About Alton Drilling

Cory Ibbotson

CEO

Cory is the dynamic CEO and owner of Alton Drilling. With over two decades of experience in engineering, operations, and strategic management, Cory has been pivotal in driving the company's growth and innovation, establishing Alton Drilling as a leader in the industry.

Under his leadership, Alton Drilling has successfully expanded its global operations by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and maintaining a strong commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. Cory's strategic vision is centered on achieving operational excellence while building robust partnerships with clients, stakeholders and local communities.

Cory is proud of the exceptional team he has built, achieving a level of success never before seen in New Zealand's drilling industry history.

Sarah Keenan

Executive Assistant

Since joining Alton Drilling in 2018, Sarah has been instrumental in the company's growth, particularly in enhancing our human resources and operations administration. In her current role as Executive Assistant, she provides critical support to the CEO and management team, playing a pivotal role in driving the effective execution of strategic goals and business objectives.

Sarah leads the administration team, offering guidance and leadership to ensure that all administrative processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with Alton Drilling's high standards. Her commitment to maintaining organisational excellence is evident in her daily interactions and management practices.

with a rich understanding of Alton's business operations, Sarah is well connected and knowlegeable across all facets of the company. She ensures that our team members embody the values that define Alton Drilling, fostering a cohesive and values driven workplace culture.

Sarah's dedication and professionalism make her an invaluable asset to Alton Drilling. Her efforts not only support our current initiatives but also contribute significantly to the company's long term success.

Kelvin Trask

Contracts Manager

Bringing a wealth of experience to the role since joining the company in 2009. With a robust background in the drilling industry that dates back to 2005, Kelvin has developed a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and requirements involved in managing contracts within this dynamic sector.

Kelvin is responsible for overseeing existing customer contracts and ensuring that they are executed efficiently and to high standards. He is also adept at quoting for new projects, leveraging his expertise to provide accurate and competitive proposals that meet client needs.

Kelvin's attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction make him an essential asset to the Alton Drilling team. His proactive approach to contract management not only strengthens client relationships but also supports the company's continued growth and success in the industry.

Fabian Harley

North Island Operations Manager

Fabian serves as the North Island Operations Manager, brining 20 years of experience in the drilling sector. He has focused primarily on exploration surface projects, both within New Zealand and around the globe. His diverse project portfolio includes a variety of methodologies such as geo-tech, seismic, coal exploration and deep hole diamond exploration.

In his role, Fabian is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of Alton Drilling's North Island operations meet the highest standards of quality and safety, in alignment with both client expectations and company protocols.

Fabian's extensive industry knowledge and proactive leadership style enable him to navigate challenges effectively, contributing on the successful completion of projects while maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Chris Carter

South Island Operations Manager

Chris brings with him 16 years of extensive experience in the drilling industry. Over the years, he has been actively involved in a wide array of projects across New Zealand, including mineral and coal exploration, geo-tech and heli geo-tech drilling, oil and gas operations, seismic and heli-seismic and water bore installations. Chris has also played a crucial role in successfully completing a challenging remote project in Fiji, further showcasing his adaptability and expertise in diverse environments.

In his current role, Chris oversees Alton Drilling's South Island Operations, where he is hands on in managing multiple drilling projects. His strong presence on-site ensures effective project execution, adherence to safety protocols, and the optimal use of resources. Chris's dedication to operational excellence and his commitment to team leadership foster a collaborative environment that drives success in every project he undertakes.

With a keen focus on quality and efficiency, Chris is known for his ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results. His passion for the drilling industry, combined with his extensive experience, positions him as a valuable asset to the Alton Drilling team and the clients we serve. Whether coordinating logistics, ensuring safety, or mentoring team members, Chris remains committed to driving innovation and excellence in drilling operations throughout the South Island.

Ralph Keenan

Senior Training Manager

Ralph brings over 40 years of extensive experience in the drilling industry. His vast expertise spans various drilling methods, including geotechnicle, exploration, geothermal well control, and site investigation, making him a highly respected authority in the field.

With a deep understanding of safety practices and risk analysis systems, ensuring that training programs align with industry standards and best practices. His commitment to fostering a culture of safety is complemented by his qualifications: he is certified in Drilling Operations, A qualified NZQA Workplace Assessor, and a registered MITO NZ Workplace Assessor in ono-hydrocarbon drilling.

