ABOUT US
Our local experts
Work with our local experts. We can tailor a bespoke solution to help you unlock your land’s potential.
Duane Redward
Strategic Partnership Manager
As Strategic Partnership Manager, I have a dual role. My focus is on working with local landowners – including both farmers and foresters – to realise the value of their assets, while also contributing to their environmental ambitions. At the same time, I’m concentrating on building strategic partnerships which deliver a range of added value benefits to local landowners and businesses, our broader community and the environment.
Working with Nateva allows me to be part of a business that is making a meaningful impact on climate change and biodiversity, while creating opportunities for local landowners.
Having grown up on a farm in Southern Hawkes Bay, I’ve worked in the rural sector for a quarter of a century, in roles ranging from developing policy for MAF, to rural banking. When I’m not out meeting with landowners, I spend my time working on the family sheep and beef farm or getting out in nature, tramping, trail running and mountain biking.
James Towers
Regional Business Development Manager
With over four decades of working in the local and international agribusiness sector, I understand the challenges of running a successful rural business in today’s challenging environment.
My role as Regional Business Development Manager for Nateva, focused on the West Coast of the North Island, allows me to find smart business solutions for farmers and landowners through the opportunities in the carbon economy. This enables me to help farmers de-risk their agribusiness through diversification of farm income on marginally productive land.
Based in Wanganui for the last 16 years, I enjoy being part of a close-knit rural community and the opportunities my role brings to work alongside people from across the West Coast, Taranaki and King Country. Like most Kiwis, I enjoy watching rugby, while participating in some less high-impact sporting pursuits like tennis, darts and golf.
Ken Edge
Strategic Projects Partner (Consultant)
Having worked with Nateva – either as a consultant or as a relationship banker or more recently as a consultant – for most of its existence, I have had the unique opportunity to see the organisation grow and develop. At its heart, Nateva is a business that is doing something to make the world a better place for our future generations, in the face of dramatic climate change.
I am extremely proud of my work alongside local farmers, landowners, forest owners and Iwi, getting to know their needs and tailoring solutions to their unique circumstances. This has provided many landowners, particularly those on hard hill country, with the opportunity to establish a diversified source of income, reduce debt or support succession and to mitigate a range of environmental impacts – ultimately providing a lasting positive legacy for the landowner and the environment.
While I live in the heart of the Waikato, my work takes me throughout New Zealand, especially the traditional forestry areas of Northland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, King Country, Whanganui and Wairarapa. I like to support my son and daughter and their young families to refurbish their homes and maintain their farms, while also getting in some hunting and fishing during any down time.
Steve Gordon
Regional Business Development Manager
I grew up on a dairy/beef farm in Te Pahu and became a carpenter by trade, which morphed into 20 years in the forestry industry. I like trees and the environments they can create, so I was drawn to working with Nateva as an opportunity to contribute to New Zealand’s climate response.
As Regional Business Development Manager, I get to focus on helping local people. Whether that’s through understanding what we do and the role of the ETS, or how they could unlock some additional farm income while becoming part of the climate solution – giving people a better understanding of the opportunities they have is a big part of what we do.
Farming’s pretty challenging right now. Nateva offers an alternative to the traditional farming model, and the opportunity to turn their most uneconomic pastures into some of their most profitable land, with a supplementary income stream for rural land holders.
I’ve really enjoyed meeting some great people through my role as a land manager. Now based in Hamilton, when I’m not out working with farmers and landowners, I’m getting the best out of our country – hunting, diving or pursuing my other passion, rugby commentary.
Scott Pollard
Head of Business Development
With a background across a broad range of industries, from telecommunications and postal services, to banking and media, I love the challenge of working in a constantly evolving sector, where customers and business partners have unique needs in sometimes-challenging markets.
I joined Nateva as Head of Business Development to be part of a growing business filled with passionate people who want to leave a positive legacy for New Zealand and the environment. I also love having a role where my kids can see me doing something active to reduce the impact of climate change.
We partner with farmers, landowners and Iwi to help them achieve a better financial and environmental future, by growing trees to capture carbon. That process starts with understanding their needs and working to tailor solutions that are right for them – providing more choice and more opportunity to achieve their long-term goals. We’ve already paid over $150M in returns to rural communities – additional income which has been a game-changer for many farming families.
I’m based in our Auckland support office, but love to get out into our forests at any opportunity. I’m particularly interested in the progress we’re now making in supporting the transition of our forests into biodiverse native environments. In my family, we love the opportunity to get out on the water or to enjoy our incredible local environment.