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!
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 passionate about bringing better practices to New Zealand, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made. We’ve built the largest commercial, industrial, construction, and demolition resource recovery processing facility in Auckland, and we’re leveraging that experience to develop another resource recovery facilities in the Waikato.
At Green Gorilla, we believe in investing in our people. We’re an equal opportunity employer, paying above the living wage to over 160 staff members and contracting 70 skilled owner-drivers. Our diverse workforce represents 9 ethnicities from over 19 countries, including 25% Māori and 15% Pacific Peoples.
We’re also proud to be breaking the mould in a male-dominated industry. Women make up 30% of our staff, and 50% of our leadership roles are held by talented women. This inclusive environment is fostered by our CEO, Elaine Morgan, who has led the company since its inception. Our commitment to our employees is reflected in our remarkably low rolling employee turnover rate of 3.4% as of October 2024, compared to the national average of 21.4% in 2023.
Our dedicated team of men and women are committed to their work and our customers, delivering service with a “big green smile,” because at Green Gorilla, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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.
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 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 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™.
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.
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 sustainability strategy guides how we reduce waste, recover more resources and build smarter systems with our customers, partners and communities — caring for the land, strengthening Aotearoa and shaping a legacy beyond us.
Caring For The Land, Protecting Our Future.
We reduce environmental harm and give materials a second life through innovation, resource recovery infrastructure and partnerships that enable circular outcomes. We actively protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural resources by reducing emissions, maximising waste diversion and supporting carbon sequestration projects.
Building Smarter Systems For A Sustainable Future.
We believe sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. As a leading service provider, we deliver efficient solutions and excellent customer experiences that help our customers reduce waste, save costs and achieve their environmental goals. By reinvesting locally, driving innovation and developing a capable workforce, we’re strengthening New Zealand’s circular economy and building a business that endures.
Empowering People, Partners, Communities And Culture.
We build a legacy by investing in people and relationships. Our focus on wellbeing, inclusion and partnership ensures progress benefits everyone – from our people to the customers and communities we serve. We build trust through respect, collaboration and practical solutions that make waste management simple and effective for all.
Meet the crew who keep the trucks running, the sorting belt humming, the cranes lifting and the coffee coming.
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.
Matthew Wyatt is a Chartered Accountant with more than 16 years of international finance leadership experience across New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the global logistics sector. He spent nine years with DHL Global Forwarding NZ, including six years as Chief Financial Officer, leading financial strategy and governance in a complex, multinational environment. His career also includes finance roles at BlackRock, Lloyds Banking Group, and BDO in London, giving him deep expertise in multinational reporting, capital discipline, taxation, and risk management. Matthew supports Green Gorilla’s growth through robust financial strategy and strong governance.
Michalla brings over 20 years’ experience in sales, operations and customer management to Green Gorilla™. As Auckland Market Manager, she leads the regions sales team and supports customers with practical waste and recycling solutions that improve efficiency and maximise diversion from landfill. Michalla has been with Green Gorilla™ for over 15 years, holding a number of key roles including Business Development Manager, Service Centre Manager, Operations Manager, Commercial Sales Manager and National Sales Manager. Her strong operational knowledge, customer focus and problem-solving skills help ensure Green Gorilla™ delivers reliable, effective solutions for businesses across New Zealand.
Vishal brings over 15 years’ sales experience to Green Gorilla™, with a strong background in business development, customer relationship management and strategic sales. As Central Region Sales Manager for Waikato and Bay of Plenty, he works with businesses across a range of industries to develop practical waste and recycling solutions that reduce costs, improve efficiency and support sustainability goals. Vishal has been with Green Gorilla™ for over six years, holding business development roles in Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. He takes a consultative, partnership-focused approach, working closely with customers to understand their needs, reduce reliance on landfill and deliver long-term commercial and environmental value.
Fiona brings 16 years’ experience in the waste and recycling industry, with expertise in senior consulting, leadership, marketing and business development. She specialises in tailored waste solutions for apartments, multi-unit developments, aged care providers, accommodation providers and high-rise commercial sites. Fiona works closely with developers, architects, planners, bodies corporate and facilities teams to bridge the gap between design, implementation and ongoing service delivery. Her service-focused, solutions-led approach helps complex sites achieve smarter, more efficient waste services and long term operational success.
Daniel is a tertiary-qualified fleet and logistics professional with a ``can-do`` attitude and deep expertise in the New Zealand & South African transport and leasing industries. Since joining Green Gorilla, he has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. In his role as National Operations Manager, Daniel oversees operational performance across the country. Leveraging his extensive background in fleet management and commercial vehicle specifications, he works closely with our Branch and Divisional Managers to ensure the safe, consistent, and efficient delivery of our waste and recycling services.
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.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) - Earth Sciences & Environmental Planning with over 18 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.
Tomas holds a Masters of Science (Environmental Earth Science and Chemistry) with more than 17 years experience in HSSE roles. He has been at Green Gorilla™ since 2016, prior to that at George 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.
Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts Political Science with over 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 implementing 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™.
Experienced Marketing Manager with over 20 years’ experience across product, service and brand management within Australasian manufacturing and distribution. Skilled in leading cross-functional initiatives, go-to-market strategies, and driving product adoption. Proven success in developing brand strategies, managing teams, and executing impactful marketing campaigns across digital and traditional channels. Passionate about driving commercial growth through innovation and collaboration.
Waste diverted from landfill:
Wherever there’s waste, you’ll find the Gorilla. See how we’re getting out and about on our mission to clean up New Zealand.
On the 20th of November 2025 we officially opened our brand-new Waikato Construction and Demolition Resource Recovery Facility—a $16 million investment in the future of the region! We were honoured to have Waikato Mayor Aksel Bech whom officially opened the facility, unveiling its beautiful, gifted name: Kia Manawa Ora (Gifted by Waahi Whaanui). (will put… Continue reading Kia Manawa Ora
Officially Opened
Green Gorilla’s new Waikato Resource Recovery Facility is transforming construction & demolition waste recycling! While still in its commission stages, full-scale operation is not that far away. ♻️ With landfill as a last resort, Green Gorilla is leading the way in sustainable waste solutions. Along with its sister plant in Auckland, the scale of this… Continue reading Green Gorilla
On Seven Sharp
Green Gorilla has commenced commissioning of its new, state-of-the-art Construction and Demolition (C&D) Resource Recovery Facility in Rotowaro, near Huntly in Waikato. This marks a significant step forward in Aotearoa’s recycling and waste infrastructure. The $16 million facility is 100% electric and powered by certified renewable energy, making it one of the most sustainable of… Continue reading Green Gorilla Opens $16M Fully Electric Resource Recovery Facility in the Waikato