Green Gorilla™ was founded on a simple thought: someone needed to do a better Waste diversion job for New Zealanders, and it may as well be a bunch of Kiwis!

So, we put our heads, and over 200 years of collective experience, together and came up with a plan to create a new kind of waste processing facility, one that comes from a sustainable and honourable place. And in 2010, Green Gorilla™ was born.

We’re tough on waste. Big on recycling. We believe in helping Kiwis deal with their waste in a more environmentally sustainable way. And keeping most of what’s thrown away out of landfill. It’s that simple.

We’re passionate about bringing better practices to New Zealand, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made.  We’ve built the largest commercial, industrial, construction, and demolition resource recovery processing facility in Auckland, and we’re leveraging that experience to develop another resource recovery facilities in the Waikato.

At Green Gorilla, we believe in investing in our people.  We’re an equal opportunity employer, paying above the living wage to over 160 staff members and contracting 70 skilled owner-drivers. Our diverse workforce represents 9 ethnicities from over 19 countries, including 25% Māori and 15% Pacific Peoples.

We’re also proud to be breaking the mould in a male-dominated industry. Women make up 30% of our staff, and 50% of our leadership roles are held by talented women. This inclusive environment is fostered by our CEO, Elaine Morgan, who has led the company since its inception.  Our commitment to our employees is reflected in our remarkably low rolling employee turnover rate of 3.4% as of October 2024, compared to the national average of 21.4% in 2023.

Our dedicated team of men and women are committed to their work and our customers, delivering service with a “big green smile,” because at Green Gorilla, everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Green Gorilla™ is 100% Kiwi-owned and operated. We are invested in our country environmentally, economically and emotionally to cultivate a legacy that will live beyond us. Here are the values we live and work by.

We’re Brave

We set the trends of waste services in our country. Fuelled by ambition, innovation and kiwi ingenuity, we brave uncharted territory to maximise recovery, re-use and recycling for a cleaner, greener New Zealand.​

We Aim Higher

Every day we ask ourselves, “how much better could it be?” We are intentionally tough on ourselves, and strive for excellence in everything we do. We bring our ‘A game’ everyday and aim to do it better.

We’re Here for Good

Our DNA is 100 percent kiwi. We are invested in our country environmentally, economically and emotionally to cultivate a legacy that will live beyond us.​

People make the difference, which is why we invest in them. Just as we aim to leave our environment better, we want to leave our people better too.

We Walk Tall

We take pride in who we are and what we do. We’re genuinely committed, honest to a fault and have more integrity than you can shake a stick at. Taking ownership is second nature to Green Gorilla™.​

We’re One Team

Collaboration is key to our success. By utilising each other’s strengths, co-operating, communicating and collectively working towards a common goal, we achieve gorilla-sized success.​

OUR PEOPLE

Meet the crew who keep the trucks running, the sorting belt humming, the cranes lifting and the coffee coming.

Elaine Morgan

CEO

Elaine is a Chartered Accountant bringing over 30 years’ commercial experience to the Green Gorilla™ team, including substantial time in the waste industry, with roles in accounting, financial management, commercial law, corporate governance and general management. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Auckland and has held senior roles at Waste Management NZ Ltd, Smart Environmental Ltd, CID Resource Recovery Ltd, and currently CEO for Green Gorilla™ (Kalista Ltd), prior to which was CFO and COO for 9 years. She brings a wealth of experience in people management, financial management, operations, leadership, development of strategic plans, and project experience.

Stephen Towsen

General Manager – Operations

Stephen holds a National Diploma in Business Management and has held a number of roles in the waste and recycling industry over the past 15 years. He has been part of the team here at Green Gorilla since 2020, prior to that he worked at Waste Management NZ and EnviroWaste with a further 8 years spent in the waste industry in South Africa. His deep skill set includes large fleet management, planning, leadership, operational efficiency and management skills with experience in people management, mentoring & training, procurement, recruitment, route optimisation, budgeting & forecasting and customer service.

Dirk Hayes

Group Financial Controller

Dirk is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years accounting experience in a variety of industries including transport, manufacturing and equipment hire. He has been in the waste industry for 12 years, working at Waste Management NZ and now at Green Gorilla™. He brings his people management and mentoring experience together with planning, reporting, leadership, financial management and project experience to Green Gorilla™.

