Meet our Team
The Waterware team work to live, not the other way around.
But we work hard when it counts and remain conscious of the
families whom are reliant on our company remaining prosperous and healthy.
Darren Yearsley
DIRECTOR
As one of the proud owners of the business, Darren continues to inspire us all with his boundless passion, insatiable thirst for knowledge, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries. Through his impressive wealth of experience, Darren has witnessed the evolution of our industry first-hand and has remained at the forefront of technological advancements throughout his career. Darren's unparalleled mastery of Microsoft Excel is also legendary within our organization - with just a few strokes of the keyboard, he can conjure elegant solutions and streamline even the most complex processes.
FAVOURITES
Book: Greatest American Hero, for obvious reasons
Movie: The Matrix, because of the duality between reality and imagination
Quote: "Yes my love”
Lisa Scholtens
DIRECTOR
Now a Scholtens but always a Yearsley, Lisa brings balance and expertise to everything bathroomware. Her ability to spot upcoming trends and finesse in product development has given Waterware a strong foothold in an ever changing industry.
Jerry Croxford
GENERAL MANAGER
With nearly 20 years of dedicated service to Waterware, Jerry confidently steers the ship as General Manager. With a strong background and expertise in the company, Jerry embodies the perfect combination of industry knowledge and strategic acumen. He possesses an unrivalled understanding of the intricacies of the business, allowing him to navigate complex challenges and seize lucrative opportunities that consistently drive operational excellence for Waterware. Jerry’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to foster collaboration and cultivate a positive work environment, as he inspires all teams within Waterware to reach their full potential.
FAVOURITES
Book: Only the dead by Jack Carr, and Starts with Why by Simon Sinek.
Movie: Fifth element
TV show: Rick & Morty
Drink / drinks: Single Malt Whiskey, Whiskey Sour
Quote: “You can’t manage what you don’t measure”
Ben Croxford
MARKETING MANAGER/ART DIRECTOR
Ben is a results-driven Marketing Manager with a passion for adding value to both Waterware and its customers. With a proven track record of creatively trying new approaches and pushing brand awareness to new heights, he has become an invaluable member of our team. Over the years, Ben has honed his skills and developed a confident approach to marketing that has made him the perfect fit for our organisation.
FAVOURITES
Book: Atomic Habits, Never Split the Distance
Movie: The Batman - because they are badass
TV show: Stranger Things, Arcane
Drink / drinks: Single Malt Whiskey, Sang Som Thai Rum and Soda
Quote: Buckle This!! - Darth Helmet
Rob Scholtens
NATIONAL SPECIFICATION MANAGER
Fast on his feet and even faster in sales is how we describe Rob. His ability to spot an opportunity that best serves all those involved makes him the perfect person for the NSM role. If Rob had a mantra to live by, we imagine it would be ‘go hard or go home’.
Joff Croxford
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Joff brings 18 years of valuable experience to the Waterware team, with a background in construction specializing in fences, decks, and driveways. As our Logistics Manager, he plays a vital role in maintaining inventory levels and ensuring smooth supply chain operations. Alongside his logistics duties, Joff collaborates with our FOW Director and international suppliers to develop captivating tapware ranges tailored for the New Zealand market. His understanding of customer needs contribute to the creation of innovative designs that align with local tastes and preferences.
FAVOURITES
Book: Anything by David Balducci
TV show: Ozark
Drink / drinks: Coke No Sugar
Quote: "Believe in yourself..."
Steve Gledhill
National Sales Manager
With a Mechanical Engineering degree from Canterbury University and many years of product development, manufacturing, and technical sales under his belt - Steve brings a wealth of expertise and a diverse skill set to his role as our National Sales Manager. Over the course of his career, he has built strong relationships with clients across various industries, but since 2010 has specifically focused on heating and hot water solutions. His in-depth knowledge of climate control, industry regulations, and market trends enables him to provide tailored recommendations that meet the unique needs of his clients.
FAVOURITES
Book: Fingerprints of the Gods. About lost civilizations and the evidence that we may have not been the most technologically advanced.
Drink / Drinks: Margarita/Negroni/G&T
Quote: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Shane West
National Business Development Manager – HVAC
Meet Shane, an invaluable addition to the Waterware team. With a strong background in trade sales and distribution network management, he excels in plumbing systems and HVAC water products. His expertise spans high-end residential and commercial projects across Auckland and beyond. Shane is dedicated to fostering sustainable business growth through technical support and building strong relationships. With his unwavering commitment to excellence, Waterware can rely on Shane to deliver exceptional results through his expertise and customer-centric approach.
