Kelsey is Equus Northern’s Senior Technical Consultant and Design Manager, bringing nearly 15 years of experience in the NZ construction and technical design sector. She is known for building strong relationships with clients, applicators, architects, and stakeholders, and brings a well-rounded perspective developed across both technical and client-facing roles.

Originally trained in broadcasting, Kelsey spent time in both the radio and television industry, as well as the financial sector in Canada, before taking a slightly unconventional detour after a series of misadventures involving vehicle accidents, propane explosions, and snowboarding crashes. Deciding a change of direction was in order, she traded spreadsheets and microphones for sun salutations, travelling the world as a Bikram yoga instructor before eventually landing in New Zealand, where she now happily calls home.

Over the years, Kelsey has continued to build her expertise across technical consulting, design management, and stakeholder engagement, and is known for her practical, no-nonsense approach and ability to connect with clients and teams alike.

Outside of work, Kelsey has a passion for sport, particularly ice hockey (ask her about the Oilers), and enjoys making the most of New Zealand’s lifestyle with her two kids and husband, whether that’s chasing sunshine, enjoying sandy toes, or settling in for a good yarn at the local.

Shane has been involved in many aspects of the New Zealand construction sector for over 25 years, he has a diverse experience and knowledge base developed across some of NZ’s biggest and brightest construction projects.

Early in his career Shane cut his teeth on the tools undertaking Concrete Preparation,Polishing, Coatings, SL & Screed Systems. He was lucky to have exposure to many projects in the Demolition, Residential, Commercial & Infrastructure sectors.

Some of his career highlights were being involved in Multiple NZ Residential home of the year awards, International recognition for the ASB North Wharf & the Rotorua Events Centre projects, and the opportunity to work on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge & Airport.

Over the last 15 years Shane been broadening his skill base with roles in Project Management, QS, Specification, Sales & Business Development.

Shane loves everything to do with summer especially hanging out at the great beaches in and around Rodney in North Auckland, where he lives with Kelsey and their two children.

Brian joined Equus Industries in late 2020. In the early1 990’s he worked as a courier driver. However, mid 1995 Brian started pursuing his journey with a number of waterproofing companies. Sansom, Terracon, Mohan, Gunac, and others... 28 years an applicator! From early 2000, he worked as a contractor installing membranes, tanking, liquids, sealants, warm roofs, and TPO.

Brian can now be found going on sites with applicators as an Equus Technical Consultant, working out correct ways of installation, providing technical help on-site, and imparting his knowledge and experience to the Applicators.

Brian spends his free time with family, road trips, fishing, nature, hiking, sports.

Reghis joined the Equus team in 2025 as one of its newest members, bringing valuable experience in warehousing and customer service within the construction industry.

Earlier in his career, Reghis explored diverse fields, earning a Bachelor of Performance and Screen Arts, pursuing personal training, and completing IT qualifications truly a jack of all trades.

Outside of work, you’ll often find him at the gym, playing basketball, enjoying outdoor activities, or spending quality time with friends and family.

20 years ago, Emma joined Equus Industries after previously working for nearly 20 years in the Paint Industry with Retail and Commercial clients. She had a brief period with a Commercial Carpet supplier before starting a family in 2000.

Emma and her husband became owners of a painting and decorating franchise in Porirua which they owned for several years during which time Emma joined the Equus team in 2006.

Emma enjoys her role, particularly the technical side of the waterproofing industry as it always provides a challenge to produce the best solution to our clients from an extensive range of products and systems. Our clients include Architects, Engineers,Builders and Certified Applicators and it isa privilege to work with them all to achieve a great result.

Customer Service has always been important to Emma and is key in maintaining and developing long term relationships with clients. Customer Service is also vital for our future growth as a supplier and manufacturer of quality products and systems making us a leader in the waterproofing and coatings market.

“It is wonderful to be part of a successful team on an amazing project, and I always look forward to the next challenge”.

Some of the exciting projects she has been involved in are Kumutoto, One Market Lane,Old Bank, Te Papa, City and Sea Museum, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga and Massey University Veterinary Science Buildings Stages 2and 3.

In her spare time, Emma enjoys family gatherings, going to music gigs, and riding her E-Bike on the Kapiti Trails. She also enjoys supporting her young adult children with theirinvolvement with Barbershop in Harmony and University studies.

Ioasa has been part of the Equus team since 2006, with a year off in 2015 to take on a role as an applicator. Having now experienced both sides of the industry he has gained invaluable experience from design through to application, knowing what works, and always strives to achieve the best solution.

