Meet the Team

Hamish Lowe - Director / Principal environmental scientist

Qualifications: BAgSci (Hons); MAgSci (Hons, AgEng); Certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management (Advanced); Certified RMA Hearing Commissioner; Certified Environmental Practitioner; Certified Practising Agriculturalist; Certified Nutrient Management Advisor

Profile: Hamish brings more than 30 years of experience in natural resource management and environmental engineering. He is a national leader in the land treatment of wastewater, working across agricultural, industrial, and municipal sectors. He is known for his ability to integrate science, engineering, and regulatory planning to deliver practical, sustainable solutions. Hamish regularly provides expert advice for policy development, consenting pathways, and long term strategic planning.

With deep expertise in nutrient modelling, sustainable land-use design, and community engagement, Hamish helps clients navigate complex environmental challenges with clarity and confidence.

Biscuit energy: Gingernut - strong, dependable, and holds up under pressure

Brian Ellwood - Director / General Manager / Senior environmental engineer

Qualifications: BTech (Environmental Engineering, Hons); MApplSci (Agricultural Engineering, Hons); Graduate Certificate in Irrigation; Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management; PMP

Profile: Brian is an experienced Environmental and Agricultural Engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in nutrient and water management. His expertise includes wastewater land application design, irrigation scheme analysis, environmental assessment, monitoring, and project management.

Brian works closely with councils, iwi, and industry groups to deliver practical, long term solutions for communities. He is known for combining strong technical analysis with a collaborative, people centred approach that ensures projects are realistic, robust, and environmentally responsible.

Biscuit energy: Toffee Pop - a solid base with a smooth top layer. Practical engineering with polish

Katie Beecroft - Senior environmental scientist

Qualifications: MSc (Hons) Earth Science; BSc Earth Science

Profile: Katie is an environmental scientist with strengths in geology, soil science, hydrogeology, and geochemistry. She specialises in land management, biosolids use, contaminated site assessment, and the beneficial reuse of organic materials.

Known for her clear, science led approach, Katie translates complex environmental information into practical, workable solutions. She works with councils, iwi, industry, and government agencies, ensuring environmental systems are robust, culturally appropriate, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Biscuit energy: Mint Slice - crisp, sharp, and refreshingly clear

Rob Potts - Senior environmental engineer

Qualifications: NZCE (Civil); BE (Ag)(Hons); PG Dip Hydrology; MIPENZ, CPEng, IntPE (NZ); Certified RMA Hearing Commissioner

Profile: Rob brings over 40 years of environmental engineering expertise to LEI. His background includes stormwater and wastewater treatment, biosolids management, hydrology, hydrogeology, and environmental effects assessment.

Rob has contributed to major infrastructure and land treatment projects across New Zealand, supporting clients from feasibility through to detailed design and consenting. His deep technical knowledge and practical design experience ensure solutions that are both effective and resilient.

Biscuit energy: Malt biscuit - old-school, trusted, an essential in every biscuit tin

Alice Bradley - Senior environmental scientist

Qualifications: MSc (Hons) Zoology – Freshwater Ecology; BSc Zoology

Profile: Alice has more than 20 years’ experience in environmental science, project management, and collaborative catchment planning. Her expertise includes freshwater ecology, sediment science, environmental compliance, and cross sector engagement.

Alice works with government agencies, iwi, industry, and community organisations to improve water quality and environmental outcomes. She is known for her ability to bring people together, manage complex projects, and communicate science clearly and effectively.

Biscuit energy: Lemon Treat - fresh, bright, and a little zesty

Ana Fon - Environmental scientist

Qualifications: BSc Environmental Science

Profile: Ana is an environmental scientist with strengths in GIS, State of the Environment monitoring, water quality assessment, and project support. She brings practical field experience and strong data management skills, supporting multidisciplinary projects with spatial analysis, reporting, and stakeholder communication.

Ana's well organised, collaborative approach helps ensure environmental projects are delivered efficiently and with a strong evidence base.

Biscuit energy: Cameo Creme - neat, well arranged, and tidy (very GIS map maker vibes)

Bruce Bycroft - Field Technician

Profile: Bruce is LEI’s Field Technician, supporting our projects with reliable on the ground monitoring and site work. He carries out field sampling, equipment setup, site inspections, and data collection across a range of land and water projects.

Known for his practical approach and strong attention to detail, Bruce helps ensure our field data is accurate, consistent, and collected safely. His hands on expertise and steady problem solving style make him a valued part of the team and a trusted presence on project sites.

