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Meet our Team

Ella Te Huia-Phillips | Director

Descendent from Ngati Rangi – born in Ohakune. Ella isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic, Ella decided to make a fresh start in Northland. When life threw her a challenge, redundancy in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ella took it as an opportunity and put her 15 years’ experience in the solar industry to use by launching Solartive, a solar power solutions provider based in Whangārei and Mangōnui. Seeing the need for solar power in rural Te Tai Tokerau/Northland communities, and the challenges individuals faced when trying to set up solar themselves without access to the latest technology, Ella strives to make solar power more accessible and affordable across the region.

As a talented musician, she’s in a local Whangārei band playing keyboard and percussion.  She also enjoys a few rounds of golf, swimming and getting out and about with her huntaway dog, Suzie; the real boss.

Mel Turdeich | General Manager

Of Ngāpuhi descent, born and bred in Te Tai Tokerau, Mel joined Solartive in April 2021 and brought with her two decades of experience supporting, establishing and running high performing teams. Mel understands the importance of a solid strategic foundation. She has the engagement and communication skills to lead our business and develop strategies to bring our service expectations and standards to life. When Mel isn't at Solartive, you'll find her at the netball courts, at home with her whānau and moko or enjoying a strong black coffee.

Dan Fahrion | Head Electrician

Meet Dan, our Head Electrician. The one person in our team that all of our customers are likely to meet. He leads our dedicated installation team with 28yrs experience as an Electrician. Hailing from Germany, Dan has lived in five different countries, making the wise move to New Zealand 16yrs ago. It's just a coincidence, we carry German solar equipment. He's currently married to his job but when he's taking some time out he enjoys playing golf, disc golf and squash and watching football with a cold beverage.

Tamati Kingi | BDM

Of Ngati Kahu descent, Tamati joins Solartive as the Sales Manager bringing his logistics, operational, sales and energy efficiency experience to the team. When he's not out in the community promoting our business and keeping the office girls busy with admin tasks, you'll find him juggling his time between his many passions - being out on the water enjoying what Northland has to offer, spending time with whānau, supporting a couple of local footy teams, enjoying live music and local food.

Karen Port | Solar Sales Consultant

Born in Christchurch, but living in Whangārei for the past 21 years, Karen is definitely a local. Joining our team at the start of 2024, Karen brings her extensive experience in customer service and sales. When she's not on the phone or emailing customers, she enjoys travelling and camping in her motorhome

Ariki Hohepa | Electrical Apprentice

Ariki is our most experienced Electrical Apprentice and enjoys busy days. With a young family, Ariki spends his days off work on Dad duties and enjoying time with his dogs.

Our installation Team | Leo | Conor - Electrician | Duke

Bio to come for now our guys who are always on the go. Typical Kiwi Blokes, like a good laugh, work hard and enjoy their downtime!