Debbie van der Schyff

EV charging specialist

With 25 years of industry experience, including eight as a Product Marketing Manager, the individual has a deep background in electrification, automation, and eMobility. They have supported the EV transitions of major clients like Audi, Porsche, Fonterra, Auckland Transport, and Kinetic, working on projects ranging from home chargers to large-scale bus charging infrastructure. They have also contributed to national EV charging standards as a member of New Zealand’s Technical Advisory Group and collaborated with organizations like Standards NZ and MBIE. Additionally, they are active in professional networks such as Drive Electric and Women of EVs and maintain strong ties with sustainability-focused government bodies. Their work focuses on guiding organizations through EV adoption by leveraging technical expertise, industry partnerships, and a clear understanding of the challenges and myths within the sector.

Dmitry Gafiyatulin

Reliance Utilities

Dmitry Gafiyatulin leads Reliance Utilities, an energy brokerage that helps businesses secure lower electricity and gas prices. He started in the industry in 2009, working in sales for several major power retailers. In 2014, he founded Reliance Utilities as a sales agent to providers, and four years later, pivoted the company into an independent brokerage, enabling clients to benefit from its independent advice, market knowledge, and collective buying power. Today, Reliance negotiates sharp, sustainable energy deals for hundreds of organisations across New Zealand and has just expanded into Australia. Dmitry’s focus is on clear pricing, smart procurement, and practical cost-reduction strategies that also support long-term sustainability goals. Dmitry is also passionate about giving back. Reliance launched Warm Kiwis in 2025—an initiative that pays three months of winter power bills for households facing financial hardship.

John Chow

Stonewood Group

John Chow is a global entrepreneur and co-founder of Stonewood Group, a leader in sustainable real estate and renewable energy. Passionate about innovation and committed to Carbon Zero by 2030, John has driven significant renewable projects, notably RCR Green’s completion of a 7MW solar farm in Ashburton in December 2024. He is also spearheading an EV charging station pilot launching in Rotorua and Wellington in July 2025. Through strategic partnerships, John actively promotes international investment and collaboration in renewable energy across New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.

Marcos Pelenur

EECA

Dr Marcos Pelenur became Chief Executive of EECA in September 2023. EECA’s purpose is to encourage, promote and support energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable sources of energy. Previously Marcos held several senior policy leadership positions at MBIE, including overseeing the Crown mineral and petroleum estate and science system. Prior to working in the public sector, Marcos led the sustainability and energy practice for the Americas at the Behaviour Insights Team in Ottawa and led the Project and Services division for Landis +Gyr NZ, a smart metre and energy management company. Marcos has a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, is a Chartered Professional Member of Engineering New Zealand and is registered as a Chartered Engineer with the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Rebecca Wilson

Z Energy

Rebecca Wilson is the General Manager Business Energy Solutions ANZ for Z Energy and the Ampol Group. She leads the development of strategy and products and services for our business customers as they look to transition to lower carbon alternatives. Rebecca has an extensive business transformation and delivery background across a range of public, private and infrastructure organisations across roading, electricity, gas, rail and maritime. She brings a customer-led mindset, delivering business solutions that enhance organisational operating models, enable behaviour change and drives value.