In his role, Ralph is dedicated to developing comprehensive training initiatives that enhance the skills and knowledge of Alton Drilling's workforce. His passion for education and commitment to excellence play a vital role in equipping team members with the tools they need to excel in a safety conscious industry. Ralph's leadership and expertise are instrumental in maintaining Alton Drilling's reputation for training and operational excellence.

Aiden Stace

Senior Health & Safety Advisor

Bringing a wealth of experience since he begun his career in the drilling industry in 2014. Initially working as a qualified driller in the geotechnical and exploration sectors, Aiden transitioned into the Safety Advisor role at Alton Drilling in 2021, furthering his commitment to enhancing workplace safety.

Aiden has actively expanded his expertise, obtaining an NZ Certificate in Workplace Health & Safety (Level 4), along with certification as a Workplace Trainer & Workplace Assessor. His comprehensive knowledge of safety protocols and risk management strategies positions him as a vital resource within the organisation.

Driven by his passion for health, Safety, and training, Aiden travels extensivly accross the country to support Alton Drilling's teams at various sites. He plays a crucial role in the development of hazard management processes and rick control measures. Aiden's dedication to fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvements is instrumental in ensuring the well being of all team members, reinforcing Alton Drilling's commitment to health and safety practices.

Rachel Corbett

Occupational Health Nurse (Registered Nurse)

With over 20 years of nursing experience, Rachel holds a Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) from the Waikato Institute of Technology, earned in 2003. Rachel's career has taken her across diverse healthcare settings in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, with a strong focus on palliative care. She has held various roles in Melbourne and Scotland, and upon returning to New Zealand, Rachel worked in hospice care in Hamilton and Hastings, including serving as Nursing Team Leader at Cranford Hospic in Hastings.

Rachel also spent two years with the New Zealand Police as a frontline constable in the Public Safety Team at the Taupo Station - a role that broadened her understanding of community health and safety from a unique perspective.

Now back nursing, Rachel is embracing the new challenges and opportunities in occupational health. Rachel is privilege to support a workforce of healthy individuals, and is passionate about understanding occupational health risks, hazard management, and the vital role these play in workplace wellbeing and safety in New Zealand.

Nathan McGowan

Workshop & Logistics Manager

With a background in automotive trades, Nathan began his mining career in Western Australia in 2005, initially working as a Light Vehicle Fitter before upskilling to a Heavy Diesel Mobile Plant Fitter. Over the years, Nathan gained hands-on experience across both underground and open-pit operations, working with a wide range of equipment including Sandvik and Atlas Copco drill rigs, Komatsu machinery, and Montabert blast rigs.

Nathan’s career has taken him from Kalgoorlie to Mongolia, and back home to New Zealand, where he’s held roles in maintenance, safety, and leadership. Before joining Alton Drilling, Nathan served as Workshop Supervisor for BGC Contracting in WA.

Nathan has been with Alton for the past 7+ years , and has been a instrumental part of the business growth.

Gaylene Jujnovich

Human Resource & Payroll Specialist

Gaylene joined the Alton Drilling team in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and practical experience in New Zealand employment and payroll legislation. With a strong background across Human Resources, Payroll, Occupational Health & Safety, and Administration, Gaylene plays a key role in supporting both our people and our business operations.

Her areas of expertise include Talent Acquisition, Payroll Management, Compensation & Benefits, Employee Relations, Performance Development, Organisational Effectiveness, and Workplace Culture. Gaylene is passionate about fostering a positive and compliant work environment, ensuring our people are supported and our processes run smoothly.

Jay Wood

Training Advisor

With over 15 years of experience in the drilling industry, primarily in exploration, Jay has a solid background in both surface and underground operations. His journey began with surface work from 2010 to 2012, followed by 11 years in underground drilling, where he specialised in mobile and stationary drill rigs.

Since 2023, as a Training Advisor, Jay travels nationwide to provide onsite support and training for our teams, focusing on personnel development and enhancing drilling processes. Jay is responsible for helping to create and overseeing training materials to meet the evolving needs of our business.

Jay holds a Certificate III in Drilling Operations from the Australian Drilling Institute and is a qualified NZQA Workplace Trainer and Assessor.