Our People
Passionate, highly-skilled and diverse: Our awesome team deliver mahi that is useful, actionable, and meaningful.
Sara Van der Velde
-
Sara leads Nicholson Consulting towards creating a more equitable Aotearoa, keeping this purpose front of mind as she shapes business direction. Since joining during a period of rapid growth in early 2019, she has played a central role in strengthening the systems, processes, and ways of working that help the business flourish.
A creative realist, Sara is solution-focused and caring in everything she does. With more than 15 years’ experience in the IT sector, she has a passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change in business and society. She also holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration in Marketing, HRIR, and Commercial Law.
Outside work, Sara finds energy in sunshine, birdsong, and an intense workout to get her blood pumping — if her daughter has not woken her first. She loves being part of a big family and is leaning into the ethos that each small step we take can have global impact, so step wisely. When she is not at work or with family and friends, she enjoys finding pockets of time for self-care through yoga, massage, or a good book.
Dr. Todd Nicholson
-
Todd has played a central role in shaping Nicholson Consulting into the business it is today. Eight years on, he can focus on what he enjoys most: analytics. Todd is our Head of Data Science and Innovation as well as a co-director of the business alongside his wife, Pip Nicholson.
With extensive knowledge of advanced statistics, machine learning, and AI, Todd works to identify business problems that can be solved transparently using data, with a focus on making those solutions as simple as possible. He brings more than 15 years’ experience delivering clear and practical solutions to complex business problems across government, private, and charitable sectors.
Todd holds an award-winning PhD and a Bachelor of Science with honours in Mathematics and has taught more than 100 courses in data science and analytics. One of the most interesting datasets he has worked with came from underground nuclear weapons tests, which he used to test a real-time machine learning algorithm developed to pinpoint earthquake locations more accurately.
Outside work, Todd enjoys spending time with his children, playing games with Andy, baking with Lizzy, and having fun with the family.
Conrad MacCormick
-
Conrad is one of our highly skilled Analytics Leads who is passionate about exploring, analysing and solving problems using data. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and brings a wealth of knowledge from previous work experience with Statistics NZ, Ministry of Social Development, Social Investment Agency (now the Social Wellbeing Agency) and the Electricity Authority.
Conrad is our one-stop wizard when it comes to building web applications using R Shiny. In addition to R, Conrad is proficient in SAS, SQL and Python.
He is fascinated by the magnitude of information stored in the IDI and enjoys making new discoveries by joining together datasets that have never been joined before. Navigating the nuances of large scale datasets doesn’t faze Conrad as long as he has a packet of gummy worms to keep him going. He enjoys spending time with his wonderful family outside of work and doesn’t even need an alarm – he has a toddler instead!
Jontelle Marino
-
A proud graduate of kura kaupapa Māori, Jontelle brings over 15 years of experience in customer-focused roles, grounded in kaupapa Māori values and a deep commitment to whānau, hapū, and iwi aspirations. She joined the Nicholson whānau as a Project Manager and has since evolved her practice to specialise in Māori Data Governance and Data Sovereignty.
Jontelle works alongside organisations to build capability and understanding of Māori data principles, supporting them to uphold tino rangatiratanga over Māori data. Her approach centres on embedding kaupapa Māori frameworks into governance structures, ensuring data is managed, protected, and used in ways that honour Māori rights, interests, and collective benefit. She is particularly passionate about helping organisations move beyond compliance to meaningful, values-driven data stewardship.
With nine years in the telecommunications industry and six years coordinating medium to large enterprise projects, Jontelle brings strong technical grounding and delivery expertise. She combines this with a strategic lens to guide organisations through complex data environments while aligning with Te Kāhui Raraunga Māori data governance best practice.
Driven, adaptable, and solutions-focused, Jontelle is committed to advancing ......insert your passion here
If it wasn’t an alarm clock waking Jontelle in the morning, it would be the smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. In her spare time, she enjoys hitting the netball courts or spending quality time with whānau and friends.
