Dr Mike Williams
Chief Scientist - Oceans
Mike joined NIWA in 2001 and has a science background in physical oceanography, ocean acidification, climate change and ocean processes associated with Antarctic sea ice and ice shelves. Prior to his appointment as Chief Scientist - Oceans in 2021, Mike held a joint appointment as Director of the Deep South National Science Challenge and Principal Scientist, Marine Physics.
Sol Fergus
General Manager - Vessel Operations
Sol joined NIWA in 2022 and oversees the general operations of NIWA’s research vessels RV Tangaroa, Kaharoa, Kaharoa II and Ikatere. He has a BCA (Hons) with a background in development and management of vessel operations policies, directives, and staff training.
Before joining NIWA, Sol held Commercial Manager, and General Manager roles at New Zealand Diving and Salvage Ltd.
Greg Foothead
Ship Technical Director
Greg has a background in automotive and industrial engineering. He joined NIWA in 2000 as Engineering Manager for NIWA’s vessel fleet and became General Manager – Vessel Operations in 2010. In 2022, Greg took up the role of Ship Technical Director, where he oversees the replacement of NIWA’s vessel fleet and acts as a technical advisor for the vessels operations team.
