We Work With The Best In The Industry
Tasj Paulson
Gisborne Hydraulic Services Limited
Director / General Manager
NZFPA Chairman
Tasj has worked in this industry for the past 25 years. Although not “on the tools” but being part of the growth of GHS has given her insight into what makes this industry dynamic and innovative. Seeing where the pain points are for the industry, like attracting people, training and retention is what pushed her into finding and connecting the right people to get the industry a NZQA level qualification.
NZFPA being an integral part of the newly formed qualification. Tasj is utilising her strengths in organisation and motivation to give the NZFPA a solid foundation to grow and futureproof this incredible industry that is fluidpower.
Jordon Adams
Kona Projects Limited
Director
NZFPA Vice Chairman
Jordon began his career in stainless steel fabrication, introducing him to the world of engineering. An opportunity arose to work in the hydraulic field, and while not really knowing what to expect, he grew a passion for the industry. Jordon has since worked for multiple hydraulic businesses in the North Island, gaining valuable experience and learnings at each one.
Seeing the huge need for skilled fluid power technicians motivates Jordon to contribute to the NZFPA, to help others enter this fulfilling career path and improve the standard of technicians and engineers in New Zealand.
When not involved in the industry, you’ll find Jordon spending time with his family and children, or exploring New Zealand’s fantastic skate parks.
Garth Woodhouse
Hydraulink Fluid Connectors Ltd
Technical Trainer/Product Specialist
NZFPA Executive Committee Member
Garth has worked in the Fluid Power (Hydraulics) industry for the past 50 years. During this time Garth has been involved in servicing, development, engineering, manufacturing and training.
Garth is passionate about our industry, particularly in the area of training and therefore was pleased at the recent introduction of an NZQA approved Fluid Power qualification.
Garth is looking forward to working with his fellow members of the NZFPA executive to build an association that will support and grow the industry.
Sam Aarts
SMC Corporation (NZ) Ltd
Regional Sales Manager
NZFPA Secretary
Sam established an understanding of fluid mechanics and process control through acquiring his bachelor’s degree in Chemical & Process Engineering. He has since specialised in industrial fluids for the past 12 years, initially with steam and hot water systems and more recently with pneumatics.
Sam thoroughly enjoys the exposure that working in the pneumatics field provides, with countless industries relying on the effective use of compressed gases to conduct their operations. He believes that the NZFPA is a great agency to promote and educate engineers of this critical sector.
Richard Krebs
Hyspecs Holdings Limited
Chief Executive Officer
NZFPA Executive Committee Member
Richard has been working at Hyspecs for 41 years, rising thru the ranks from internal sales to CEO. Prior to this he qualified at Air New Zealand as an Aircraft Avionics Engineer.
Passionate about the industry and its vibrant future. It is changing rapidly and opportunities for us all and many and varied.
In addition to the Air NZ qualification, he holds NZCE in electronics.
Richard is keen to see our industry raise its skill standard to a more professional level. The NZFPA is excited to be working with NZQA on this. Of course this doesn’t relieve individual companies from internally training their staff. We see the two initiatives working in parallel.
Richard is a passionate audiophile having, in his spare time designed and built some of the world’s best analogue turntables. He and his wife enjoy tramping, getting in the bush away from the crush of the city.
Andrew Smyth
Auckland Hydraulic Services Ltd
Company Director
NZFPA Executive Committee Member
Prior to being a company director of 3 years, Andrew has been in the hydraulic industry for the past 30 years, holding a variety of positions around service and maintenance.
As a fitter and turner, Andrew is focused on the future of the industry and believes the NZFPA plays a pivotal role in ensuring qualified and capable personnel prosper in a safe and professional environment
Chris Bourke
Pirtek New Zealand Limited
Chief Executive Officer
NZFPA Executive Committee Member
Chris has been working within the fluid transfer industry for over 30 years both in Australia and New Zealand. Chris initially started in the industrial hose and fitting market and then moved to the hydraulic hose industry when he commenced working for Pirtek in Australia in 1998. Chris has worked for Pirtek for a total of 24 years with the past 13 years at Pirtek New Zealand.
Like all of our NZFPA Committee Members, Chris is motivated to introduce qualifications to our vital industry to ensure all people involved are kept safe and the Fluid Power Industry is recognised as a vital and exciting career platform.
Shane Brookland
Scarlett Hydraulics
Chief Executive Officer
NZFPA Treasurer
From a start in internal sales progressing through technical sales and design into management, the size and scale of the hydraulics industry has kept me captivated now. I have had over 31 years of service to Scarlett Hydraulics.
The real enjoyment is seeing the various faces in the industry develop knowledge and skill both within my company and others we interface with, whilst being involved in some very technical projects and designs.
The NZFPA should be a vehicle to assist the development of knowledge and safe working practices, this is the aspect I am happy to be engaging with within the group and also with NZQA for meaningful outcomes and content.