National Committee
Sam McColl
I work at GNS Science in the Engineering Geology team. My research as a geomorphologist focuses on hillslope and alpine landscape processes, evolution, and hazards.
Catherine Reid
I am a palaeontologist in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Canterbury. My research spans Palaeozoic bryozoans to Quaternary and Recent forams, the later mostly applied to better understand environmental histories and human impacts on harbours and estuaries. I was first a member of the GSNZ as a student and rejoined after returning to New Zealand from overseas. I am re-joining the committee after a break and am looking forward to serving the geosciences community in Aotearoa.
Alan Orpin
I have been a member of the Society since the early 90's as a student and I'm the current Treasurer of the GSNZ, based at NIWA Wellington. My current research is primarily focused on post-glacial marine dispersal and depositional events on continental shelves, slopes and basins. This work includes the application of detailed analysis of sediment cores, event chronology, and paleoseismology, in concert with sedimentary physical properties, high resolution seismic, multibeam bathymetry and backscatter. It embraces a range of environmental drivers for sedimentary processes including climate, tectonics, volcanism, and human-induced land-use change. In addition, my research and commercial activities are ongoing into techniques for seafloor characterization and quantifying sediment dispersal.
Jenny Stein
Kia ora, I am a PhD student and free-lance geologist and science communicator with a diverse background in mineral exploration, teaching, research and presenting scientific information in ways that are accessible and meaningful to non-scientists. I joined the GSNZ National Committee in 2020 and look forward to helping promote geoscience around New Zealand and overseas.
Katherine (Kat) Holt
Kia ora, I joined the society in 2004 as a PhD student. I've served on the National Committee since 2009, with a short break from 2017-2019. My research is concentrated on palynology (pollen analysis) with a focus on Quaternary environmental reconstructions. I have a special interest in the Quaternary history of the Chatham Islands, where I carried out my PhD research. I'm really pleased to be able to continue as a National Committee member, and very proud of the work the Society does in supporting the Geoscience community in Aotearoa.
Hannah Martin
Kia ora, I am starting a PhD at the University of Nevada, Reno in earthquake geology. Originally from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, I am passionate about understanding seismic hazard in order to reduce risk and promote community resillience. My PhD focuses on understanding why some faults creep and others don't by looking at the geomorphic and mineral controls. I joined GSNZ in 2023 during my Masters research year at the University of Auckland. As the Editor of the Geoscientist Aotearoa, I am excited to share the latest geoscience news and findings to our comminuty.
Brigitte Shepherd
Currently working as a Graduate Engineering Geologist in Wellington. Recently joined the comittee as co-editor of the Geoscientist Aotearoa.
Alex Nichols
Matthew (Matt) Sagar
I am a geologist at GNS Science, Lower Hutt. My research mainly involves using geology, petrology and various radiometric dating techniques to understand the geological evolution of the Aotearoa New Zealand continent (Te Riu-a-Māui Zealandia) over the past ~500 million years. As the Publications Convenor I am primarily responsible for facilitating and promoting new GSNZ publications.
Nicki Sayers
Nicki has been the GSNZ Administrator since October 2018 and is the first point of contact for all member enquiries.
She supports the executive committee, branches and SIGs, looks after the membership database and website, and compiles and sends the Newsflashes.
In addition to her role with the GSNZ, Nicki works freelance helping charities and schools with fundraising.
Angela Griffin
Angela Griffin is a geologist in the Basin Analysis Team at GNS in Lower Hutt, and has been working at GNS Science since 2007. She holds an MSc in Earth Science and Geography from the University of Waikato. Angela’s professional interests are predominantly centred around borehole image log and wireline log analysis, liquefaction and groundwater studies. Angela is also the project leader of GNS’s carbon emissions reduction plan.
Andrew La Croix
Michael Rowe
Shannen Mills
Kia ora, I'm a PhD student at Massey University. I joined the society in 2017 as an Honor's student and joined the GSNZ National Committee in 2022 as the ECR Representative. My PhD research is looking at Stratovolcano response to edifice collapse using tephra formations from Mt. Taranaki. As the ECR I want to make sure that ECR's have a voice and increase engagement within the society.
Oliver McLeod
Oliver is a mapping geologist with special interests in volcanoes. He has published two geological map bulletins with the GSNZ on Mt. Pirongia (2020) and Mt. Karioi (2024).
Michelle Gallagher
Kia ora! I am a Bachelor of science student at the University of Auckland, with an interest in animal behaviour, zoology, paleontology, science communication, and solving tomorrow's problems with what we learn from the past. I work as a casual zookeeper at Auckland Zoo, with a background in data technology. As the student rep I hope to ensure our voices are heard and GSNZ is delivering what we need for our development and interests.