Meet the Team
Tā Edge brings together a multidisciplinary team with deep expertise. Our members have led national R&D initiatives, managed high-performing operations across Aotearoa, and delivered impactful outcomes in both public and private sectors.

Operating Partner/Director
Andrew Dawson
Ph.D, BSc (Hons)
Andrew has significant experience across the commercialisation pipeline of scientific and engineering research. Beginning his career as a PhD candidate and research scientist at Industrial Research Limited (IRL), he progressed to national leadership roles in innovation networks and technology development.
Career highlights include serving as Group Manager for IoT and Automation at Callaghan Innovation, where he led multi-disciplinary R&D teams across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch; and as Chief Operating Officer at Robotics Plus, where he oversaw operational scale-up, product commercialisation, and international market entry for advanced robotics and automation solutions.
+64 27 808 2634

Operating Partner/Director
Tim Gunther
BBus (Acc)
Tim is a seasoned supply chain executive with over 20 years of experience across domestic and international markets. He offers deep expertise in strategic procurement, global sourcing, commodity management, and contract negotiation. Known for his cross-functional leadership and vendor management skills, Tim has a strong track record in driving cost efficiencies and operational improvements. His experience spans end-to-end supply chain operations, supported by robust financial analysis capabilities.
Tim excels in delivering value through commercially sound, strategically aligned supply chain solutions across complex environments.
tim@taedge.co.nz
+64 21 748 488

Director
Emma Gardiner
MBA, BDes, BA, Chartered Director (IoD)
Emma (Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāi te Rangi) is an experienced executive and governance leader with a grounding in Māori economic development. She prides herself on being an impact player, leading measurable shifts within an organisation and securing strategic partnerships to progress priority projects. Emma has extensive experience in organisational reviews, improvement programmes, business case writing and capital raising.
Emma is currently the Chair of Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust, a Director on Te Kīwai Mauī o Ngāruahine (investment entity) and a Director on Oriens Capital Fund 1.

Business coordinator/Director
Ginner Gunther
BEng, GradDipTchg
Ginnier holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, and is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. She brings a unique blend of technical, educational, and cross-cultural expertise to her role at Tā Edge, where she provides business coordination support, with a focus on procurement and interpretation. Ginnier is known for her attention to detail, clear communication, and ability to bridge language and cultural gaps.
Ginnier also contributes to her community through volunteer work with her church and Bibles for New Zealand.

