Plenary Speakers

Dr Isabelle Chamefort is General Manager - Energy at Earth Sciences New Zealand, a science strategist and energy leader dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research that accelerates the energy transition, addresses New Zealand's energy challenges, and strengthens environmental resilience. With more than 20 years of expertise in hydrothermal systems, magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits, and petrology, she is internationally recognised as a leading hydrothermal geoscientist.

Isabelle led the Endeavour programme Geothermal: The Next Generation, which concluded in 2025 and helped catalyse New Zealand's geothermal renaissance, including a $60 million investment in the GeoShot NZ superhot geothermal drilling programme. She currently serves as GeoShot NZ's Science Advisor and Geology Lead, and is Co-Programme Leader of the aligned Endeavour research programme Deep Heat.

Dr Georgia Grant is an Early Career Researcher and Sedimentologist at Earth Sciences New Zealand whose research explores how Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets have responded to past climate change and what that means for future sea-level rise. Using sediment records, geological archives, and astronomical climate cycles, she investigates the thresholds and feedbacks that drive ice-sheet change.

Georgia has participated in major international drilling programmes, including the recent SWAIS2C drilling project in West Antarctica and the IODP Expedition 400 to northwest Greenland. Her work has been published in journals including Nature and Nature Geoscience, has informed Antarctic ice-sheet modelling, and has been cited by the IPCC. She currently leads a Marsden Fast-Start project on Greenland and Antarctic ice-sheet contributions to sea level and holds leadership roles in several national and international science programmes.

Rob Rankin is a project delivery leader with deep expertise across the full geothermal value chain — from resource identification and project feasibility through well drilling, carbon capture, plant construction, and operations.

In his primary role as Head of Projects at Mercury NZ Ltd, Rob oversees all major capital works across nine hydro stations and five geothermal stations. He brings that same project leadership capability to his current secondment as Project Director of the Geothermal Superhot NZ Project (GeoShot), where he has been instrumental in assembling the team set to drill New Zealand's first superhot geothermal well in 2027.

Beyond geothermal, Rob's renewable energy experience spans wave, tidal, and hydro power — a breadth that reflects his identity as a project delivery leader in clean energy. He combines wide-ranging technical knowledge with sharp commercial acumen and a talent for building high-performing teams. It is this combination that allows Rob to navigate highly complex, first-of-kind projects and consistently deliver value at every stage.

Latasha (Tash) Wanoa is a hazard and emergency management professional specialising in natural hazard resilience, climate adaptation, and community led approaches to risk reduction. Her work sits at the intersection of natural hazards, emergency management, and community resilience, with a focus on translating hazard information and risk into practical action. 

Tash has experience supporting communities through hazard preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience initiatives, including work with Māori communities and locally led approaches to managing natural hazard and climate risks. She is passionate about strengthening the connection between scientific knowledge, mātauranga, and lived experience to support better decision making and build resilient communities across Te Tairawhiti. Tash is currently the Emergency Management and Recovery Lead for Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou, looking to lead the way for Emergency Management and Recovery systems and frameworks for Iwi Maori and PSGE's.