Fashion Roundtable Presenters Auckland
Jacinta Fitzgerald: Chief Executive, Mindful Fashion
Jacinta serves as the Chief Executive of Mindful Fashion, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in the clothing and textiles industry. As a seasoned sustainability strategist, she is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices in fashion. In addition to her role at Mindful Fashion, Jacinta leads MakeGood, a consultancy that collaborates with pioneering apparel brands in New Zealand and worldwide, focusing on integrating circular and regenerative practices at the heart of their operations.
Nicky Robinson: Co-Founder and CEO, Marlo
Nicky Robinson is the CEO and co-founder of Marlo, a New Zealand-based gumboot brand created with her friend Kate Moffat. The idea for Marlo boots originated from their frustration with cold feet and ruined sneakers while watching their children’s football games. They saw a need for comfortable, affordable, and stylish gumboots that fit both muddy fields and urban settings.
Marlo boots feature a durable rubber exterior and cosy sherpa lining, perfect for all weather. Three years ago, production moved from China to Sri Lanka to focus on sustainability, culminating in the FSC certification of their rubber. In April 2024, Marlo became the first New Zealand signatory of the Fashion Forever Green Pact, highlighting their commitment to sustainable forestry.
Greg Taylor: Director and Founder, Step One
Greg Taylor the founder of Step One, a cult-underwear brand with pairs selling every 8 seconds in Aus, the US, and the UK. His inspiration came from suffering chafing during a hike in New Zealand. Unable to find a suitable solution, he invented "Ultraglyde" panels and a 3D pouch. Step One's ethical and sustainable practices earned them end-to-end FSC® certification last year, making them Australia's first clothing company with this distinction. They use viscose from organic bamboo, a naturally sustainable source, for their garments, reflecting their commitment to sustainability and creating a better future.
Jaana Quaintance-James: CEO, Australian Fashion Council
Jaana is a seasoned leader with a strong track record in commercial strategy delivering market advantage through sustainable practices and innovation. With strategic planning and strong governance, Jaana has successfully led and delivered impactful change with significant commercial and sustainability benefits, both in Australia and internationally.
Dedicating the last ten years in-house to the fashion sector, Jaana was most recently the Chief Sustainability and Sourcing Officer at Global Fashion Group, the European-listed parent of THE ICONIC. Prior to this she was Head of Sustainability at THE ICONIC and earlier, Ethical Sourcing Manager at David Jones, following a decade-long consulting career in consumer goods.
Colin Maunder: General Manager – Sustainability, Timberlands
Based in Rotorua, Colin is GM-Sustainability at Timberlands Limited who manage the 200,000 hectare Kaingaroa Forest plantation estate. His role includes management of environment, community relations, iwi engagement, fire, security, enterprise risk, biosecurity and media. Timberlands are members of FSC® and their management certified for over 20 years. Colin has been actively supporting FSC, including chair of NZ’s FSC Standard Development Group, a member of the working group that revised FSC International’s Pesticide Policy and International Indicators and has participated in five General Assemblies. Timberlands manage some of our iconic forests including Whakarewarewa with world-class mountain biking and the “jewel in the crown” of plantations, Kaingaroa Forest.
Brad Yow: Senior Business Development and Channel Manager, Business Assurance, SAI Global
Brad Yow serves as the Senior Business Development and Channel Manager at Intertek SAI Global, a role he assumed in May 2019. With a background in Marketing, Business Management, and Leadership, Brad brings a wealth of experience to his position. His responsibilities encompass overseeing all Management Programs in the Australian and New Zealand Markets, along with managing the FSC Programs within these regions. Brad's expertise lies in Sales Management, Key Account Management, and Business Development, cultivated through years of experience across various industries. His focus revolves around driving growth and forging strategic partnerships to meet the evolving needs of clients.
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