Tasman Civil is a construction company based in Nelson and Christchurch. Specialising in drainage, roading and all forms of civil construction, it is a dynamic busy company with a focus on quality works.

I was responsible for all quality functions including Health and Safety ISO 9001 and ACC audits. this included managing HACCP, HSQE and all risk matters. I was also the commercial manager for the company. During my time there I transformed the quality manual to bring it into line with changes in legislation and the requirements of the companies customers.

Tasman Civil was an ideal place to learn about safety and quality systems due to its reputation for zero harm and quality work practices.

Pure Food makes food dressings that have no preservatives, added sugar, added salt, gluten, milk or egg products, preservatives or other contaminants. Every ingredient is carefully chose to ensure it meets these non-negotiable bottom lines. During the first year I took the company from being an idea in a glass of wine to one that had increasing market share.

Using fresh herbs to base the dressings on is a novel idea resulting in four superb dressings The Dill, The Coriander, The Chervil and The Coriander and Chervil. Each dressing has its own flavour and character enhancing whatever it was paired with.

The concept of producing dressings that have none of the contaminants that so much food has these days appeals and the market reception is fantastic.

Pure Food has been taken over by one of the founding shareholders.

1980 -1984 I was a solicitor at Tonkinson Wood and Adam Bros in Dunedin.

In 1985 I moved to Nelson to practice law until November 2009. Initially I joined Pitt & Moore becoming a partner until in 1995 I decided to form Michael Gilbert Law. I specialised in corporate law and resource management building up my own law firm which I successfully sold in 2009.

As a director I learnt a lot about directors compliance, legal and regulatory frameworks, ethical responsibilities, strategic planning, financial management and oversight processes. These skills enable me to now advise companies and boards on their duties, risks and responsibilities.

Wilding pines are a by-product of forestry plantations. The owners do nothing to control them and this is just one of myriad ways we are degrading our environment. I discovered forming an environmental trust empowers ordinary people to have a positive effect on the environment, it allows you to tap into funding sources that enable a restoration of the degradation thus protecting the environment for future generations.