Vessels - Key Contacts

Science Centres: Vessels

Contact f.smits@niwa.co.nz for business development enquiries, or see careers.niwa.co.nz for job vacancies.

Mr Fred Smits
General Manager Marine Business Services
04-3860554
f.smits@niwa.co.nz

Fred is a geotechnical engineer with an ME from the University of Auckland. He has worked in many countries as a contracts' manager for major onshore and offshore civil engineering projects. Fred joined NIWA in 1994 and has been in charge of NIWA's research vessels, Tangaroa and Kaharoa, since 2004. 

Mr Greg Foothead
General Manager - Vessel Operation
04-3860553
g.foothead@niwa.co.nz

Greg is a certified Automotive Engineer and holds an NZCE (Mechanical). Before Joining NIWA Vessels as Engineering Manager in 2004, he managed a Marine and Industrial engineering supply and repair company. He also worked for Mitsubishi Motors, in various technical roles, in NZ, Australia and Europe.

Greg has been in charge of NIWA's research vessels Tangaroa, Kaharoa and Ikatere since December 2010. 

John Hadfield
04-3860552
j.hadfield@niwa.co.nz

Jean Keddy
04-3860551
j.keddy@niwa.co.nz