Who we are

In Loving Memory of John Preston

Some people leave behind more than a career—they leave behind a legacy.

John Preston was one of those people.

Throughout his years with ACT Safety, John was known for his exceptional knowledge, unwavering integrity, and genuine passion for developing people. He was a trusted mentor, an outstanding leader, and a respected figure within New Zealand's extractives industry.

John believed that safety was about more than compliance; it was about protecting people, sharing knowledge, and helping others succeed. His calm guidance, generosity, and willingness to support both colleagues and learners touched countless lives.

Although John is no longer with us, the impact he made continues to be seen in the people he mentored, the standards he upheld, and the culture he helped build at ACT Safety.

We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared with John. He will always be remembered with admiration, respect, and deep appreciation.

"A great teacher leaves knowledge. A great leader leaves a legacy."

Our thoughts remain with John's family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Zelda is a Logistics & Supply Chain Management superstar.  With a Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and a decade of successful experience in Logistics, Zelda joined our team as National Training Coordinator in September 2020. 

Zelda is our National Training Coordinator superstar, if you need any training onsite or off-site, Zelda is the person to contact for information and assistance.

Zelda is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking in the workplace.  She immigrated to New Zealand early in 2020, married for 26 years with 3 adult children, 1 grand child.  With her positive can do attitude, Zelda strives to support our customers by delivering excellent customer service.

Zelda enjoys a good Netflix binge and loves spending time with her family.

Annie joined our team as Business Administrator 2021.  Annie is an experience Office Manager with more than 15 years’ experience in accounts payable and receivable, payroll, customer services, Key accounts and pre-production scheduling.

She strives when working under pressure and use her initiatives along with her ability to think on her feet to get excellent results.  Annie worked in both public and private sectors and enjoys a team environment.

Her passion in life is to serve others and spread love and kindness.  Annie has 3 adults children, 3 grand children.

Annie enjoys working in the garden, baking and spending time with her family. 

Johnny joined the ACT Safety team as Health and Safety Advisor | Extractive Trainer in May 2022.  Relocated to ACT Safety campus at 20 Twigger Street, Christchurch as  Branch Manager in February 2024.   Johnny is a hands-on production orientated person with 16 years' experience in Operations, management and very familiar with the different mining methods.  Johnny believes a clean mine is a Safe mine and a Safe mine is a productive mine.

Johnny started his mining career at a young age, he was fortunate to have his father with 36 years mining experience as his mentor.  After school Johnny started at Basil Read Mining in 2001 as a learner Supervisor and was later promoted to a Shift Foreman (Bulk Earthworks). 

With experience on Platinum, Coal, Iron Ore, Anthracite and Copper Opencast Mines, PMC Phalaborwa Rio Tinto, Ramp scavenging.  In 2007 he had the opportunity to start as a site foreman at Somkhele Anthracite Mine.  After working at Shanduka Coal (Middelburg Mpumalanga) he got promoted to a 2.6.1 Site Manager, after successfully completed a project for Opencast Coal Mine Roll Over Mining, Drilling & Blasting Operations, joining JCI Mining in 2019 as a Site/Production Manager overseeing Operations, Drilling & Blasting.

Johnny currently holds his National Certificate in Extractive Industries (Mining Administration Surface Extraction A & B Grade (Level 5), National Certificate in Rock breaking Surface Excavations and National Certificate in Opencast Blasting. 

Johnny has trained and worked on Multiple Mine Machinery Operation and currently completed his: 

New Zealand Certificate in Cranes (level 3) - Pendant-Controlled Overhead Crane

New Zealand Certificate in Cranes (Level 3) - Truck Loaded Crane

New Zealand Certificate in Cranes (Level 3) - Dogman.

Johnny is married to Cheryl for 15 years and welcome their first girl Olivia to the family 3 years ago.  Johnny is an experienced deep sea fisher man with a Skipper license and is looking forward to land his first big fish here in New Zealand.

Shane arrived in New Zealand from South Africa in March 2023.

