Jason Clarke
Managing Director
Jason has been involved in the engineering sector since completing an electrical apprenticeship in the late 1980s. With a growing interest in engineering, he went on to complete an NZCE specialising in power systems and control systems, followed by an MBA in 2004.
Jason began his career in the dairy sector and having been born and raised in Hamilton, there was no shortage of opportunities within the industry. He later joined a project team responsible for designing and building a dairy factory in eastern Victoria, Australia. From there, he moved into the water and waste industry, contributing to several large-scale international water treatment projects in China and Thailand.
Since returning to New Zealand, Jason has continued to work extensively in water infrastructure across both the water and power sectors.
He purchased Teltherm Instruments in 2016.
Outside of work, Jason is a keen swimmer and is currently working towards his next long-distance swimming challenge.
Lesley Fowler
Accounts & Admin
United Kingdom-born Lesley moved to New Zealand with her Kiwi husband in 1994. After an exciting career in the airline industry that saw her travel extensively around the world, volunteering at her children’s school following her arrival in New Zealand inspired a new career path in accounting.
Lesley now manages all accounts, payroll, and reporting for Teltherm, along with supporting HR responsibilities. She has been an integral part of the business for the past nine years.
Outside of work, Lesley enjoys spending time with family and friends, practicing Pilates, cooking, and travelling overseas whenever she gets the opportunity.
Oksana von Batenburg
Operations Manager
Oksana originally moved from Russia to New Zealand in 2017 after completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Moscow University. Following her move, she completed a Level 7 Diploma in Business and Supply Chain Management.
Over the past eight years with the company, Oksana has progressed through a variety of roles, building extensive knowledge across the business and contributing to numerous process improvements. Her strong organisational skills and forward-thinking approach have helped implement new practices that have increased efficiency and streamlined operations throughout the company.
Outside of work, Oksana enjoys spending time with her Kiwi husband, their young son Alex, and their much-loved collection of pets. She is passionate about cooking, gaming, and the theatre.
Jennie Dingley
Laboratory Manager
University of Auckland graduate Jennie holds an MSc and later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Metrology. After working overseas in Germany for several years, she returned to New Zealand in 2014. Following time spent working in her family business, she joined Teltherm in 2019 and was promoted to Laboratory Manager in 2021.
Since stepping into the role, Jennie has introduced new procedures that have strengthened business practices and enhanced operational efficiency. She is passionate about developing her team, regularly training laboratory staff to build their technical knowledge and capabilities. Known for her strong customer focus and exceptionally high standards, Jennie is committed to delivering quality outcomes for both clients and colleagues.
Outside of work, Jennie enjoys spending time with her husband and two energetic daughters, often acting as chauffeur for their many sports and activities. She and her family are actively involved in the MG Car Club and share a passion for classic cars and motorsport culture. In her spare time, Jennie also enjoys swimming and dancing for fun.
Andrew Laurence
Technical Sales Engineer
Andrew is a multi-disciplined, trade-qualified professional with more than 40 years’ experience working in heavy industry. He takes pride in not only being a salesperson, but also a support engineer who provides practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to customers’ requirements.
Outside of work, Andrew has recently become a grandfather and enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife love exploring New Zealand in their campervan with their two dogs. Whenever he has a spare afternoon, he can usually be found out on the open road riding his motorcycle.
Derek Haakman
Technical Sales Engineer
Derek is our Palmerston North based Sales Engineer with 35 years of experience in the instrumentation industry, specialising in pneumatics and industrial automation. Throughout his career, he has worked across Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, bringing a wealth of international industry knowledge and expertise to the team.
Outside of work, Derek enjoys keeping active through gym training and running, and loves travelling around New Zealand with his wife in their motorhome. He is also passionate about music and performance, enjoying singing in choirs and taking part in amateur dramatics
Mathijs Fijma
Customer Service & Technical Sales
Mathijs completed his Bachelor of Engineering in 2025. Since joining the company two years ago, his engineering background has proven invaluable in advising customers and supporting the technical sales team. He has developed a strong interest in the company’s acoustic detection products and has taken a leading role in promoting these solutions to customers.
Outside of work, Mathijs enjoys watching and playing basketball, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. More recently, he has also developed an interest in museums and art galleries, visiting them whenever time allows.
