Our team
Ngaa Kaimahi
Economic and infrastructure development team
Delivering targeted services to investors
We are a small but passionate team of economic and infrastructure development practitioners who work closely with developers, businesses and communities to support economic growth and improve socio-economic wellbeing in the Waikato district.
Our team come from diverse professional and technical backgrounds and bring a multidisciplinary skill set that is focused on enhancing the investor experience when navigating development or expansion in the district.
The diversity of our team is our superpower and we remain well connected through our passion and drive to support local economic enablement that results in positive outcomes for the communities we serve.
Economic development team
Keeping the dollar in the district
Julie Dolan
Economic and community-led development manager
The Waikato district, positioned at the heart of the Golden Triangle, is a tier-one growth district. We have aligned our services to support your new development and, as an existing business, to foster your growth aspirations.
As the economic and community-led development manager, I lead a team of passionate and highly skilled professionals dedicated to working alongside you. While our primary focus is on supporting growth within our district, my role is to support the team and to link together with our regional and central partners. As one of four Councils that come under the Futureproof framework, my role is linking in our district with major projects across the sub region of the Waikato, (Hamilton, Waipa and Matamata-Piako) to drive economic opportunities.
Both within the Council and with our external partners, we recognise that your success is our success. We look forward to working with you.
Bethany Shepherd
Northern economic development advisor
I am your economic development advisor. My role is to work with businesses and investors to explore our districts opportunities, navigate council process and connect you with local, regional and central partners to support growth and sustainability.
My background includes workforce planning and working with a range of different sized businesses to understand their future needs and connecting with agencies to support skills development.
We encourage you to reach out to our team to understand what support there may be for your business.
Emma Rankin
Southern economic development advisor
I am your southern Waikato district economic development advisor. My role is to work with businesses and investors to explore our districts opportunities, navigate council process and connect you with local, regional and central partners to support growth and sustainability.
My background includes regional economic development, small to medium business support and major event attraction and management.
As a small business owner myself I am passionate about supporting local businesses to grow and thrive.
We encourage you to reach out to our team to understand what support there may be for your business.
Pratishtha Purohit
Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs Programme Navigator
Like a navigator, my role is to guide and lead initiatives that not only connect young people with sustainable jobs but also support their overall well-being through a holistic approach. At the same time, I work closely with local businesses to help them succeed by bridging the gap between employers and rangatahi, offering tailored solutions that benefit both.
We’re here to support businesses in finding motivated, work-ready talent, while giving young people the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. It’s about more than just jobs—it’s about building confidence, creating meaningful connections, and fostering a sense of belonging within our communities.
Whether you’re a young person looking for opportunities or a business seeking support, MTFJ is here to help. Reach out to learn how we can support you. Together, we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.
Infrastructure development team
Experts in infrastructure development
Deron Sharma
Infrastructure development advisor - western and central Waikato district
I’m Deron, your infrastructure development advisor (IDA) for what we refer to as the western and central areas of our district.
My background is in waters engineering, project management, contract management, and large infrastructure asset management.
My goal is to bring value to your aspirations for development by helping you navigate through your development journey, including Council’s asset management, planning, and funding functions, to achieve positive outcomes from land development. I will do this by working together with yourself and my colleagues here at Council to identify and resolve any infrastructure issues early in the development journey.
Being a Tier 1 Growth Council, we value the opportunities that developers bring to the place that we call home. I look forward to building liveable, thriving, connected communities with you.
Kelly Nicolson
Infrastructure development advisor - southern
I’m Kelly, your infrastructure development advisor for the southern part of the district, including Taupiri, Hopuhopu, Ngaaruawaahia, Horotiu, Gordonton, Matangi and Tamahere. My background is in land development planning and resource management policy and I am here to help support you throughout your development project.
The Infrastructure Development Advisor service plays a key role in assisting with the delivery of strategic infrastructure to enable and support development. Here's how our service can assist you:
- Consultancy services: We offer an early engagement due diligence service to help you plan effectively from the beginning.
- Coordination: We help to align the objectives of developers, landowners, and council asset managers.
- Development Agreements (DAs): We work with developers and Council asset owners to prepare Development Agreements. This mechanism can be used to help facilitate the delivery of public assets by private developers or to establish cost-sharing arrangements that benefit all parties involved.
We encourage developers to engage with us early in their development planning to identify and address potential issues upfront.
Privinn Mwene
Infrastructure development advisor - northern Waikato district
As the infrastructure development advisor for the northern area of our district, I work closely with developers, businesses, and investors to ensure a smooth and successful development journey. With a background in civil engineering, land development, and planning, I bring the expertise needed to guide projects from concept to completion.
My role involves aligning the objectives of developers, landowners, and Council to deliver critical infrastructure that supports growth. I provide advice and assistance early in the process to help identify opportunities and address potential challenges. By integrating Council’s planning, asset management, and funding processes, I ensure that projects progress efficiently and result in sustainable, liveable communities.
I am passionate about creating thriving spaces that benefit our district and its residents, and I look forward to collaborating with you to achieve your vision.