Our Team

Jeska McHugh (Managing Director) - Sustainability Assurance, Carbon Footprint Auditing, Greenhouse Gas Verification and Validation

Jeska McHugh

Managing Director

Jeska has 20+ years of auditing experience, including compliance, sustainability and international standards gained via conducting audits and verification, as well as roles as researcher, consultant, business manager, trainer and certification manager. She has completed audits in NZ, Australia, Chile, Japan, UAE, Fiji, Thailand and even Antarctica. Jeska has also practical experience running the Farm Environment Audit Programme at Environment Canterbury Regional Council, Technical Specialist - Environmental at AsureQuality, and Senior Science Advisor for Hazardous Substances and Waste. She holds extensive professional qualifications that cover a wide range of auditing areas.

She holds a BSc in Plant & Microbial Sciences, a Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Environmental Technology and a Masters in Environmental Management.

Jeska is based in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Maree Smith (Lead Auditor) - Carbon Audit, Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting, Carbon Footprint Verification

Maree Smith

Lead Auditor and Technical Support

Maree has been a technical advisor and lead auditor at McHugh & Shaw since its inception. She has over nine years of experience in greenhouse gas inventory reporting and carbon auditing.

She holds a Certificate in Environmental Management (Level 4).

Maree is based in Tāmaki-Makaurau Auckland.

Rachael Williams-Gaul (Sustainability Assurance Lead) - Carbon Footprint Assurance, Carbon Auditing, Greenhouse Gas Verification

Rachael Williams-Gaul

Sustainability Assurance Lead

Rachael has worked 15+ years in natural resource management, covering the themes of sustainable economics and rural development, waste and recycling, conservation and environmental management. Rachael has experience implementing HSEQ and carbon management systems, sustainability strategy, data analysis and communication, research, and conducting management system audits. She is a CEP Certified Carbon Auditor as well as a Certified EMS (ISO 14001) auditor.

She holds a BSc in Physiology, a BSc in Chiropractic and a Masters in Natural Resource Management & Ecological Engineering.

Rachael is based in Te Tai o Aorere Tasman.

Antonia Gerlach (Sustainability Assurance Advisor/Business Development) - Greenhouse Gas Audit, Verification, Validation, Environmental Auditing

Antonia Gerlach

Business Development Lead

Sustainability Assurance Advisor

Antonia has worked many years in the grassroots sustainability sector helping small organisations lower their carbon footprints. She previously managed an environmental not-for-profit organisation where she gained experience in management, strategy, and business development.

She holds a BA(hons) in Politics & International Relations and an MA in Peace and Security Studies. 

Antonia is based in Ngāmotu New Plymouth.

Lisa Bridson (Sustainability Assurance Advisor) - Greenhouse Gas Inventory Assurance, Environmental Audit, Carbon Footprint Verification

Lisa Bridson

Sustainability Assurance Advisor

Lisa has over 20 years of experience in the sustainability area, mainly in the central and local government sector. Her experience includes undertaking greenhouse gas inventories, research and improving sustainable performance.  

She holds a Masters of Environmental Management. 

Lisa is based in Wakatū Nelson.

Kent Barrett - Sustainability Assurance Advisor

Kent Barrett

Sustainability Assurance Advisor

Kent has worked in operational carbon footprint measurement, reporting and reduction for 5 years and has provided these services to organisations of all sizes in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.  

He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. 

Kent is based on the Kāpiti Coast.