In this member spotlight, we talk to Joanne McGregor, who has more than 20 years' experience in organic waste recovery, and says collaboration is the key to success.
"[Organic waste recovery] is a complex area, with many challenges, but one that offers much potential for growing a circular economy, diverting waste and reducing emissions."
Tell us about your organisation
Transvalue is a family-owned engineering and environmental consultancy that has been up and running since 2007. My husband Jason works on civil, construction and stormwater engineering projects while I focus on waste, environmental and sustainability projects.
Being an SME, we make the most of collaborating with others – either as subconsultants or by forming partnerships that maximise the range of services and skillsets for clients.
Why did you want to join WasteMINZ?
I’ve been fortunate to be a WasteMINZ member through much of the past 20 years, and see it as an invaluable forum, educator, and facilitator for all parts of the waste sector.
What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?
I become involved in organic waste recovery through my Uni studies and started my career working for a composting technology supplier. It’s a complex area, with many challenges, but one that offers much potential for growing a circular economy, diverting waste and reducing emissions. I’ve been fortunate to work with composting and anaerobic digestion specialists here and in the UK, on facility planning, process engineering and carbon/LCA assessments.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
A recent night out at the Civic was a chance to see Half Hexagon and Princess Chelsea play, as part of their Winter Ball series. A Twin Peaks theme added to the fun.
Describe your perfect day outside of work.
Post-covid we bought a small ‘farm’ in Waipu, Te Tai Tokerau, complete with 4 paddocks, a great big poultry shed and a 1920s do-up cottage. It’s a big learning curve and weekends and school holidays up there with the kids is a real highlight.