Biscuit energy: Griffin's Chocolate Thins - practical and always hits the spot. A favourite for long field days

Eise Venter - Environmental scientist

Qualifications: N.Dip Environmental Sciences; B.Tech Environmental Sciences; Registered Professional Natural Scientist (SACNASP)

Profile: Eise is an environmental scientist with more than 15 years’ experience in monitoring, environmental assessment, and field based investigations. His strengths include water, soil, and biosolids monitoring; hydrogeological testing; data interpretation; and regulatory reporting.

Eise supports procurement processes with clear, defensible tender documentation and applies robust evaluation methods. He coordinates contractors to ensure the effective installation of systems. Clients value his practical approach, strong cost awareness, and ability to deliver reliable information for infrastructure and environmental decision making.

Biscuit energy: Squiggle - precise on the inside, fun on the outside

Jeremy Beaumont - Office & finance administrator

Profile: Jeremy manages LEI’s financial administration, including accounts, invoicing, payroll coordination, and budgeting support. He also assists with project coordination, contractor onboarding, and wider office operations.

With a focus on accuracy and clear communication, Jeremy ensures LEI’s financial and administrative systems run smoothly. His approachable manner makes him a valued point of contact for staff, clients, and suppliers.

Biscuit energy: Muesli biscuit - structured, reliable, and full of good bits

Jimena Rodríguez - Environmental scientist

Qualifications: PhD Agriculture; MSc Agricultural Science; Certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management (Advanced)

Profile: Jimena is an agricultural and environmental scientist with expertise in nutrient management, farm systems, and sustainable land use. She has strong technical knowledge in nitrogen dynamics, pasture systems, and mitigation strategies.

Jimena provides farmers and councils with practical, science based insights, prepares OverseerFM nutrient budgets, and contributes to biosolids and high value land assessments. Her thorough, evidence driven approach helps clients improve environmental outcomes while maintaining productive capacity.

Biscuit energy: Farmbake Oat and Raisin - wholesome, grounded, and packed with substance

Phil Lake - Environmental scientist

Qualifications: BSc Chemistry; BSc (Hons) Geochemistry

Profile: Phil has spent more than 30 years working across a wide range of environmental roles. He is highly experienced in wastewater and stormwater systems, environmental compliance, and RMA processes.

With a strong technical background in sampling, monitoring and data interpretation, Phil delivers reliable and practical advice from consent application through to design and construction. His clients value his pragmatic problem solving style and his ability to bridge technical, regulatory, and on the ground implementation.

Biscuit energy: Krispie - classic, steady, and always reliable. A biscuit that never fails

Shamim Al Mamun - Environmental scientist

Qualifications: PhD Environmental Science; MS Soil, Water & Environment; BSc (Hons) Soil, Water & Environment

Profile: Shamim is an experienced environmental scientist with over 15 years working across research, consultancy, and local government. He specialises in soil and water quality, contamination assessment, environmental risk evaluation, and land use suitability.

Shamim has extensive experience in soil and water quality assessment, contaminant behaviour and fate, wastewater and organic amendment reuse, and environmental effects assessment. He contributes to complex assessments, providing clear, defensible advice that supports sound decision making for land development, consenting, and environmental protection.

Biscuit energy: Belgian Biscuit - thoughtful, detailed, and full of layers

Stacey Bartlett - Office Administrator & Graphic Designer

Profile: Based in Christchurch, Stacey supports LEI’s General Manager and wider team through coordinated office operations, scheduling, and project administration.

Stacey is also LEI’s in house graphic designer, producing high quality visuals for reports, proposals, presentations, and branding. Her blend of organisational skill and creative capability helps ensure LEI’s work is presented clearly and professionally.

Stefi Romero - Environmental scientist

Qualifications: PhD Environmental Science; MSc Environmental Management; BEng Environmental Engineering

Profile: Stefi is an environmental scientist with specialist expertise in GIS, nitrate pollution mitigation, environmental monitoring, and complex fieldwork. She supports a wide range of environmental projects with strong technical capability, from spatial analysis to compliance assessment.

Stefi is also the technical lead for a soils research programme, managing instrumentation, field data collection, and technical interpretation. She delivers high quality, research informed insights that support robust environmental decision making.

Biscuit energy: Mallow Puff - light, cheerful and surprisingly robust

Robyn Chapple - Practice manager

Profile: Robyn is LEI’s Practice Manager and oversees the internal systems that keep our business operating efficiently. She supports staff across all offices, manages organisational processes, and ensures consistent practice standards throughout the company.

Working closely with the General Manager, Directors, and project teams, Robyn plays a key role in planning, resourcing, communication, and business improvement. Her calm, people focused approach helps create a well coordinated and high performing workplace.