Our Team
PETER BIRKETT
DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
ALISHA BLACK
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Peter Birkett founded Instep in 2006 after returning to New Zealand from several years of living and working in Hong Kong and across Asia.
He brings more than 40 years of experience in the international specialist chemical industries. He gained first-hand insight into the environmental and sustainability challenges faced by businesses worldwide. This depth of experience spans operational “ground level” roles through to boardroom leadership and engagement at government level, providing a comprehensive understanding of how environmental responsibilities intersect with commercial realities.
With a strong commitment to minimising environmental impact, Peter recognises that environmental monitoring and reporting must be undertaken accurately, professionally, and with minimal disruption to day-to-day business operations. Instep was established to help organisations meet these obligations efficiently while maintaining business continuity.
Today, Instep supports businesses of all sizes and sectors in navigating the environmental challenges of the modern commercial landscape.
Based in Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula—home to what has been voted New Zealand’s best beach—the company operates in a community where environmental sustainability is not only a professional focus, but a deeply held personal value.
Alisha Black is the Scientific Technical Director, bringing a strong foundation of scientific expertise and international compliance to the success of the Instep programmes and consulting services. Scientific credibility and adherence to all International Standards are central to her leadership, ensuring every programme meets rigorous global benchmarks.
She completed her MSc in Biology at the University of Auckland, specialising in Molecular Genetics and Environmental Science. Her career has spanned both laboratory and field-based roles, where she has undertaken comprehensive air, water, and odour testing.
Over the past 14 years, Alisha has led the creation and development of the highly successful Instep Carbon and Sustainability Programmes, establishing them as trusted frameworks for environmental performance and sustainable impact.
MARGARET BIRKETT
FINANCIAL MANAGER
Margaret Birkett is Instep’s Financial Manager, bringing extensive experience in both education and administration to her role.
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Margaret began her career in education, teaching for many years in England, Hong Kong, and New Zealand. She later transitioned into educational administration, where she was responsible for budgets, payroll, and student enrolments.​ Most recently, Margaret has held the roles of Careers, Gateway and STAR Administrator, as well as International Student Manager, further strengthening her expertise in financial management and organisational support within the education sector.
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At Instep, she applies this experience to oversee financial operations and manage administrative processes, ensuring the organisation runs smoothly and effectively.
ANGELICA MATA-JAMILAN
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Angelica Mata-Jamilan brings a unique blend of education, sustainability expertise, and strategic insight to her role as Business Development Manager. By profession, she is a teacher based in the Philippines, but her passion for sustainability led her to pursue a Master’s in Sustainability Management at both Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia and the University of Agder in Norway. Her global academic experience shapes her approach to creating sustainable, innovative, and impactful business solutions.
With diverse experience spanning the academe, NGOs, and corporate reporting, Angel excels in building partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, and driving strategic initiatives that align with sustainability goals. In her current role, she leads business development efforts, fostering relationships, designing strategies, and ensuring that the company’s growth is both responsible and forward-thinking.
