting new business development activities in renewables across Africa and Europe. In Europe, Chris was responsible for new market entry for Sungevity International, driving the company’s international growth strategy and expansion into Italy and Belgium. In Africa, Chris supported the growth of rural Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) in rural off-grid communities in Uganda, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Burkina Faso and bringing solar energy services to remote communities for the first time. When not pushing for impact with renewable energy, Chris is always up for a mission just for the fun of it, be it setting up a mini-golf team for the sole purpose of attending a World Cup or convincing his kids cycling in the rain is fun.Training & Qualifications:
- PGDipTech – Energy Management, Honours with Distinction (RE System Design, Remote Access Power Supplies), Massey University (2012)
- BA – Environmental Management (2005)
- Social Returns on Investment Certificate (2013)
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Claudio Bessone
Programme Manager
Claudio Bessone
Over ten years of my work experience was based in Central Africa, on projects mainly based in Zambia and Malawi. Working in that part of the world comes with many challenges, which as a Project Manager, meant I learned many skills. Most were based around problem-solving, working independently and good resource management. During my seven years of working in New Zealand, I have adapted and evolved my skill-set to manage, in some ways, less challenging projects but ones that require focus on key areas such as health and safety, environmental protection and tight deadlines, never forgetting the focus being to provide the client with a high-quality product through positive interaction and attention to detail. -
Cornelius Sheepers
Site Establishment Manager
Cornelius Sheepers
Corrie has 16 years of experience in the energy and construction industries, working in New Zealand, South Africa, Africa, and various Pacific locations. Corrie’s expertise in getting any site up and running led to him becoming Infratec’s Site Establishment Manager in early 2023 and takes him all over the country. Wherever possible, local workforce is engaged and great relationships are forged with the community. Corrie is a certified trainer and enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills. -
Daphne Cockburn
SYSTEMS & LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
Daphne Cockburn
Daphne is a procurement and logistics specialist who joined Infratec in 2017. Daphne brings with her over 20 years’ experience in procurement and logistics, many of these in the Royal New Zealand Navy where she led teams in the procurement, stock accounting and movement of spares and high value assets internationally. More recently she has been the Health and Safety Coordinator for NETcon Ltd (division of the Alpine Energy Group), a role in where her skills and knowledge helped navigate the company through the change of the Health and Safety at Work Act and where she initiated numerous wellness and staff engagement polices. Since joining Infratec one of her main focuses has been establishing solid relationships with suppliers and key agents for the company. There’s always something on the go with this role and we are constantly evolving and finding the best solutions for the project teams so they can deliver the desired outcomes for our customers and the company. -
Darren O’Neill
Product Development Manager
Darren O’Neill
Darren O’Neill is an electrical engineer with 8 years’ experience in the electrical industry. Previously working for Transpower, he helped look after the inter-island HVDC link and other power electronic assets. Darren joined Infratec’s Business Development Team in January 2022 and relishes being involved in the renewable energy side of the industry. -
Jack Howell
Renewable Energy Engineer
Jack Howell
Jack brings a potent blend of data science expertise and renewable energy passion to Infratec. Beginning with a fascination of data and advanced analytical techniques such as ML and AI, his desire to create positive environmental impact and a love of portable power propelled him towards the world of renewable energy. This dual understanding allows him to approach renewable energy projects and the systems behind them with a strategic, data-driven lens. Jack supported public health efforts through his role on the Ministry of Health’s Vaccination Data Reporting Team. Utilizing R, combined with his visualisation and analysis skills to ensure timely and accurate reporting, he helped manage vital data during the COVID-19 response. When not tackling complex problems at work, Jack’s hands are rarely idle. He can be found tinkering with electronics, crafting DIY speakers, or venturing into the wilderness for an escape into nature.Qualifications:
- BSc in Renewable Energy Systems & Data Science from Victoria University of Wellington
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Pranay Kar
Design Manager
Pranay Kar
Pranay’s experience spans across New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, and India. His career is marked by innovation and dedication. Trained as an electrical engineer, Pranay’s expertise is as an EWRB registered professional, always bringing a hands-on approach to his work.
