Meet the team
Cristiano Marantes
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 Edwards
Dr Will Edwards 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.
Jonathan Young
Jonathan Young is Head of Industry and Government Engagement at Ara Ake, New Zealand’s future energy development centre. He has been a member of the Ara Ake team since June 2021. From 2008 to 2020 Jonathan served as the Member of Parliament for the New Plymouth electorate. Through his parliamentary role as Energy and Resources spokesperson, he travelled throughout New Zealand visiting industrial energy users as well as energy generators, gaining a comprehensive awareness of New Zealand’s integrated energy system. He also travelled overseas gaining insight into other countries energy systems, giving him a broad understanding of the challenges and responses to the global energy transition.
Michelle Polglase
From an exit as a founder, business owner and employer, Michelle had a decade in high-growth global technology companies including a company IPO (initial public offering) on the NZX, and an ASX-listed company acquisition. Her recent experience within the innovation ecosystem includes delivery of innovation programmes, research commercialisation supporting the next generation of groundbreaking ventures and technologies, and business case development for pre-seed funding. A recreational pilot, Michelle has a keen interest in advanced aviation, aerospace technologies and clean energy solutions. This passion not only fuels her personal pursuits but also informs her professional approach, particularly in sectors at the intersection of technology and sustainability.
Chase Hancock
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.
Briony Bennett
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.
Daniel Gnoth
Daniel leads the research and insights function. He is responsible for advancing research initiatives to identify and accelerate pathways for New Zealand's transition to a clean energy future. His goal is to provide strategic insights and in-depth analysis of opportunities and challenges faced by innovators. He achieves this through collaborative efforts and primary research integrated with Ara Ake programmes. He is a member of the World Energy Council Future Energy Leaders (FEL-100 alumni) and has been a member of the Young Energy Professionals New Zealand (YEPN) steering committee and co-founder of the Taranaki YEPN.
Sophie Braggins
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.
‘Ana Vailahi-Schofield
‘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.
Rosie Condon
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.
rosie.condon@araake.co.nz
Sarah Millers
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.