Tori Van Loenhout
-
Senior Data Scientist Tori brings a range of expertise to our continuously growing team. Tori has done a great deal of awesome work that aligns closely with our vision. Previously, she worked as a Senior Analyst at the Ministry of Health on the BreastScreen Aotearoa funding model to promote more equitable screening throughout New Zealand, along with other work including generating research data for the cervical cancer screening programme.
Tori has a Master of Public Health, with a particular interest in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. On the Data Science front, her skills include extensive knowledge in programming such as SQL and R. In the time-outside-work-front, her skills include devoting time to her dogs, trying to teach them to talk with buttons and dressing them up so they get extra attention and extra treats.
Tori explains herself as a puzzle enthusiast, she likes to move data around her head like puzzle pieces until the puzzle is solved. The things that make her feel fulfilled is the satisfaction of doing a good job on a difficult piece of work and stretching herself to learn new skills and exceed her own expectations.
Pip Nicholson
-
Pip has been a pillar of the business since her and Todd set up Nicholson Consulting in 2018. As co-director and Finance Manager, Pip continues to provide the financial vigour required to manage this fast-paced business with warmth and care.
Pip has a background in research, evaluation, and logistics. Her high attention to detail and strong organisational skills ensure the business is always running smoothly. Prior to establishing the business, Pip studied at Victoria University, worked as a Research and Evaluation officer for the Australian Department of Education and Training in Canberra, and an Advisor at the NZ Ministry of Education among other roles.
Activities that are likely to put a smile on Pip’s face include: Making the most of a sunny day, spending time with her family, and going dancing with her friends. Pip is also a fan of indulging in a wine, cheese or chocolate (or all three at once).
Dr. Hubert Zal
-
Hubert is the fourth member of our team to specialise in geophysics at Nicholson Consulting. He spent much of his life in the USA, where he completed a BSc and MSc in Geophysics at the University of Rochester, New York, before moving to Wellington to earn his PhD in Geophysics and Seismology at Victoria University of Wellington. With a strong foundation in research and quantitative analysis, Hubert enjoys making sense of complex data and turning it into clear, practical insights that help people make better decisions. His curiosity and love of problem-solving naturally drew him into the world of Data Science, where he combines coding, statistics, and spatial data to uncover new perspectives.
He describes himself as a ‘DIY kind of guy’; equally at home debugging code, fixing something around the house, or tuning up motorcycles. For him, having the right tools—whether digital or physical—means being ready to take on new challenges. Outside of work, Hubert is happiest outdoors. He often spends weekends riding motorcycles or mountain bikes with his wife and friends, exploring Wellington’s rugged South Coast and enjoying the adventures it has to offer.
Linda Martis
-
Optimistic, inquisitive and adventurous, Linda’s openness to new experiences has been a driving force in her life. Originally based in Kuwait, Linda has travelled across the globe, living in India before settling in Aotearoa. Linda’s career too has evolved. Linda has previously worked in accounting and auditing roles for Swiss Re, KPMG, the Ministry of Social Development and the Earthquake Commission, before making the switch to data science.
Before joining Nicholson Consulting, Linda worked analysing breast cancer screening data at Volpara Health Technologies. Linda holds a Master’s degree in Applied Statistics from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington and qualifications in psychology, statistics, data science, auditing and accounting.
Curious by nature, it comes as no surprise that Linda fills her time with a wide range of hobbies and interests such as reading, cooking, biking, jazz singing and several side projects. However, it is her relationships with her family and friends that bring Linda the most joy. One of Linda’s favourite things to do is call her nieces in Toronto while sipping on a strong cup of tea.
Dr. Sarah Underwood
-
Born and raised in England, Sarah moved to Aotearoa 20 years ago and now lives here with her husband, two teenagers, and their guinea pigs. Tea, teacakes, and English football still keep her connected to her British roots.
Naturally inquisitive, Sarah has built a varied career across engineering, science, public health, and data. Her experience includes process development engineering, producing active ingredients for anticancer drugs, and supporting clinicians with diagnostic testing information during the COVID-19 response.
She holds a Master of Science and a PhD in Biochemical Engineering, with doctoral research focused on processes for creating a skin replacement using proteins from blood. More recently, she completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics through Massey University, following her interest in using data to draw insight and support better decisions.
