Our Team

The People Driving Agricultural Innovation

EcoPond™ is built on the passion and expertise of a dedicated team working hand in hand with farmers, scientists, and industry partners. Together, we’re creating solutions that reduce environmental impact while supporting the future of farming in New Zealand.

Our Leadership Team

Derek Woodworth

General Manager

As General Manager of EcoPond, Derek leads the organisation and all things EcoPond, overseeing its day‑to‑day operations and ongoing development. He brings more than 22 years of experience at Fonterra, including senior General Manager roles across operations, giving him deep expertise in large‑scale delivery, leadership, and the realities of the dairy sector. Derek has a strong track record of translating complex challenges into clear, effective outcomes.

Sophie McGahan

Customer Engagement Lead

Sophie leads EcoPond’s customer engagement and support strategy, ensuring every interaction reflects the company’s values.

With proven expertise in seamless customer onboarding, she is committed to creating positive, lasting relationships with farmers. Sophie’s focus on customer experience helps EcoPond™ build trust and deliver exceptional service alongside innovative agricultural solutions.

Ross Whelan

National Operations Manager

With over 20 years in logistics, Ross leads EcoPond’s National Operations team, managing supply chain and transport functions nationwide.

He oversees the team of driver operators, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery of dosing operations to farmers across NZ.

His focus on consistency and service helps EcoPond™ maintain trusted operations that directly support on-farm sustainability.

Tracy Parr

Commercial Manager

A Chartered Accountant with a degree from Massey University, Tracy heads EcoPond’s commercial operations.

Her background in accounting and finance ensures strategies are both scalable and sustainable.

Tracy plays a key role in aligning EcoPond’s financial direction with its mission to reduce methane emissions, supporting long-term growth while delivering real value to farmers and the environment.

James Martin

Innovation and Systems Lead

James brings hands-on agricultural expertise from his background as an agri manager, now channelling his practical knowledge into driving smart solutions at EcoPond™.

With a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Technology, he serves as our in-house industry specialist; passionate about innovation, efficiency, and making a real impact in the field.

Our Board

Jasper Van Halder

Director

Jasper van Halder is a Director of EcoPond and Chief Innovation Officer at Ravensdown, where he leads the development and commercialisation of technologies to support more sustainable farming in New Zealand. He brings together science, innovation, and on-farm practicality to turn ideas into real-world impact for farmers. With a background at McKinsey & Company and experience across law and strategy, Jasper offers a strong global perspective on driving change in agriculture.

Elliot Mercer

Director

Elliot is an innovation leader with experience at PwC, Fletcher Building, and Agnition Ventures.

He specialises in turning science into practical solutions for farmers and leads EcoPond’s mission to deliver sustainable agricultural innovation.

As a member of the Executive Council of AgriTech New Zealand, Elliot is also shaping the future of agricultural technology across Aotearoa.

Our Partners

EcoPond™ works at the intersection of science, farming, government, and industry to deliver real-world solutions for agriculture. Our partnerships with Lincoln University, Fonterra, Synlait, Ravensdown, and the Ministry for Primary Industries connect leading research with practical on-farm application. By bringing together expertise from across these sectors, we’re creating sustainable, science-backed innovations that help farmers reduce emissions and secure a stronger future for Aotearoa.

Science Partners

EcoPond is proudly supported by Lincoln University and Ravensdown’s contributing scientists, Ants and Mike, whose expertise helps drive innovation in sustainable farming

Dr Ants Roberts

Science Mentor
Ravensdown Fertiliser
New Zealand

Ants holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) and a PhD in Soil Science from Massey University, and is a Fellow of the NZ Soil Science Society. With over four decades of experience, including government science roles, and as Ravensdown’s Chief Scientific Officer, he now serves as Science Mentor, continuing to train staff and guide research in agronomy and soil science.

Michael Manning

Chief Science Officer
Ravensdown Fertiliser
New Zealand

Mike Manning (B.Ag.Sc), Cheif Science Officer at Ravensdown, brings over 32 years of experience in the fertiliser industry. Hes an active contributor to ravensdowns innovation efforts across research and development, environmental consultancy and policy, diagnostic services, and strategic partnerships such as programmes with MPI

Lincoln University

Researchers

EcoPond™ was developed in Partnership with Lincoln University.

Click the links to learn more about the key researchers
Emeritus Prof. Keith Cameron, and Prof. Hong Di.