Electrify your business Canterbury

Christopher is our Network Engagement Manager. Prior to joining SBN, Christopher championed the environment for the last couple of decades with Greenpeace and SolarZero, working in fundraising, sales and customer care. A dual citizen of Canada and Luxembourg, Christopher’s international perspective gives him a deep appreciation of diversity in all its forms. In 2012, a sailing trip to the Arctic Circle solidified his determination to tackle the climate emergency.

A secure, affordable, and low-emissions energy system depends on strong collaboration between Government, industry, and communities.

By accelerating renewable generation, prioritising efficient and flexible energy use, and acting early, we can unlock innovation, productivity, and long-term prosperity.

Barry Watson, EECA’s, Regional Manager for the South Island, will share insights on pressures facing energy users, EECA’s response, and key opportunities to work together to deliver system value.

An entrepreneur, adventurer and native of the United States, Chris came to New Zealand in 2009 after meeting his future wife, a New Zealander, in the Antarctic. His aptitude for practical solutions to common and uncommon challenges has taken him around the world in a career spanning defence, conservation, construction and renewable energy. The growing need for adaptive thinking and sustainability options means Chris is now focused on commercialising the low carbon economy as the managing director of Conner Operating Group in Christchurch.

Dr Jian Yang is the Chief Strategy Officer of PCG Oceania and co-founder of DHG Energy. Originally from China, he holds a PhD in International Relations from the Australian National University and has built a distinguished career spanning academia, public service, and business, including serving as a New Zealand Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2020. He has longstanding ties to the New Zealand-China business community.

Shaun Drylie is Co-Founder and CEO of Carbn, an electric Mobility-as-a-Service platform reshaping how SMEs, corporates and central and local government fund, share and decarbonise their fleets across Australasia.

Shaun brings 35 years' experience in banking and financial services, including senior roles at ASB, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and as former Group CEO of SBS Bank. He understands the commercial pressures SMEs face and has built Carbn around the belief that smarter mobility should be accessible and financially disciplined and not just for large enterprises.