Shane brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in Emergency Services after serving for 30 years in the eThekwini (Durban) Fire & Emergency Services. Shane is qualified with a Diploma in Fire Technology and a NEBOSH International General Certificate. For the last 17 years Shane was the Station Commander of a busy regional HQ fire station in Pinetown, just west of Durban. He has dedicated a large portion of his career to the progression and upliftment of his colleagues and looks forward to meeting our ACT Safety clients and assisting them in achieving their goals and aspirations.

Shane is married to Nicole and together they have three daughters, Caitlyn, Leah and Miley. In his spare time Shane enjoys spending time in the outdoors, camping with family and friends and is also a keen outdoor bowler who is looking forward to spending some time on a green in the not too distant future.

Desirèe, a seasoned professional with a rich background in Human Resources and Psychology, proudly earning her degrees from North-West University in Potchefstroom in 2004. Throughout her career journey, she has excelled in various roles, notably as an Executive support to management, highlighting her steadfast commitment to achieving excellence in administrative and operational support.

Beyond her adeptness in executive support, Desirèe has had the opportunity to showcase her expertise in facility and events management. Her organisational skills shine through as she deftly coordinates diverse aspects of projects and operations.

Notably, she played a crucial role in Operations Management for a Skills Development Firm specialising in Management studies and Professional skills.

Her contributions encompass a comprehensive blend of strategic planning, meticulous organisation, effective communication, marketing, and collaborative efforts. This holistic approach not only boosts overall operational efficiency but also propels impactful and sustained change, ensuring effectiveness in every endeavour.

Desirèe's dynamic capabilities position her as a skilled professional adept at navigating the intricacies of the professional landscape with finesse and expertise.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Desirèe finds joy and satisfaction in the culinary arts. Cooking serves as a wellspring of creativity, satisfaction, and a tangible sense of accomplishment, adding a delightful personal touch to her professional profile.

Fred Lister is the newest member to the ACT Safety team.   

With more than 15 years of experience in Occupational Hygiene, Health, Safety and Environment Development.   

Focusing on implementing health and safety solutions, providing best practice guidance and advice for oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, industrial and corporate companies.

Fred is very motivated, with excellent problem-solving skills and a high standard of presentation, committed and hard working.  He enjoys a challenge and take ownership.  Fred is super flexible and sensitive to both learners, clients and stake holders.  He is focused on helping our customers, develop and improve their safety systems.

Fred is a registered HSE Facilitator, Assessor, and Moderator, Paramedic and holds a Bachelor's degree in Health and Safety.  Fred specializes in medical training including Advance First Aid and Emergency Procedures.  

In January 2024, we welcomed Hannes to our team as a Health and Safety Trainer/Advisor (Extractives).   Promoted to Assistant Branch Manager - Auckland, from the 1st of July 2024, Hannes brings with him 15 years of experience in Project Management, planning, maintenance. With his technical background in the Mining industry, enables him to manage and take calculated decisions.   He is focused on Safety and creating and implementing safety systems, compiling safety audits, developing Standard operating procedures.

Hannes has obtained 2 red seals trades in Auto electrical in 2020 and Rigger Ropes man in 2013.  Hold an international Higher certificate in Project management.  For the last 9 years provided on the job training and coaching employees throughout the way to become qualified riggers.  He is passionate about training and Skills development.   

Hannes skills allowed him to oversee scheduling, planning and execution of mining activities, with respect to available resources, and available maintenance opportunities. 

Hannes is married to Nicky and have two children Bheurn and Inke.  In his spare time Hannes enjoys spending time in the outdoors, Hunting, fishing and coaching Rugby. 

Anneliese joined the ACT Safety team in June 2025.  With over 15 years of extensive experience in customer service and administration, she provides exceptional support to both clients and colleagues.

Anneliese has come from the public training sector and has worked at multiple large private organisations. She is an expert at building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse range of people. Anneliese is known for her adaptability and empathy, embodying the key principles of professionalism, patience, and a "people-first" attitude in every interaction. Her keen attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction make her a valuable asset to the ACT Safety team.

Anneliese has an adult son and lives with her partner and 2-year-old fur baby, Odie. In her spare time, she likes spending time with family and friends, travelling, trying new cuisines and making killer salad jars!