Michalla Luke

Commercial Sales Manager

Michalla brings over 15 years experience to Green Gorilla™, holding a number of key roles within the waste and recycling industry. She is currently responsible for managing large customer contracts. Having been with Green Gorilla™ for 13 years in a number of roles including Business Development, Service Centre Manager and Operations Manager she understands that optimisation and operational efficiency are key, while offering solutions to maximise diversion of waste from landfill. Prior to that she worked at Waste Management NZ for 4 years. Experience in sales, customer service, people management, operations, project work and negotiation skills.

Tomas Johnsson

HSSE Officer

Tomas holds a Masters of Science (Environmental Earth Science and Chemistry) with more than 15 years experience in HSSE roles. He has been at Green Gorilla™ since 2016, prior to that at Geroge Weston foods and Sanford Limited. Skills include planning, implementing and promoting quality & safety programs, establishing and managing environmental and HSNO programs. He is experienced in planning, managing, developing, auditing, training and promoting Environmental Sustainability, solid and liquid waste management, environmental projects as well as contractor management and auditing.

Fiona Lawrence

Senior Consultant – Multi-Unit Developments

Fiona has 13 years experience in the waste industry holding roles like Marketing & Sales Manager and Business Development. She has people management, waste management design and best practice, consent process, reporting and waste auditing experience. As a part of the Green Gorilla team she is proficient in developing and implementing Site Waste Management and Minimisation Plans (SWMMP) for new multi unit developments and mixed use buildings, consulting on projects and maximising diversion from landfill. Experienced in ongoing review processes, offering solutions and working within Auckland Council Waste Space Calculator guidelines.

Craig Calland

C&D Landfill Manager

Craig holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) - Earth Sciences & Environmental Planning with over 15 years experience in the waste industry in NZ and overseas working for Aurecon, Thiess and Wellington Council. He has people management, waste management planning, contract and project management skills. His experience includes management of landfill, compliance with Resource Consents, new cell and roading development including expansion of landfills, remediation work to leachate systems, environmental management and earthwork projects. He has also been responsible for pricing and tendering.

Dylan Primrose

Engineering Manager

Dylan holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with experience in people management, fleet and plant engineering, project management, maintenance management, mechanical repairs for fixed and mobile plant, procurement and property maintenance. As part of the Green Gorilla™ team since 2018, he manages new build projects and procurement of cab chassis and bodies and assists project consultant with capital works.

Samantha Waters

HR/ Wellness Manager

Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts Political Science with 20 years experience in various HR and Payroll roles in private healthcare for 10 years, FMCG for 2 years and the waste industry for 8 years. She has management information, employee & people relationship and mentoring and coaching skills. She brings her experience in developing and implementing HR and wellbeing strategies, recruitment, payroll, performance appraisal and management, leading HR special projects, learning & development as well as people management and leadership to Green Gorilla™.

Mike Stanford

Marketing Manager

Experienced Marketing Manager with over 20 years’ experience across product, service and brand management within Australasian manufacturing and distribution. Skilled in leading cross-functional initiatives, go-to-market strategies, and driving product adoption. Proven success in developing brand strategies, managing teams, and executing impactful marketing campaigns across digital and traditional channels. Passionate about driving commercial growth through innovation and collaboration.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT A CAREER AT GREEN GORILLA™?

Find out more

Waste diverted from landfill:

519,752,000

NEWS

READ THE LATEST

Wherever there’s waste, you’ll find the Gorilla. See how we’re getting out and about on our mission to clean up New Zealand.

A Guide to Gorilla Bags: A Flexible Solution for Waste Disposal

A Guide to Gorilla Bags: A Flexible Solution for Waste Disposal Efficient and responsible waste management is more important than ever. However, finding the right waste disposal method can be challenging, whether tackling a home renovation, clearing out the garden, or just getting some decluttering done.   Fortunately, Gorilla Bags swoop in to save the… Continue reading A Guide to Gorilla Bags: A Flexible Solution for Waste Disposal

Onehunga Site Fire 2024

Fire investigation report about February 2024 incident   On 7 February 2024, a fire broke out at our Onehunga Resource Recovery Facility, leading to a significant operational impact. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) completed an investigation and confirmed at the time that the fire was accidental, caused by a foreign object becoming trapped in… Continue reading Onehunga Site Fire 2024

Auckland City Mission – Homeground

e Tāpui Atawhai’s new home – HomeGround – has opened its doors.

[fibosearch] ×