Optimise is based in Motueka.  The shift to the Nelson/Tasman area in 2008 sees the Optimise office settling back in the South Island - having operated from 2000 in Christchurch and then in Rotorua from 2002.  It is intended that our New Zealand wide services will continue to be provided from this beautiful central location for many years.

Optimise has carried out ergonomics consultancy work in fields including the entertainment industry (casino), sawmilling, meat industry, warehousing, health services, service industries, food production, various manufacturing areas, a wide range of corporate and office environments, and the travel industry, and participated in product design projects. Optimise has carried out ergonomics consultancy work in fields including the entertainment industry (casino), sawmilling, meat industry, warehousing, health services, service industries, food production, various manufacturing areas, a wide range of corporate and office environments, and the travel industry, and participated in product design projects.  Optimise has worked with other ergonomics consultancy and research groups on a range of projects including port machine operation, the development of the (2010) ‘Guidelines for Using Computers’ ACC and DoL document (add link), the development of resources and training for the prevention and management of discomfort, pain and injury (with ACC), musculoskeletal disorders in sawmills; home office environments; injury and health and safety issues in farm forestry; the design of workstations for central sterile supply (hospital) operations; and the design of office furniture and equipment.  Marion continues to work with the ACC Discomfort, Pain and Injury Prevention Programme to assist with resource development and training, and provides training in using computers under the ‘Optimise YOU’ banner.


Marion Edwin, CNZErg
Dip OT (1987), Dip Erg (1999), MErg (2005)

Marion is the Director of Optimise Ltd, and the Principal Ergonomist. She is a Certified New Zealand Ergonomist.

Marion became a Certified New Zealand Ergonomist (CNZErg) in August 2004, following qualification as an Associate New Zealand Ergonomist in November 2001. She has a background in occupational therapy, predominantly in roles assisting injured or otherwise disabled workers to remain in or return to the workforce. Her interest in ergonomics began early in her occupational therapy career and lead to completion of the post-graduate Diploma in Ergonomics through Massey University in 1999, and then a Master of Ergonomics in 2005.

Marion has strong professional commitment demonstrated by her participation in various roles within the NZ Ergonomics Society - Treasurer, President, Secretary, and Conference Organising Committees - between 1997 and 2002. From 2002-2006 she was convenor of the Board for Certification of NZ Ergonomists (BCNZE), and from 2005 - 2009 held the position as editor of Ergonomics New Zealand, swapping this role for that of Convenor of the 2010 NZES Conference. 'In 2009 Marion was the recipient of the NZ Ergonomics  Society's 'President's Award, recognising her contributions to the  advancement of ergonomics in NZ over many years. Marion participates in ergonomics peer development forums, and presents regularly at ergonomics and other conferences. Marion also maintains a commitment to the professional supervision and support of occupational therapists and other occupational health professionals working in vocational fields that may be aligned with the work of an ergonomist.

Sue Alexander, Associate NZErg
PGDipErg, ADP (OMT), Dip Phty

Sue is an Associate Ergonomist with Optimise Ltd. She is also an Associate New Zealand Ergonomist.

Sue became an Associate New Zealand Ergonomist in September 2006. She has a background in physiotherapy. She completed the Advanced Diploma of Physiotherapy (Orthopaedic Manual Therapy) in 1989. Sue’s interest in ergonomics arose from her work with the prevention and management of back and other work-related injuries, and she completed the Post-Graduate Diploma in Ergonomics through Massey University in 2002. Sue has special interest and expertise in manual handling, particularly in healthcare and the handling of patients.

Sue has been an active member of the NZ Ergonomics Society since 1990, including service on the national committee, holding the position of Convenor and as a Board Member of the Board for Certification of NZ Ergonomists, conference organising committees, and as regional group co-ordinator.  She regularly attends and presents at conferences around Australasia, and participates in peer support and professional development forums.