Introducing Michelle Kazor

Kia ora Michelle, tell us a little about yourself?

Michelle- I’m originally from Cleveland, and have made my home in Tāmakai Makaurau Auckland for the last twenty odd years after moving here from New York City. I’ve got a professional career that spans private sector, NGOs and government, focusing on delivering projects that have real life impact on our planet and communities. Most recently, I was the Director at Ministry for the Environment, looking after a $200m investment fund. Alongside my role as Trustee, I run my own consulting practice from Auckland.

What’s your connection to the sector?

My dad was actually in the industry as a pipefitter back in the States. He worked for Johnson Controls and Honeywell for decades. He’d be really glad to know I’ve joined the Trust and am giving back to the sector. Even though I’ve worked in government for four years, I do consider myself very industry-orientated.

Why did you join the Trust?

I’d been working in the waste & resource efficiency policy area for the Government. I have a strong background in the Waste Minimisation Act, and have been an advocate for regulated product stewardship for a long time. It’s been a labour of love over many years, watching the launch of Tyrewise as the first regulated product stewardship scheme.

I really feel we’re on the verge of something transformative for the sector with the accreditation of Cool-Safe as the product stewardship scheme. I’m excited to be here for this journey.

You’re our first Independent Trustee, alongside our Independent Chair and Trustees from the sector, what does being an Independent Trustee mean?

We’re lucky to have so many experts on the team from the industry - and as someone with policy and environmental background, I can bring a different perspective. When it comes to the Emissions Trading Scheme, and the machinery of government around regulations, I can help advise on those issues. 

 I’ve also been involved in operationalising many large programmes and projects over the years. Cool-Safe has levelled up over last couple of years, but when the regulations come through, it will need a very rapid scale up. I can bring some experience from the implementation of other programmes to the organisation

What are you hearing from people about Cool-Safe?

At the Auckland and Wellington roadshows, I had some great conversations with people about Cool-Safe. In particular, I heard how useful and easy the Coolest Courier service is, I think people really appreciate us making things easier for them to do the right thing.

 I also watched people really get engaged during Don’s presentation around training and qualifications. There’s obviously a real need for this Strategic Leadership Forum and I think it’s great that the Trust and Cool-Safe are supporting that financially while stepping back and letting the sector decide what will work best for them. Increasingly as we move down the Product Stewardship Scheme route, we’ll need to do more of that enabling work.