Ioasa enjoys the different challenges that every project brings and how no two jobs are the same, which makes his role more interesting.

Away from work, Ioasa enjoys walks in the bush at night with only the moonlight and stars as a guide. Spending time with his three beautiful daughters and very tolerant wife is always a joy

Herman has been part of the Equus team since 2006 and manages the Central branch warehouse and dispatch operations. He enjoys interacting with applicators and customers who visit the branch and takes pride in providing an excellent customer service experience.

Herman is married and has three children. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and teaching the Bible to them, and discussing how it connects with current affairs.

“I love working with the Central branch team and seeing the best out of each other in good times and bad; it makes me hungry to see the whole of our company succeed!”

Rob has been an integral part of the Equus Industries team since acquiring the South Island franchise in October 2000. Prior to joining Equus, he owned and operated a successful painting and waterproofing company from 1990, where he developed extensive hands-on experience and technical expertise with Equus products and systems.

In 2006, Rob became one of the company’s four directors and later a shareholder in 2015. During his time with the business, Equus has evolved from primarily a plaster and coatings company into one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of waterproofing and building envelope systems. Alongside the other directors, Rob has played a key role in expanding the company’s product offering through strategic partnerships with respected international manufacturers and suppliers.

Rob’s contractor background brings practical, real-world insight to the business. He works closely with the sales and technical teams to build strong relationships across every stage of a project — from architects and consultants through to contractors and end users. Much of his time is spent supporting Equus branches throughout New Zealand, while also travelling internationally to strengthen supplier partnerships, source innovative products, and stay informed on global industry advancements.

Outside of work, Rob is deeply involved in his local community. He has a long-standing passion for his involvement with Ruapuna Speedway. He is also a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Southbridge Fire Brigade, having achieved over 25 years of service and held several senior leadership positions within the brigade.

Nikki Brown has been a dedicated part of Equus Industries Ltd for an incredible 36 years. Over the course of her career, she has grown alongside the business, taking on a variety of roles and contributing to its continued success. In 2006 Nikki became a director of the company, and then in 2016 she became a shareholder, further strengthening her commitment to the company’s future.

Today, as Commercial Director, Nikki oversees all financial and logistics aspects of the business. Her extensive experience, deep understanding of the company, and steady leadership play a key role in driving Equus forward.

One of the things Nikki values most about being part of Equus is the people. She believes the team feels more like an extended family, and it’s that sense of connection and shared purpose that makes her work so rewarding.

Outside of work, Nikki enjoys travelling, reading, and spending quality time socialising with friends and family.

Zac Thompson joined Equus Industries in 2021, bringing with him extensive experience within the roofing industry since 2014. Prior to joining Equus, Zac contributed to a number of Christchurch rebuild projects, where he developed a strong understanding of Equus systems experience as both an applicator and site foreman.

His practical background has provided him with in-depth knowledge of system application and the coordination required between multiple building elements to achieve successful building envelope outcomes.

Throughout his career, Zac has established strong working relationships with applicators, senior architects, façade engineers, and construction companies, recognising the value of collaboration in delivering high-quality projects.

Outside of work, Zac enjoys spending time outdoors, playing sport, fishing, and exploring with his family.

Victoria joined the Equus Industries team in 2014. Starting in a support position within the sales team, she went on to contribute across marketing and business improvement before stepping into her current positions as Architectural Consultant for the Southern region and Business Development Manager, working collaboratively with the widerEquus team nationwide.

She is passionate about the business and values being part of a team with deep technical knowledge and industry experience. Victoria enjoys seeing continuous growth and improvement, and she thrives on the variety the construction industry brings each day.

With a background in science, Victoria completed a Bachelor of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury in 2012, followed by postgraduate studies at LincolnUniversity in 2013.

Outside of work, Victoria is a socially active and busy mum who enjoys keeping life full and busy.

Maxim arrived in New Zealand in 2012 on his own. He originally trained as a chef but later found the roofing industry ticked all the boxes. It was physically and mentally challenging, requiring detailed, custom solutions to be developed on site. He quickly progressed to site foreman, and later to project manager after six years of working on the tools. His specialty was long-run roofing and membranes.

He joined the Equus team in January 2026 in search of a new career path, where his weatherproofing skills and knowledge could be further developed. This also provides him with the opportunity to work on major landmarks and leave a footprint in the construction industry for generations to come.

He is married with no children, but two Cocker Spaniels fill that gap—they are a big part of the family. In his spare time, he enjoys riding motorbikes (there’s never too many) and working on cars.

