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Key contacts for Vessels services

Rob Christie

Manager - Marine Resources

Rob is manager for NIWA's marine resources. He is responsible for the utilisation of NIWA's marine assets and coordinating the application of marine science. A Chartered Water and Environmental Manager and Chartered Scientist with close to 30 years international experience, Rob has worked as environmental scientist/engineer in environmental consultancy and science sectors in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Rob Joined NIWA in 2013 and coordinates NIWA's maritime commercial work focusing on NIWA’s research vessels and is based in our Wellington office.

Contact for strategic development, marine infrastructure, vessel enquires and scheduling.

Contact

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.   

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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. 

Contact

Contact

Free phone within New Zealand:
0800 RING NIWA
(0800 746 464)