Meet the Team

Dr Cristiano Marantes is a highly experienced energy sector executive with an extensive engineering background and an informed worldview on the potential of technologies and business opportunities that will likely emerge in a low emissions energy future. Personally, he brings to the position a life-long passion for enabling this future, through strong leadership, innovation and knowledge of new low emissions energy solutions.

Will has extensive and diverse governance experience in the iwi and education sectors, as well as skills in research, analytics and data. His rural upbringing is complemented by broad academic training in public health, Māori development, Māori language and horticulture. Now living in South Taranaki, as a past Chair of Te Korowai o Ngāruahine, Will brings strategic Māori community and well-grounded perspective to the team, as well as proven leadership experience in the application of the Treaty of Waitangi to contemporary New Zealand.

For the past 12 years, Jonathan served as the MP for the New Plymouth electorate. Through his role as Energy & Resources spokesman, he travelled throughout New Zealand gaining a thorough knowledge of the integrated energy system. He has travelled overseas gaining insight into other countries energy systems, gaining a broad understanding of the global energy transition.

As General Manager of Business Operations, Sophie is committed to leveraging her expertise in people development, continuous business improvement, leadership, and team culture. With a career that has spanned industries, most recently as CEO of a progressive law firm, she is passionate about contributing to the future energy sector and nurturing an environment of collaboration and shared success at Ara Ake.

From organising events and shoot logistics in creative industries, to implementing and advising on communications in local government, Rosie brings her experience from a diverse professional background to her role. In her current capacity at Ara Ake, she contributes to organising and co-hosting events while also telling behind-the-scenes narratives of New Zealand’s renewable energy sector to a wider audience.

Chase is an experienced engineer with a mechanical background and successful track record in both programme development and project management. From physical modelling to business case development, he brings broad suite of influences and an analytical mindset to the opportunities offered in the energy sector transition.

Chase is passionate about the environment and committed to engaging with local and national communities to develop pathways to a low carbon future.

Jono is a chemical engineer by training, specialising in hazard mitigation and renewable energy systems, with experience within the Taranaki energy sector. Prior to joining Ara Ake, he worked for a research and data analytics consultancy where he used data to inform client strategy, optimise their processes and make predictions to assist them with solving various business problems.

Jono holds an engineering doctorate from the University of Cambridge, where he studied fluid mechanics to assess the risk of a potential climate change tipping point, growing his passion for the development and implementation of fit-for-purpose decarbonisation solutions.

‘Ana is an experienced Chartered Accountant with strong business and commercial acumen with experience in the education, energy and manufacturing sectors.

As our Finance Manager, ’Ana is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the finances, producing timely, accurate financial information, budget planning and comprehensive support to the Chief Executive, Board, and Aka Ake team.

With ‘Ana’s background in the energy sector, she is excited about contributing to a low-emissions energy future with Ara Ake.

Briony started her career as an electricity trading systems analyst at the European Power Exchange after completing a Masters in energy economics and policy at Sciences Po in Paris, France.

She went on to work as a renewable energy policy analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance in London, U.K. before returning home to Aotearoa to make her contribution to the energy transition here. She has worked across both government and business to drive for change and innovation in our energy sector.

As Ara Ake’s Energy Innovation Manager, Briony heads up our grid flexibility work and leads our Multiple Trading Relationships pilot programme. She is also partnering with Climate Connect Aotearoa, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s climate innovation hub on community energy sharing solutions.

For Briony, innovation means energy that works for both people and planet. She is also passionate about diversity and inclusion, and played a key role setting up the women in energy network – Mana Wāhine | Power Women.

Sarah is an experienced professional with over 14 years in administrative management. As our Office Administrator, Sarah plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless functioning of our daily operations. Her responsibilities encompass essential support for both our team and stakeholders. In addition, she provides executive assistance to the Chief Executive. Sarah has experience and knowledge in the energy sector and is committed to a sustainable future.