FAVOURITES
Book: The Hobbit - got lost to dream and the adventure
Movie: Avatar - mystical sci-fi, adventure and evolution
TV show: The Osbournes - loved to laugh out loud
Drink / drinks: Coffee, Bourbon & Beer
Quote: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”
Rachael Evans
Regional Sales Manager (Bathrooms)
Rachael brings extensive experience across diverse industries, offering a dynamic and insightful perspective to our sales team. Beginning her sales career at the young age of 19, mentored by a visionary manager, Rachael swiftly excelled in relationship-building and consistently delivering exceptional results. Throughout her professional journey, Rachael has refined her skills through collaborations with small and medium-sized enterprises, corporate clients, and the government sector. Her exceptional ability to connect with clients and comprehend their distinct needs has played a pivotal role in forging successful partnerships and attaining remarkable outcomes.
FAVOURITES
Book: Harlan Coben as a favourite author, fabulous thriller type books, I have read everything he has written and watched most of the ones that have been made into mini series.
Movie: All things Marvel.
TV show: Sadly, Shorty Street (sad addiction) or to escape - Travel Guides Australia.
Drink / drinks: Reid and Reid Gin, pretty much any gin - give me a good NZ gin festival anytime.
Quote: At the moment it would have to be "it is what it is"
Chris Brown
Bathroom Sales - FOW
With over 13 years of experience in the grocery trade (FMCG) in New Zealand and the UK, Chris brings extensive expertise in supply chain management and market analysis. He's also spent 5 years in the building trade and 6 years in plumbing, further diversifying his skillset. In his current role in bathroomware sales, Chris excels in delivering top-notch solutions for our clients. Drawing on his background in plumbing, he brings a unique perspective to bathroomware sales, ensuring that our customers receive not only stylish and functional products but also expert guidance on plumbing and water management.
FAVOURITES
Book: Jack Reacher Series of books - because Jack is a bad ^^s alternative hero righting wrongs where-ever he finds them
Movie: Pointbreak (the new version)
Quote: "Just Do It” & “It's all about the Mahi”
Margaret Jane ‘MJ’
UPPER NORTH ISLAND TERRITORY MANAGER
With 25+ years in sales and 18 years in the building industry, Margaret is an award-winning sales leader driven by new business development. Leveraging extensive experience managing national sales teams and territories, she provides strategic consultative solutions tailored to client needs. Margaret's passion for learning and customer excellence has fueled her accomplishments across Australia and New Zealand. Her blend of industry expertise, sales acumen and commitment to service makes Margaret a trusted advisor.
FAVOURITES
Book: True story's and unsolved mysteries - I like the psychological background around it.
Drink / drinks: Vodka Soda or Champagne
Quote: “Opportunities don't happen, you create them.”
Daniel Shepherd
TECHNICAL SALES - PLUMBING
Meet Dan, he has a passion for delivering exceptional results and a background in plumbing spanning over 15 years. With a strong background in sales as well, including working for a flooring specialist company for 5 years, and the prestigious title of Sales Champion for two consecutive years at another company with over 1500 sales staff, Dan possesses an impressive track record. However, what truly sets Dan apart is his infectious sense of humor and unwavering dedication to providing top-notch service.
FAVOURITES
TV show: Breaking Bad - watched it about 10 times can’t get enough.
Movie: Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile - anything with Tom Hanks has to be good
Drink / Drinks: Jagermiester, Beer, Rum, Whiskey, G&T, Drambuie
Quote: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it is called the present. - Kungfoo Panda
Darren van Biljon
TECHNICAL SALES - CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
Darren is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning over two decades. With qualifications as a plumber and a successful track record of running his own plumbing business for ten years, Darren has honed his technical skills and gained invaluable experience in managing operations while delivering exceptional customer service. Driven by a passion for sales and key account management, Darren leverages his extensive industry expertise to excel in various sectors. He brings a unique perspective to his roles, drawing on his practical experience as a plumber along with his technical studies in engineering and civil technology. This combination of hands-on expertise and theoretical knowledge equips Darren to provide innovative solutions and address complex challenges from a holistic perspective.
FAVOURITES
Book: Farenheit 451, Science fiction that depicts a future in which technological advancement has significantly transformed society.
Movie: Step Brothers - always up for a good laugh.
Quote: "If you ain’t first, you’re last” - line from Talladega Nights.
Daniel McKechnie
Lower South Island Territory Manager – Heating & Cooling
With over two decades of hands-on experience in the plumbing industry, Dan is your trusted source for all your plumbing needs. Dan’s journey in plumbing has been an incredible ride filled with challenges and successes, driven by a passion for solving complex plumbing problems and ensuring that homes and businesses run smoothly. Over the years, he has honed his skills and founded his own plumbing business which he ran for 12 years, before joining the Waterware team in 2023 as our Lower South Island Territory Manager for the Heating & Cooling division.
FAVOURITES
Book: Happy Gilmore, childhood memories with friends and love a comedy.
Drink: Coffee in the morning and a Hazy IPA in the evening.