From the smallest residential setups to expansive solar and BESS projects, Pranay has designed, installed, and commissioned systems with precision. His career has been varied, transitioning seamlessly from R&D and design engineering to sales, project management, and leadership roles.
Prior to joining Infratec, Pranay spent 12 years with Vector Powersmart, honing his craft and refining his skills. His journey has taken him through various technical firms, each stop contributing to his wealth of knowledge and expertise.
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Ravisha Wijesinghe
Senior Design Engineer
Ravisha Wijesinghe
Following his graduation from the University of Auckland in November 2006, Ravisha was employed by MWH Global (STANTEC) Consultants in Christchurch providing electrical engineering services for the oil industry and the wastewater sector, before joining Beca in Hamilton in 2008.
After joining Beca in Hamilton Ravisha worked in the electrical, control design team and power systems team for various projects. This includes projects for PT Inco Nickel, Watercare Services, NZ Steel Taharoa, CHH Tasman Mill, Fonterra, Mighty River Power, Transpower, and Orica.
Ravisha joined Transpower in 2012 as an Operations Planning Engineer and finished as a Projects and Planning Engineer in 2017. During his first three years at Transpower, Ravisha was a Duty Engineer responsible for the operation of the whole NZ grid. During his last three years with Transpower, Ravisha was involved with system studies during 1200MWs of thermal generation decommissioning in the Auckland region and as the engineer responsible for studying bus extended contingencies for updating the Electricity Industry Participation Code. He was also responsible for studying all Special Protection schemes in the NZ grid for two years, from the perspective of the System Operator.
Since leaving Transpower, Ravisha has been an independent solar system provider and building services consultant in his native Sri Lanka. He has designed, supplied, and installed domestic and commercial on/off grid solar systems.
Ravisha was Electrical Design Engineer and Estimator at Vector Power Smart and completed 100% detailed design packs of DC and MV electrical drawings, from scratch.
Other expertise includes extensive knowledge in NZ Electricity Standards and Regulations (EIPC), the NZ Electricity Market, IEC/NZ/AU standards, electricity pricing and market constraints.
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Tom Wheatley
Senior Developement Project Manager
Tom Wheatley
Tom is a masters qualified Senior Project Manager with excellent financial and communication skills. With a natural entrepreneurial flair and strong project management background, he enjoys working collaboratively in diverse teams to achieve positive outcomes. Throughout a core project management/consulting career he has embarked on several ventures including futures trader in London, financial adviser qualification, crypto mining and trading, director at a NZ electricity retailer start-up and co-founder at a blockchain storage company. Project experience ranges from large scale SAP implementation projects for international companies in the banking, industrial and retail sectors, with a recent focus on the NZ health sector. Key projects include; Ministry of Health radiology service improvement project, operating theatre software upgrade; clinical letter dictation software; speech recognition solutions; rollout of Microsoft Suite to 3000+ users to support the COVID pandemic working model; moving local Payroll solution to the cloud. Tom loves new technology and fresh challenges. -
Ziyaad Karod-Domingo
Senior Design Engineer
Ziyaad Karod-Domingo
Ziyaad is an experienced Design Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry in South Africa and internationally before emigrating to New Zealand. He is skilled in electrical design, energy power systems, power plants, and project engineering. Ziyaad’s strength is as an engineering professional, with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering focused in Power Engineering from University of the Witwatersrand. Ziyaad joined Infratec NZ in September 2020. Ziyaad is an experienced Design Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry in South Africa and internationally before emigrating to New Zealand. He is skilled in electrical design, energy power systems, power plants, and project engineering. Ziyaad’s strength is as an engineering professional, with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering focused in Power Engineering from University of the Witwatersrand. Ziyaad joined Infratec NZ in September 2020.