Outside work, Sarah enjoys tramping, biking, walking, swimming in the sea, orienteering, and spending time with her family over a board game or the English Premier League. She also provides navigation coaching for her daughter’s school adventure racing team.
Stacey Dobbie
-
With 12 years of experience in the data and analytics space, Stacey brings a wealth of expertise to the Nicholson Consulting team. Kind, supportive and analytical, Stacey is passionate about using data to better understand communities in Aotearoa and to create a positive social impact.
Stacey has worked for a range of non-profit, NGO and government organisations over her career, particularly in the health space. Stacey’s previous role was at Manatū Hauora as a Principal Analyst, where she helped monitor and analyse the performance of districts and hospitals across Aotearoa. In 2015, Stacey graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Master of Science in Statistics.
Outside of work, one of Stacey’s biggest passions is dance. Stacey attends weekly adult ballet classes where she enjoys learning new routines and perfecting her technique. Stacey also volunteers her time for the charity What Dance Can Do (WDCD) New Zealand where she helps set up dance community programmes across Porirua.
When she’s not exploring the worlds of dance and data, Stacey enjoys travelling with friends and family to experience new food, cultures, and landscapes.
Dion O’Neale
-
Curious about the world and wanting to understand it, Dion studied Maths and Physics, his focus now mostly in the area of data analytics and mathematical modelling. Dion has spent his career working on a variety of fascinating projects from constructing social networks for pre-European Aotearoa using obsidian artefacts, through to using IDI data on educational enrolments to understand why some groups are under-represented in STEM study. He was also involved in the response Aotearoa had to COVID-19 - He can handle the pressure!
Dion was well known to NC prior to joining, working with several of our staff through different projects: Tikanga in Technology, and the COVID-19 Modelling Aotearoa work. All our staff can comfortably say he’s great to work with and can tell a great story - ask him about being a drone co-pilot in Antarctica.
Dion can be easily recognised by his fantastic beard which gives even Gandalf a run for his money and spends his weekends as a volunteer coach for the junior athletics at Owairaka Athletics. In the off season he can be found brewing and drinking the finest craft beer Aotearoa has to offer.
Esha Patel
Koren Rangitutia
-
Koren joined Nicholson Consulting in April 2026 and is charged with ensuring operations can deliver on our strategy. She brings depth, steadiness, and extensive experience to the role, with more than 20 years across public practice and corporate accounting, 10 years in executive leadership, and membership in CAANZ.
Most recently, Koren worked in the public service leading Māori Strategy and Performance. She brings a calm, values-led approach to leadership, with a strong focus on creating outcomes that work for people, communities, and the long haul.
This commitment is grounded in her connection to community, place, and the responsibilities that come with both.
Koren’s feet are firmly planted in Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, with treasured whakapapa to Ngāti Maniapoto. She also carries deep gratitude for the generosity of mana whenua in Te Tauihu, particularly the whānau of Ngāti Rārua, whose support has shaped how she chooses to show up personally and professionally.
Outside work, Koren’s happy place is spending quality time with her whānau, music, and the outdoors. More recently, her pursuits have become Tangaroa-adjacent, with daily dawn dips and enthusiastic amateur participation in waka ama.
Shao-Jinn Chin
Manuila Tausi
Ed Nugent
-
Dynamic, curious and multi-talented, Ed, our Operations Coordinator, can tackle almost any task that comes his way.
Originally from England, Ed arrived on the shores of Aotearoa 7 years ago where he now lives with his wife and young son.
A true career chameleon, Ed has brought his skills to a wide range of domains including project management, stakeholder engagement, transport planning, marketing, analytics, event management – the list goes on! In the UK, Ed was part of the economic evaluation and modelling team that helped bring the first phase of the UK High Speed 2 project to Royal Assent.
Lucky for us, Ed has brought these same chameleon-like abilities to his operations coordinator role, making him our go-to-guy for all our office needs.
In his spare time, Ed enjoys immersing himself in the grim, dark fantasy worlds of tabletop wargaming, particularly Warhammer 40,000. Continuing with the model building theme Ed is also a huge fan of building Japanese robot kits (Gunpla), with a huge half-meter tall kit in his sights if or when the current backlog of 12 is completed.