Bella Wheeler
Customer Service
Bella holds a BA in Theatre and English and has built a diverse career across administration and customer service roles in a variety of industries. As our newest team member, she has settled in seamlessly and quickly become a favourite with customers thanks to her cheerful nature and genuine care for others.
Outside of work, Bella enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their pets. She loves gardening, cooking, and catching up with friends and family.
Manuel Junior
Laboratory Technician
Manuel is originally from Espírito Santo, Brazil. He began his career working in his family’s electronics business before moving into the hospital engineering sector. After immigrating to New Zealand in 2018, he completed a Diploma in Industrial Automation and worked in the field before joining Teltherm Instruments in 2022.
Manuel works in our calibration laboratory specialising in pressure and temperature calibration, and is also our onsite specialist, providing support directly at customer sites. Known for his exceptional attention to detail and perfectionist approach, he takes great pride in delivering accurate, high-quality work.
Outside of work, Manuel enjoys spending time with his wife, playing and watching football, and gaming. He is also an expert at mixing the classic Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha.
Puni Mataora
Industrial Instrumentation Technician & Welder
Puni is our longest-serving team member, having been with us since 1999. He learned his welding trade at Manukau Polytechnic and began his career fabricating aluminium before joining Teltherm, where he went on to specialise in manufacturing and calibrating our gauge range. Known for his precision and focus, Puni takes great pride in mentoring junior staff and passing on his extensive knowledge and experience.
Outside of work, Puni enjoys spending time with his wife and family. He is an Elder and Lay Preacher in his church and plays an active role within the community. A former choir master, he may have stepped down from the role, but he still has a beautiful singing voice and a strong love of music. He also enjoys walking to stay fit and active.
Apolo Mataora
Industrial Instrumentation Technician
Apolo is our “temperature gauge guy.” He manufactures the entire range of gauges we supply, from the 3CC, 3SSA and 4SSA ranges through to the VP range. With extensive knowledge and expertise in this field, he has been producing gauges for Teltherm Instruments since 2000.
In addition to making our standard stock items, Apolo also manufactures custom gauges to order to meet specific customer requirements.
Outside of work, Apolo enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially his two grandsons. He loves walking in the park and being actively involved in his local church community, where he participates in events and fundraising. He is also a wonderful singer.
Jake Iuli
Calibration & Instrumentation Assembly Technician
Jake started his career in the pharmaceutical industry manufacturing medication before moving into welding, a field more closely aligned with his interests. He has worked in foundries both in New Zealand and overseas and also brings experience working with composites. Jake joined Teltherm in 2023, where he calibrates and manufactures instrumentation equipment, consistently working to a very high standard within ISO 9001 and SOP requirements.
Outside of work, Jake is highly artistic and enjoys bronze sculpting, jewellery making, and working with his own blacksmithing equipment. He is an animal lover with a particular soft spot for rescuing cats. Jake is also a keen cook and gardener who values the peace and quiet of his own company.
Ioane Tuaputa
Industrial Instrumentation Technician & Welder
Ioane has now been with the company for a year. Before joining us, he worked in a gardening franchise while also taking the opportunity to upskill by studying towards his welding qualification with the Solomon Island Group in Manukau. He graduated just as a position became available with us, making the timing perfect for him to begin his welding career.
Since joining the team, Ioane has been mentored by our senior welder and continues to show a strong willingness to learn and take on more than what is expected within his role. His positive attitude is infectious — he is always smiling and is well known for his big laugh around the workplace.
Outside of work, Ioane enjoys spending time outdoors, running, and training to keep fit. He is also a passionate rugby fan who follows both Union and League closely. More recently, he has developed an interest in cooking, something he enjoys sharing with family and friends on weekends.
Suman Chand
Dispatcher
Suman is originally from Fiji and moved to New Zealand in 1996. She has built her career in freight and dispatch, previously working with several large Auckland companies. Since 2014, she has been the dispatcher at Teltherm, where she manages all outbound deliveries, as well as stock control for items, packaging, and local freight.
Suman has three adult children and one young grandchild. She enjoys spending time with her family and her husband. Outside of work, she is a keen cook with a particular talent for Indian cuisine. She also enjoys dressmaking, reading, and walking for fitness.