Quote: " You miss 100 percent of the shots you dont take.”
Mike Cannan
Territory Manager Upper South Island - Plumbing / Heating / Cooling
Introducing Mike - a trailblazer in sales, business development, and territory management. His remarkable ability to turn challenges into opportunities has propelled him to surpass sales targets and uphold a customer-centric approach. Throughout his journey, Mike has proven himself as a driving force of innovation. With sharp insights and strong negotiation skills, he forges strategic alliances and nurtures lasting relationships, setting new standards in the industry.
FAVOURITES
Book: The Firm - like the suspense, it's a lot better than the movie
Movie: Queen Of The South - so intense, action filled, great story line.
Quote: "Smiling makes everyone happy and is free”
Michelle Bridge
NATIONAL SALES COORDINATOR
Michelle, our esteemed National Sales Coordinator, is a dynamic force behind our sales success. With meticulous attention to detail and impressive organizational skills, she flawlessly manages every aspect of our sales support processes; from coordinating sales meetings, managing collateral and materials, to arranging delightful catering experiences - Michelle has it covered. Her multitasking ability and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to our team.
FAVOURITES
Book: A New Earth
TV show: Parks and Recreation, watch it and you'll find out.
Drink / Drinks: Water / Peach Black Tea
Quote: "The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it" - Eckhart Tolle
Meagan Sevenster
Inventory & Project Coordinator
With a solid foundation in customer service from her days in the industrial tyre industry, Meagan has an innate ability to build strong relationships with customers from all walks of life. Her attention to detail and organizational skills shine through in her approach to inventory management and she places great emphasis on maintaining accurate inventory records, optimizing storage systems, and implementing streamlined logistics processes. Meagan possesses a unique combination of a "technical brain" and a practical mindset. Her ability to quickly grasp technical details and apply them to real-world situations allows her to troubleshoot effectively and provide innovative solutions for customers.
FAVOURITES
Book: Any crime/mystery/fantasy books
Movie: Mulan
TV show: Shadow and Bone, Peaky Blinders
Drink / drinks: Coffee or creme soda
Quote: I live my life a quarter mile at a time - Dom Torreto
Danielle Ware
OFFICE MANAGER AND MARKETING
Since joining the team in 2014, Danielle has undergone a remarkable journey, evolving from a customer service and administration role to becoming a marketing maven, and ultimately landing the prestigious position of Office Manager. With an innate ability to wear multiple hats, Danielle seamlessly navigates through different facets of the business, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. Whether it's ensuring exceptional customer experiences, streamlining processes and systems, or working alongside the Marketing Manager on marketing innovations and campaigns, Danielle tackles each challenge head-on.
FAVOURITES
Book: I read so much - it's impossible to say! Love a bit of historical fiction, Lesley Pearse, and Samantha Downing... just to name a few.
Movie: The first John Wick.
TV show: Breaking Bad is a goodie, but very open to friends and colleague's recommendations. Recently finished Jury Duty and that was funny.
Drink / drinks: I'll always say yes to champagne!
Quote: "This too shall pass" - I remind myself of this when things feel overwhelming.
Shabana Haroon
Customer Services & Sales Support
Coming soon...
Tara Lee Shield
After Sales Care & Health and Safety
Tara is a highly skilled and multi-talented individual who has traversed various industries; from working in cut-throat hospitality around the globe right through to the technical world of calibration and engineering equipment. Tara brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Waterware, where she navigates our warranty claims and keeps a keen eye on maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for us all, with her passion in health and safety. Tara’s genuine care and dedication leaves a lasting impression, as she builds strong relationships and fosters trust in everything that she does.
FAVOURITES
Book: So many.. Harry Potter, Hunger Games, To kill a mocking bird, Kes..
Movie: Marvel movies
TV show: Crime dramas, The Rookie, CSI - anything action packed, fast paced with captivating story lines.
Drink / drinks: Bourbon, Expresso martini's
Quote: "Don't worry about tomorrow it never comes, don't worry about yesterday its already been, worry about what you can change and forget about what you can't!!”
Dina Patel
Accounts Assistant - Creditors
Dina, our dedicated Accounts Payable professional, takes charge of the financial, administrative, and clerical support of the business. With expertise in timely payments to suppliers and creditors, managing vendor invoices and bills, and recording short-term debts, Dina plays a pivotal role in maintaining our financial stability. Her meticulous approach ensures accurate payments, fosters strong relationships, and maintains comprehensive records. Dina is an invaluable asset, driving our financial stability and success in achieving organizational goals.
FAVOURITES
Book: Bridgerton - love and passion.
TV show: Masterchef - for the love of food.
Drink / Drinks: Baileys
Quote: "Failure is not the opposite of success , its part of success!"
