James Lunday is Managing Director of South Pacific Energy Resources, leading the company’s vision to deliver circular economy infrastructure, waste recovery solutions and regional decarbonisation outcomes across New Zealand and Australia.
An internationally recognised planner and urban designer, James brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience spanning urban regeneration, strategic planning, infrastructure delivery and sustainability innovation. His career has been defined by shaping complex projects that create long-term economic, environmental and community value.
Prior to joining South Pacific Energy Resources, James held senior executive roles including General Manager of Regenerate Christchurch, where he led major post-earthquake regeneration programmes across the city centre and residential red zone areas, and General Manager Planning and Design for the City of Greater Geelong in Victoria, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional cities.
Alongside his public sector leadership experience, James has worked extensively across the private sector, including leading sustainability-focused investment initiatives associated with entrepreneur and philanthropist Stephen Tindall. These ventures explored emerging circular economy opportunities, including forestry waste-to-bioplastics, bio-based manufacturing and natural product technologies.
James combines strategic vision with practical delivery expertise, bringing together planning, infrastructure, investment and environmental innovation to unlock opportunities that might otherwise remain unrealised. His work consistently focuses on creating resilient communities, supporting regional development and accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.
He holds First Class Honours degrees in both Arts and Planning, a Diploma of Architecture, and a Master of Arts in Urban Design with Distinction from Oxford Brookes University. He is a registered urban designer, a principal member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), and a member of the Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ).
At South Pacific Energy Resources, James is focused on building projects and partnerships that transform waste streams into valuable resources, deliver meaningful environmental outcomes and create lasting benefits for future generations.