What interested you about studying mechanical engineering?
From the age of around 10 I was racing BMX competitively and constantly tinkering with bicycles. From age 15, this graduated to racing cars, leading me to be mentored as I built my own race engines and made my car handle better and go faster. Bruce McLaren was an inspiration for me – and motivated me to chase the dream of designing Formula One cars so it was natural for me to pursue mechanical engineering at university to support this dream.
It’s incredible to read the stories of TASKA Prosthetics users – could you tell us a bit about the company and its mission?
TASKA Prosthetics produces the world's leading myo-electric prosthetic hand with the main markets being North America and Europe. It has transitioned from a Kiwi start-up with a handful of employees to around 70 staff, mainly located in Christchurch, with satellite offices in Australia and Germany. We've recently been acquired by Eqwal Group - a global player in the field of improving peoples lives when faced with a disability. All TASKA products are proudly designed and manufactured here in Christchurch.
What could a day in the life look like for you at TASKA?
My role as Head of Design sees me leading the team of Industrial Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Hardware Engineers and Mechatronics Engineers as we work on multiple projects. This sees me supporting across a mix of projects from early stage R&D through to projects improving our products in-market etc. I am also in the Senior Leadership Team, so part of my day can involve working with the other business leaders on strategic thinking and solving business problems.
You’re also the founder of Biomaxa – can you tell us a bit about that company and how you balance it all?
This is more of a passion project. I like the idea of unique Kiwi stories wrapped around a product – so developing the world's first petrochemical free – wax lubricant for cycling in all conditions that leverages lanolin and New Zealand's agricultural heritage is appealing. It is a nice escape valve from the pressures of the day job and keeps my brain active, challenged and hands-on at grassroots product development in an area (chemical formulation) that is new to me. Think craft beer brewing but different. Of course, it also means I get to ride my bike a lot with product testing and it keeps me active in the cycling community.
From starting your career at Fisher & Paykel, designing in Formula One, starting your own companies and more – you’ve achieved a lot! What advice would you give to recently graduated engineering alumni looking to carve their career path?
Engineering is such a great career, and I am lucky to still love the challenge of solving problems and innovating, as well as now contributing to supporting junior, intermediate and senior engineers and designers to develop within a creative culture such as TASKA. My main advice would be to chase your dreams – however ambitious. Work hard and accept that a lot of the time work is a grind but it's worth the effort and ensure you take the time to celebrate those small wins along the way. Also, have patience – you are a long time working and to have a long, sustainable enjoyable career you need to enjoy what you do.
What memories stand out when looking back at your time at UC?
It was a long time ago now but I still look back at what a great time I had at UC as a student. I loved the student lifestyle and campus life at UC. Lots of fantastic memories but probably the best thing – other than graduating with such a well-regarded degree is having developed life-long friendships with my cohort.