Betty Taituave
ACCOUNTS SUPPORT
Betty’s journey with Waterware started when she joined the company in an administrative and customer service role. Since then, she has grown and transitioned into the Accounts team, with a primary focus on debtors and looking after our customers. Her strong understanding of financial processes and debtors management allows Betty to navigate complex financial transactions and maintain healthy client relationships.
FAVOURITES
Book: The Go Giver - nice easy read
Movie: Forrest Gump - anybody is capable of shining a positive light to others
Quote: "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get” - Forrest Gump
Mathew Slaughter
Technical Manager
Mat embarked on his plumbing and heating journey in 1986 as a plumber and gas fitter at British Gas. Over the years, he's honed his skills and achieved expertise, thriving in various roles, including sales and appliance installation, and adept fault diagnosis. In 2000, Mat expanded his horizons, working as a plumber in Florida, gaining valuable international experience before finding his home in New Zealand. In 2021, Waterware welcomed Mat, where he serves as our Technical Manager, sharing his extensive knowledge and unwavering dedication to providing premium plumbing and heating solutions.
FAVOURITES
Drink: Caipirinha's in the sun, or just a low carb beer
Movie: Fast and Furious/ Bourne Series.
Quote: " Life is for living”
Ross Colebourne
TECHNICAL TEAM SUPPORT
Ross is a versatile and skilled member of our Technical Team, with certifications in automotive and aeronautical engineering, along with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. With his expertise spanning various industries, Ross brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His meticulous attention to detail enables him to create precise drawings and detailed plans for clients, while his hands-on experience includes operating a diverse range of machines and tools. Ross is also adept at troubleshooting technical issues and delivering great customer support.
FAVOURITES
Drink / drinks: Single Malt Whisky but can't beat a cold Lager.
Movie: Marvel Movies/Fast and Furious saga - has a bit of everything in it for everyone
Quote: " You'll never know until you try”
Krishan Kumar
TECHNICAL TEAM SUPPORT
Krishan is a is a quick study, picking up Waterware's technical jargon without missing a beat. His can do attitude and above and beyond approach has helped Waterware in leaps and bounds, making him a great asset to the tech team. A lover of sport, he often finds himself watching the Rugby 15's and 7's till the early hours of the morning (not on a school night of course) . Krish hails from Fiji and has travelled all around the Pacific Islands.
Krishant Gounder
WATER METERING
Krishant brings a unique blend of IT and plumbing expertise to our team. After completing an IT degree at Auckland University, he made a career shift and excelled as a skilled plumbing tradesperson. With his diverse background, Krishant has seamlessly transitioned into the field of water metering, where he excels at assessing and selecting tailored solutions for our customers' specific needs. His proficiency in both IT and plumbing makes him a valuable asset, ensuring precision and efficiency in our water metering services.
FAVOURITES
Book: The Hobbit
TV show: Survivor
Drink / drinks: BEER- LAGER
Quote: "If you never try, you"ll never know."
Morgan Barrowman
Technical Support
Coming soon...
Megan Ford
Technical Support
Megan is a skilled technical support team member at Waterware. With a keen interest in mechanics and a natural curiosity about how things work, she brings a unique perspective to the technical team. Megan's troubleshooting abilities and problem-solving skills make her an invaluable asset to the business. With previous experience in managing and coordinating programs in a leisure facility, Megan is well-versed in handling events, administrative duties, and customer service. Her attention to detail and versatility ensure smooth operations and exceptional customer experiences.
FAVOURITES
Book: Hard to choose - Harry Potter series or a David Baldacci series!
Movie: Harry Potter
Quote: "Just keep swimming"
Sau Nua
WAREHOUSE MANAGER
Sau had considered a career change once but we weren't having a bar of it. He looks pretty scary but then he smiles. Sau runs our warehouse like a well-oiled machine which never falters. Sau and his team work hard to guarantee a speedy despatch of your orders every day.
Dianne Jonsson
SALES SUPPORT CO-ORDINATOR
Dianne brings a wealth of experience to her role at Waterware, spanning sales, operations, and customer service in New Zealand and internationally. Dianne thrives on collaborating with her dedicated colleagues to provide exemplary service. She wears many hats in her current position - relationship manager, order fulfillment coordinator, and technical project manager. Dianne expertly juggles the processing and delivery of water meter and tank orders, and has a passion for problem-solving keeps operations running smoothly.
FAVOURITES
Book: NZ Road Code - It's the first book my 3 year old read to his baby brother to get him to sleep
TV show: Yellow Stone. Because it's got horses, but mainly because Rip is Hot and Beth is a nightmare - great combo!
Drink / drinks: A smooth Central Otago Pinot Noir or Bacardi & Coke with LOTS of ice and 2 slices of lemon in a short glass
Quote: " When you know better you do better” - Maya Angelou
We are always on the hunt for fresh new talent and experience. If you’d like to be part of a team who work hard, play hard and have strong company values, send your CV to us today!