Sam Mackwell
Founder, Chief Engineer & CEO
For most of his life Sam has been on a mission to facilitate a just transition away from fossil fuel, particularly for agriculture & transport. Since 2016, Sam has developed the revolutionary biomass-burning steam boiler technology which powers Mackwell equipment. Prior to this, Sam explored possibilities in various technologies including biofuel turbine engines and hydrogen. Sam received several grants for this work from various organisations. Sam took part in the Young Enterprise Scheme in 2011 and was selected to compete in Bangkok. In 2012 Sam was invited to attend the Pacific Forum in the Cook Islands. Sam now leads the further design and development of Mackwell technology.
Jennifer Manson
Accounts & HR Support | BSc (Hons)
Jennifer’s B.Sc. is in Computer Science from the University of Canterbury where she participated in the prestigious, by-invitation Honours program. Her early career was in technical software design/development and technical communication. She founded two businesses, one in real estate and one in publishing, before returning to technology to work with larger teams on projects with broader impact. She has an enormous amount of experience in all aspects of business management and development, and great passion and skill in leading talented teams to deliver successful, innovative projects.
Michael Galloway
Mechanical Development Engineer | BEng Mech
Dedicated to building resilient technology for the world, Michael has a strong value alignment with Mackwell. Coming from a family background in Aircraft engineering, and earlier experience in designing Gantry cranes, Michael is now dedicated to building technology that “empowers the impoverished”. Michael uses his degree and tutoring experience to ensure that Mackwell technology operates at an output that exceeds industry expectations.
Paul Burrell
Mechanical Development Engineer | BEng Mech (Hons)
Big on team culture and a believer in local manufacturing, Paul aligns with Mackwell’s commitment to building everything from raw materials entirely within New Zealand. Paul’s Dux academics saw him fly through his Mechanical Engineering degree, bringing a competitive edge towards Mackwell’s vision of providing energy sovereignty to the world. Wanting to cut through “the comfortable ignorance of the modern energy situation”, Paul is fully invested in seeing Mackwell’s purpose come to life, and bringing a real energy solution to the world.
Johan Esterhuizen
Mechanical Development Engineer
With a strong belief in self-sufficiency, Johan was drawn to the technology “that can save millions” from the energy crisis. Johan understands the need for Mackwell in the world and has a clear altruistic goal of “wanting to see people fed and warm.” Hailing from a family of mechanical engineers, Johan enjoys solving mechanical complexities. He won the Environment Canterbury School Award, and has represented New Zealand for Robotics. Johan has a full-send, virtue-oriented personality who greatly contributes to the work environment.
Mark Atkinson
Business Development & Training | BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies
Believing that everyone has a part to play in making the world a better place, Mark has joined Mackwell with a strong background from military aeronautical engineering and training. He has had a lifelong passion for the environmental issues that affect us all and gained a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies along with a Cert in Education (FAHE) enhancing his joint passion for training and educating people. Recognising the work done previously by the Mackwell team, Mark is keen to add his experience to the fold and contribute to our goal of energy sovereignty. He clearly sees the positive effect it will have on the world’s society and environment.
Jack Donaldson
Business Development | BA English & Phsyics
Jack worked as Risk Engineering Team Lead for aerospace company Rocket Lab and as a Senior Analyst for the Energy&Industry Sector - Climate Change Commission of New Zealand. Jack embraces innovation that improves the human experience, and brings his knowledge of risk management and process improvement to support Mackwell in enabling energy sovereignty.
Vicki Slade
Accounts & HR Support
Vicki enjoyed nearly three decades in various IT roles in government departments and the private sector – from operating mainframes to programming, quality management and project management. Since stepping away from IT she’s had her own business as a physical therapist, has managed an over-50s residential resort, been a PA, a sales rep, and more. She loves helping people and when the opportunity to support Sam and the team arose she was keen to get on board.