Sarah Becker, National EHS Manager

Six months into her role as Winstone Wallboards’ National EHS Manager, Sarah Becker is impressed by the proactive attitude of the teams around her to prioritising safety and mitigating risk. 

“If it’s got anything to do with safety, we just get it done. I think that’s really refreshing and shows a clear understanding of the fact that if you don’t manage your critical risks, then you’re not doing the right thing.” 

Sarah has worked in safety leadership for over 20 years. She began her career as a civil engineer, working across roading and mining projects. It was a love for people that encouraged her to make the move into the world of health and safety, and the opportunity to effect lasting positive change in people’s lives through her work has kept her here. 

Despite working in health and safety, Sarah could almost be called an adrenaline junkie. While walking, snowboarding, fishing, and hiking are the activities you’re most likely to find her taking part in, if the opportunity for an adventure arises, Sarah is often the first to put her hand up. 

The people first lens Sarah approaches her work with extends beyond the office. Her time away from work is spent showing up for and supporting friends and family. As a mother to two teenage boys, a good chunk of that time is spent cheering them on in their various sporting endeavors alongside her husband Glenn. 

Joel Hall, South Island Area Sales Manager

Only a few weeks into his role as South Island Area Sales Manager, Joel Hall is quickly becoming a familiar face to many within the Lower South Island Winstone Wallboards community. 

A self-confessed people person, he is looking forward to spending more time on site over the coming months, ensuring Winstone Wallboard products are supporting builders to succeed.  

“I’m very keen to get out there and meet people, work out how they tick, and make sure they succeed. Success to me, is them succeeding.” 

Don’t be fooled by his young face. Joel brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked his way through the ranks at The Warehouse Group to lead teams in customer-facing roles before transitioning to account management. And although he started in retail, Joel is no stranger to the trade industry. Prior to joining the Winstone Wallboards team, he was the National Business Development Manager and Onsite Account Manager for Techtronic Industries.  

Outside of work, Joel is likely to be found either on or alongside a football pitch with Cashmere Technical Football Club. His passion for the game runs deep, evidenced not only by his spot on the division one team, but also in his coaching role with the club’s Women’s Development Team. 

Douglas Hallberg, National Manufacturing Manager

Maximising both safety and productivity is at the top of the list for the new Winstone Wallboards National Manufacturing Manager, Douglas (Doug) Hallberg, and he’s spent the first five months in the role getting the ball rolling. 

Prior to joining us here at Winstone Wallboards, Doug spent 15 years with Carter Holt Harvey, starting out as a Production Manager, and working his way up to General Manager. 

With almost four decades of experience in the manufacturing sector, Doug understands the value a welcoming working environment has in encouraging productivity.    

“I’m drawing on my extensive experience in terms of manufacturing and really trying to build systems and processes that ensure we get the highest possible levels of safety and productivity.” 

Doug’s professional career began in pharmaceuticals, where he utilised his chemistry degree as a Lab Technician before making an unexpected switch to manufacturing, and the rest, as they say, is history.   

When he’s not at work, Doug, and his wife Tania, can often be found tinkering around with old cars. Doug’s love for hot rods began after visiting a show with his grandfather at the age of 13 and has only grown stronger over the years. Both Doug and Tania are key members of the Ignitors Hot Rod Club and often spend their weekends taking the cars to different parts of the country for various shows and events. 

Nick Matthews, South Island Sales Team Lead

As a trade qualified carpenter, Nick Matthews knows better than most all that goes into keeping a building site running smoothly. 

Nick brings a wealth of practical experience to his new role, and with that comes the ability to offer priceless additional expert technical support to those using Winstone Wallboard products. 

Nick spent 14 years in the New Zealand Army before qualifying as a carpenter and discovering his passion for training and apprenticeships. After spending almost a decade as New Zealand Certified Builders Association’s Membership and Technical Manager, Nick was delighted to get the opportunity to join the Winstone Wallboards family late last year. 

“I always thought the company gave a lot back to the industry, in a way that maybe a lot of people don’t see - but from my old role, I could.” 

Despite no longer working directly with apprentices, Nick’s passion for upskilling and encouraging those new to the trade sector has not diminished. Nick is a member of the BCITO Carpentry National Advisory Group (NAG) and a trustee for NZCB Apprentice Trust. 

A father to three boys, Nick and his wife Anna are long-time rugby fans and have spent many weekends stationed on the sidelines cheering their boys on. When he’s not spending time with family, or traveling the world with Anna, there’s a good chance Nick can be found on a golf course, chipping away at his handicap.