Lee-Ann joined the Equus team in 2021 as Sales Support, Administration, and Marketing Assistant. In 2025, she stepped into her current role as Senior Sales Support and Marketing, supporting the sales team with a range of projects and documentation, while also assisting with marketing campaigns and managing social media platforms.

With over 25 years of experience in the Graphic Design and Printing industry, Lee-Ann brings practical expertise and a hands-on approach to her work. She values being part of a team with deep technical knowledge and enjoys contributing wherever she can.

Outside of work, Lee-Ann enjoys walking, yoga, spending time outdoors, and socialising.

Gene joined Equus Industries in early 2020 to manage the warehouse and coatings side of the Southern business.

Gene has been in the painting/coatings industry since he was 15 years old and has an uncanny ability to mix and match paint colours by sight only.

He takes great pride in being organised and likes assisting our applicator network while keeping the store in a very organised and tidy state.

Outside of work Gene and his partner have just purchased their first home which keeps him busy renovating and making it his own.

Gene is also a Batman fanatic and strangely enough we have still never seen Batman and Gene in the same room together...

Brian trained as a Chemical Engineer at the University of Canterbury and following an internship at British Pavements, moved to Blenheim where for the next 18 years he worked for the Hitchins organization before a mid-life crisis saw strike out on his own. He briefly worked as a consultant before forming Equus Industries with Rien. 

His new career became immersed in sales with a territory extending from Auckland to Invercargill with Singapore on the side. There are legendary stories of those early days as the Company made its mark on the waterproofing industry in New Zealand and through associates in Singapore and Australia. Selling was an entirely new experience after years behind the scenes but lifelong friendships resulted., as did a network of Sales agents and Applicators and eventually a dedicated sale staff, enabling him to rusticate to a purely management role. However, the left-field thinking is still there, and the fire is easily lit! 

Brian is a member of a sever professional bodies including SCANZ, IChemE, ASTM and AMPP, and as a founding member of the Waterproof Membrane Association for whom he is currently the Technical Advisor. 

In spite of the all-consuming passion for Equus, Brian does have other interests! He learnt to fly when 50 and ended up (as an Engineer should) as Treasurer of the Marlborough Aero Club. For the last 21 years he has chaired the New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust which operates the word-renowned Omaka Aviation Centre and has been involved in running the Biennial Classic Fighters Airshow since its inception as well as partnering in the build of a replica WW1 Nieuport fighter. There is still time for red wine, whisky and trivia quizzes and a little dilatory classical piano. 

After graduating with a chemistry degree from Canterbury University, Rien joined W Graham Hitchins Ltd in Renwick as a chemist, with Brian as his immediate superior.

After nine years employment Rien left the company and at around the same time Brian resigned and together, they founded Equus Industries Ltd in late 1982. Freed from previously imposed constraints they were able to pursue new ideas and connect with developing technologies.

With very basic equipment and a “lab” which consisted of a table at the back of the office  at the Riverlands premises, the Equus Coatings and Waterproofing Products Range was born.

Outside of Equus, Rien is a long-time member of the Blenheim Choral Society serving some 50+ years as active chorister as well as secretary, president and presently still as a committee member.

His other interest, amongst many others, is local heritage having at various times served on the committee of the Marlborough Historical Society including a short stint as president. Unfortunately, after a hiatus of some five years he finds himself back on the committee to try and sort out some serious issues .

Other than that, there is nature to spar with on his 1600 sq m. section and time to drink some good red wine!

Christo joined Equus Industries Ltd inJuly 2025 as Operations Manager at their factory in Blenheim, moving down from the big smoke in Auckland.

Christo comes with more than 15 years experience in Chemical Blending and related industries and emigrated to New Zealand in July 2017 after selling his ChemicalBlending facility in South Africa.

Christo has a keen interest in snooker and is currently restoring a full size Championship snooker table dating back from 1898. Shortly many memories will be built on that table..."

Donna rejoined the Equus Team in 2014 after a few years hiatus. Having gone off to pursue other opportunities, but when the chance arose to come back to Equus she jumped at it. Donna has many years of office administration experience, which she draws from daily.

Donna is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Blenheim Office as well as being responsible for our accounts payable, administration of the order and dispatching system, and liaising with our stores and numerous other tasks.

Donna takes pride in the work she achieves in Blenheim and is one of the friendly voices at the end of the phone, when customers, suppliers or other Equus staff call.

Outside of work–Donna and her husband enjoy renovating their home, spending time with family and friends–good wine and gin (luckily her husband works in the Wine Industry) and travel. Donna also inherited the love of collecting cookbooks from her mother–her husband quite often states“it is just a shame her love of collecting them is not as great as her love of cooking out of them”.