Meet the team
PJ Thomas — Director
With 20 years in planning, environmental management, and sustainability, PJ brings genuine practitioner depth to recruitment. He's worked across many of New Zealand's major infrastructure projects and programme builds, giving him a sharp understanding of the capability and judgement needed to deliver in complex environments.
PJ brings a highly trusted circle of talented professionals built over two decades. He knows who's good, who delivers, and who fits. That insight allows him to connect organisations with exceptional people quickly and confidently.
Commercially minded and partnership-focused, PJ works closely with clients to understand their pressures, priorities, and long-term goals.
Sven Exeter — Director
With 20 years in planning and sustainability, Sven knows exactly what great talent looks like because he's worked in the roles himself. He has led major resource consent processes, acted as an expert witness, and delivered sustainability and climate-resilience projects across New Zealand's largest infrastructure programmes — giving him the technical insight to assess candidates with real accuracy.
Sven now brings that practitioner depth into recruitment. Backed by a strong, trusted network of high-calibre planning, environmental, and sustainability professionals, he connects organisations with people who can deliver from day one.
As an NZPI Full Member, Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professional, and IAP2-trained practitioner, he offers clients a rare combination of credibility, sector knowledge, and a sharp eye for genuine capability.
Our Vision
Our vision is to have a meaningful impact on New Zealand's taiao — environment and economy by connecting likeminded organisations with talented and passionate professionals.
Through this we create opportunity... opportunity for our environment to be enhanced and protected and opportunity for our people to develop, grow and prosper.
Developing long-term partnerships is core to what we do. Partnerships enable us to align the values of candidate talent and clients so organisations can achieve maximum impact.
Let us help you find your Next Green opportunity.
From Industry for Industry
We have over 60 years experience working as recruitment, sustainability, environmental management, property and planning professionals.
Unlike other recruitment consultancies, we understand the unique skills and experience required to deliver in our market. Our collective experience enables us to connect your organisation with the right candidate within our extensive network.
Our Values and Principles
Developing long-term and meaningful relationships with our clients and candidates is central to understanding each other's values and sharing those values so we can find a workplace where people are valued.
Everyday we want to continually improve the way we do business, aiming to provide best in class service and unparalleled value for our clients and candidates, and become the 'go to' recruiter in our specialist areas.
Like all Kiwis, we enjoy the outdoors and want to see our awa, roto, moana and ngahere thrive. Next Green also wants to improve the health and wellbeing of our tangata - people. We want to help create a legacy for New Zealand, rangatahi and future generations.
Positively impact the environment and society through direct donations to organisations or programmes who deal with environmental and social issues on a daily basis, have an intimate understanding of the issues at hand, and do the mahi.
Amotai Suppliers
We are proud to be an Amotai-registered business because it reflects our commitment to supporting Maori and Pasifika economic development and contributing to a more inclusive, equitable Aotearoa. Being part of Amotai connects us with like-minded organisations that value supplier diversity, authentic relationships, and long-term, sustainable outcomes.
For us, it's more than a certification — it's a responsibility. It means showing up with integrity, honouring Te Tiriti principles, and helping create opportunities that strengthen communities and build intergenerational wellbeing. We're proud to stand alongside Amotai and play our part in a more prosperous and resilient future for Aotearoa.