Having initially gained a qualification as an automotive engineer, Todd moved into business management whilst also spending 12 years as a volunteer firefighter. Realising the opportunities that existed in the fire industry, Todd turned his volunteering into a career and spent 25 years employed by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (formally New Zealand Fire Service) in numerous roles amassing a total of 37 years’ experience in the fire sector.

Most of Todd’s career has been in the Risk Reduction and Fire Investigations area where he carried out cause and origin investigations in the built environment, checked building compliance, processed Evacuation Scheme Applications, and provided advice/education around risk reduction initiatives and human behavior in relation to structure fire risk.Todd’s ability to clearly communicate his findings in relation to matters of compliance and investigation outcomes has been demonstrated through authored reports, presentations, and where appropriate working with the media. Todd has also represented his findings in various judicial settings including the Coroners Court, criminal cases in the District Court, and he has been an expert witness in the High Court of New Zealand. Todd has also represented Fire and Emergency New Zealand on the Fire Protection Association Council and the Australasian Fire Authorities Council Fire Investigation Network and Community Safety Group. While Todd’s career path has seen him specialising in built environment fire origin and cause investigations, his experience as an Automotive Engineer and Business Manager enables him to apply his investigative expertise to all forms of loss and failure.