Green Gorilla was founded on a simple thought: someone needed to do a better Waste diversion job for New Zealanders, and it may as well be a bunch of Kiwis!

So we put our heads, and over 200 years of collective experience, together and came up with a plan to create a new kind of waste processing facility, one that comes from a sustainable and honourable place. And in 2010, Green Gorilla was born.

We’re tough on waste. Big on recycling. We believe in helping Kiwis deal with their waste in a more environmentally sustainable way. And keeping most of what’s thrown away out of landfill. It’s that simple.

We’re proud of what we’ve created so far and our passion for bringing better practices to New Zealand. We’ve built the largest commercial, industrial, construction and demolition waste processing facility in Auckland – run by men and women totally committed to their work and customers. It’s service with a big green smile – and we hope it’s catchy.

Green Gorilla is 100% Kiwi-owned and operated. We are invested in our country environmentally, economically and emotionally to cultivate a legacy that will live beyond us. Here are the values we live and work by.

We’re Brave

We set the trends of waste services in our country. Fuelled by ambition, innovation and kiwi ingenuity, we brave uncharted territory to maximise recovery, re-use and recycling for a cleaner, greener New Zealand.​

We Aim Higher

Every day we ask ourselves, “how much better could it be?” We are intentionally tough on ourselves, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We bring our ‘A game’ everyday and aim to do it better.

We’re Here for Good

Our DNA is 100 percent kiwi. We are invested in our country environmentally, economically and emotionally to cultivate a legacy that will live beyond us.​

People make the difference, which is why we invest in them. Just as we aim to leave our environment better, we want to leave our people better too.

We Walk Tall

We take pride in who we are and what we do. We’re genuinely committed, honest to a fault and have more integrity than you can shake a stick at. Taking ownership is second nature to Green Gorilla.​

We’re One Team

Collaboration is key to our success. By utilising each other’s strengths, co-operating, communicating and collectively working towards a common goal, we achieve gorilla-sized success.​

OUR PEOPLE

Meet the crew who keep the trucks running, the sorting belt humming, the cranes lifting and the coffee coming.

Elaine Morgan

CEO

Elaine is a Chartered Accountant bringing over 30 years’ commercial experience to the Green Gorilla team, including substantial time in the waste industry, with roles in accounting, financial management, commercial law, corporate governance and general management. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Auckland and has held senior roles at Waste Management NZ Ltd, Smart Environmental Ltd, CID Resource Recovery Ltd, and currently CEO for Green Gorilla (Kalista Ltd), prior to which was CFO and COO for 9 years. She brings a wealth of experience in people management, financial management, operations, leadership, development of strategic plans, and project experience.

Stephen Towsen

General Manager – Operations

Stephen holds a National Diploma in Business Management and has held a number of roles in the waste and recycling industry over the past 15 years. He has been part of the team here at Green Gorilla since 2020, prior to that he worked at Waste Management NZ and EnviroWaste with a further 8 years spent in the waste industry in South Africa. His deep skill set includes large fleet management, planning, leadership, operational efficiency and management skills with experience in people management, mentoring & training, procurement, recruitment, route optimisation, budgeting & forecasting and customer service.

Dirk Hayes

Group Financial Controller

Dirk is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years accounting experience in a variety of industries including transport, manufacturing and equipment hire. He has been in the waste industry for 12 years, working at Waste Management NZ and now at Green Gorilla. He brings his people mangement and mentoring experience together with planning, reporting, leadership, financial management and project experience to Green Gorilla.

Michalla Luke

Commercial Sales Manager

Michalla brings over 15 years experience to Green Gorilla, holding a number of key roles within the waste and recycling industry. She is currently responsible for managing large customer contracts. Having been with Green Gorilla for 13 years in a number of roles including Business Development, Service Centre Manager and Operations Manager she understands that optimisation and operational efficiency are key, while offering solutions to maximise diversion of waste from landfill. Prior to that she worked at Waste Management NZ for 4 years. Experience in sales, customer service, people management, operations, project work and negotiation skills.

Tomas Johnsson

HSSE Officer

Tomas holds a Masters of Science (Environmental Earth Science and Chemistry) with more than 15 years experience in HSSE roles. He has been at Green Gorilla since 2016, prior to that at Geroge Weston foods and Sanford Limited. Skills include planning, implementing and promoting quality & safety programs, establishing and managing environmental and HSNO programs. He is experienced in planning, managing, developing, auditing, training and promoting Environmental Sustainability, solid and liquid waste management, environmental projects as well as contractor management and auditing.

Fiona Lawrence

Senior Consultant – Multi-Unit Developments

Fiona has 13 years experience in the waste industry holding roles like Marketing & Sales Manager and Business Development. She has people management, waste management design and best practice, consent process, reporting and waste auditing experience. As a part of the Green Gorilla team she is proficient in developing and implementing Site Waste Management and Minimisation Plans (SWMMP) for new multi unit developments and mixed use buildings, consulting on projects and maximising diversion from landfill. Experienced in ongoing review processes, offering solutions and working within Auckland Council Waste Space Calculator guidelines.

Craig Calland

C&D Landfill Manager

Craig holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) - Earth Sciences & Environmental Planning with over 15 years experience in the waste industry in NZ and overseas working for Aurecon, Thiess and Wellington Council. He has people management, waste management planning, contract and project management skills. His experience includes management of landfill, compliance with Resource Consents, new cell and roading development including expansion of landfills, remediation work to leachate systems, environmental management and earthwork projects. He has also been responsible for pricing and tendering.

Dylan Primrose

Engineering Manager

Dylan holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with experience in people management, fleet and plant engineering, project management, maintenance management, mechanical repairs for fixed and mobile plant, procurement and property maintenance. As part of the Green Gorilla team since 2018, he manages new build projects and procurement of cab chassis and bodies and assists project consultant with capital works.

Samantha Waters

HR/ Wellness Manager

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts Political Science with 20 years experience in various HR and Payroll roles in private healthcare for 10 years, FMCG for 2 years and the waste industry for 8 years. She has management information, employee & people relationship and mentoring and coaching skills. She brings her experience in developing and implenting HR and wellbeing strategies, recruitment, payroll, performance appraisal and management, leading HR special projects, learning & development as well as people management and leadership to Green Gorilla.

Kate Transky

Marketing Manager

Kate holds a Diploma in Digital Marketing (Applied) with more than 10 years Marketing experience in various industries including luxury brands. A marketing generalist she brings her diverse B2B and B2C experience to Green Gorilla such as, marketing and brand campaign management, budget management and website and social media management skills. Comfortable leading and managing digital projects, managing promo and collateral materials, CRM administration, managing, planning and implementing marketing strategies.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT A CAREER AT GREEN GORILLA?

Find out more

Waste diverted from landfill:

519,752,000

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