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Q&A with Mike Mechaelis: ALGA and the Future of New Zealand’s Environmental Sector


An Interview with Mike Mechaelis

What stands out to you as a meaningful moment or milestone from your time on the ALGA Board?

What stands out to me as a meaningful moment or milestone from my time on the ALGA Board is the incredible support I’ve received from the ALGA community, both in New Zealand and Australia. To be trusted in a governance position over three terms has been a privilege. My tenure coincided with some major changes, including the appointment of five CEOs—ranging from Elizabeth Dank, one of ALGA’s founders, to Matt Potter, the current CEO. Navigating the arrival of COVID-19 was a particular challenge, especially for an events-based organisation like ALGA, and it brought significant operational instability. Despite this, the resilience and adaptability of the team and community were truly inspiring.

From your perspective, how does ALGA support the sector in New Zealand, and why is this important?

ALGA’s support for the sector in New Zealand is vital. The organisation acts as a connector, bringing together professionals and facilitating knowledge sharing across the region. This helps strengthen technical capacity and fosters collaboration, which is essential for tackling complex issues in contaminated land and groundwater management. The emphasis on community and cross-Tasman relationships is important in ensuring we stay at the forefront of best practice and innovation.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to see for ALGA and the contaminated land and groundwater sector in New Zealand?

Looking ahead, I hope to see ALGA continue to grow its presence and impact in New Zealand. There’s great potential for the sector to evolve, especially with increasing public awareness and regulatory changes. I’d love to see ALGA champion more local initiatives, offer expanded training opportunities, and encourage broader industry engagement, both from emerging professionals and seasoned experts.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Finally, I would just like to add my gratitude for the opportunity to be involved and for the ongoing support of the ALGA community. It’s been fantastic to help shape the direction of the organisation and contribute to the sector’s progress.

Disclaimer

The views and information in this publication are those of the author and not the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Ltd (ALGA), which acts solely as publisher. This publication does not constitute legal advice, and no warranty is given as to its accuracy or completeness. To the extent permitted by law, ALGA and the author accept no liability. Readers should seek independent professional advice if required.