About Gary
Biography
Gary enjoyed 20 years in the New Zealand Police, serving as a Detective for most of that time.
Working for an international human rights organisation, Gary spent four years investigating cases of modern slavery around the world, working undercover inside criminal networks trafficking women and children into the commercial sex industry. His work was the subject of several local and international documentaries including TVNZ Undercover Rescue, Dateline NBC: Children For Sale and 60 Minutes.
He subsequently founded and directed a New Zealand organization, documenting cases of sex trafficking in the Asia-Pacific region. The evidence gathered was used to facilitate the rescue of the victims and the prosecution of the perpetrators involved.
Using a pseudonym for legal and security reasons, Gary authored a book which recounts his experiences. He also vulnerably communicated some of the personal toll of this work in a variety of forums including TEDx Christchurch.
Gary applied the learning and experience from his policing and human rights background to his role as Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for outdoor brand Kathmandu, leading the business to respond to their supply chain challenges as an authentic expression of their identity and values.
As Social Impact Manager for KMD Brands, Gary expanded his influence to include Australian brand Rip Curl and American brand Oboz, implementing best practices and a mindset that positioned the company as a recognised global example of sustainable business and a leader within the B Corp movement.
With Deloitte, Gary co-founded The Collaborative Advantage, a working group of New Zealand and Australian business professionals who share insights and drive collective action to collaboratively address social and environmental challenges common to all.
Gary was appointed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to serve on the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group, providing guidance and expertise to the New Zealand Government as they formulate a legislative and culturally appropriate response to Modern Slavery.
Working within the public, non-profit and private sectors as well as across numerous cultures and nations has provided him with a unique perspective on those factors that facilitate positive and sustainable social, cultural and economic transformation. He currently works as a Modern Slavery & Sustainability Consultant, speaker and corporate trainer.
Gary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology from Canterbury University in Christchurch, New Zealand; a Master of Science in Economic and Community Development from Eastern University, Philadelphia, USA; and an Inner MBA from LinkedIn, Wisdom 2.0, Sounds True and Mindful NYU.
