Mike Sahayam

Junior Vice-President, Treasurer, Board Member

Mike Sahayam has been a Trade Waste Officer for the past 18 years. For 14 years he worked for Palmerston North City Council as both a Trade Waste Officer and a Compliance Officer. Last 4 and half years he has worked for the Tauranga City Council as a trade waste specialist. 

Mike has a science background, studied Chemistry at Massey University and later working at Massey University for 15 years as a Technician and Tutor in the Department of Technology and Engineering. He was involved in the wastewater chemistry and microbiology programs as well as teaching meat microbiology and meat chemistry to meat industry leaders.

At Palmerston North City Council, Mike was involved not only monitoring and managing incoming trade waste but also working with industries to improve the quality of effluent they discharge.  Stormwater investigations, Backflow prevention program management as well as harvesting and managing the landfill gas to convert it to biogas was part of the role.  Mike was involved in developing PNCC’s new wastewater discharge consent.

His own research interest during his university days was looking at how drinking moderate amounts of red wine had some health benefits and which NZ wines were best for this reason.  NZ Pinot Noir or Merlot are one of the best for health reasons if consumed moderately.  Mike enjoys football and hopes to make it to Anfield, Liverpool to watch his favourite team play before retirement.