In this member spotlight, we talk to Joanne McGregor, who has more than 20 years' experience in organic waste recovery, and says collaboration is the key to success.
"[Organic waste recovery] is a complex area, with many challenges, but one that offers much potential for growing a circular economy, diverting waste and reducing emissions."
Tell us about your organisation
Transvalue is a family-owned engineering and environmental consultancy that has been up and running since 2007. My husband Jason works on civil, construction and stormwater engineering projects while I focus on waste, environmental and sustainability projects.
Being an SME, we make the most of collaborating with others – either as subconsultants or by forming partnerships that maximise the range of services and skillsets for clients.
A key partnership is teaming up with my long-term colleague, and fellow WasteMINZ member, Michelle Kazor. We’re developing a joint practice to scope out waste minimisation and strategy initiatives, identify funding opportunities, and see projects through feasibility, business case, delivery, and monitoring phasesWhy did you want to join WasteMINZ?
I’ve been fortunate to be a WasteMINZ member through much of the past 20 years, and see it as an invaluable forum, educator, and facilitator for all parts of the waste sector.
What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste, resource recovery or contaminated land?
I become involved in organic waste recovery through my Uni studies and started my career working for a composting technology supplier. It’s a complex area, with many challenges, but one that offers much potential for growing a circular economy, diverting waste and reducing emissions. I’ve been fortunate to work with composting and anaerobic digestion specialists here and in the UK, on facility planning, process engineering and carbon/LCA assessments.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
A recent night out at the Civic was a chance to see Half Hexagon and Princess Chelsea play, as part of their Winter Ball series. A Twin Peaks theme added to the fun.
Describe your perfect day outside of work.
Post-covid we bought a small ‘farm’ in Waipu, Te Tai Tokerau, complete with 4 paddocks, a great big poultry shed and a 1920s do-up cottage. It’s a big learning curve and weekends and school holidays up there with the kids is a real highlight.
