Why We Started OwtSmart

Compliance made simple,
for everyone involved.

OwtSmart was founded on a simple idea: septic system owners should have an easy way to know whether their system is healthy and performing as it should.

Our team brings together expertise in wastewater, engineering, technology, strategy, business, and communications, united by a shared goal of making septic system management simpler, smarter and more proactive.

Too often, septic systems fail without warning because records are scattered, maintenance is overlooked, and owners have little visibility of their system's condition. OwtSmart changes that by bringing servicing, inspections, maintenance records, monitoring, and compliance information together in one place.

Our mission is to help prevent septic system failures, make maintenance easier, and give owners confidence that the infrastructure beneath their feet is doing its job.

Looking ahead, we believe OwtSmart can help support a nationally consistent approach to septic system performance across New Zealand, including the future development of a septic system Warrant of Fitness (WoF). By working alongside homeowners, service providers, councils and regulators, we're helping move septic management from reactive to proactive, for healthier systems, healthier waterways and better outcomes for everyone.

Our Team

Meet the Minds Behind Our Mastery
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Clint Cantrell
CSO

Clint has somehow managed to build a career around things most people try very hard not to think about: wastewater and septic tanks. He is on a personal mission to make wastewater infrastructure smarter, simpler, and better for the environments we all live in.

After more than 30 years working on wastewater projects across the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, he knows a thing or two about keeping water flowing in the right direction. He's led some of New Zealand's largest wastewater planning projects, co-owns an engineering consultancy (SCO Consulting), and somehow still found time to co-build and operate an off-grid eco-retreat in Tonga, where his office occasionally includes humpback whales and white sand beaches.

Originally from Florida, Clint moved to New Zealand in 2007 and now proudly calls it home. When he isn't designing wastewater solutions, you'll probably find him behind a drum kit, singing with friends, fixing something with an engine, or convincing people that septic systems really can be interesting.

Engineer by profession. Island resort owner by choice. Drummer whenever the neighbours will tolerate it...

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Gareth Williams
CEO

Gareth is the CEO of OwtSmart, where he is focused on making on-site wastewater management smarter, simpler, and more transparent for homeowners, service providers and regulators.

Originally from Wales, Gareth moved to New Zealand nearly 25 years ago and now proudly calls it home - although his accent and unwavering loyalty to Welsh rugby remain firmly intact.

He is also the Managing Director of GWE Consulting, leading a team of 40 engineers and scientists delivering water, wastewater, environmental, and geotechnical projects across New Zealand and the Pacific. With 25 years' experience across Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific, Gareth specialises in innovative on-site and decentralised water and wastewater systems for communities and locations where conventional infrastructure isn't the right fit.

Engineer by profession. Wastewater advocate by necessity. Welsh rugby supporter through good years, bad years, and everything in between.

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Hannah Cantrell
COO

As Chief Operating Officer, Hannah helps bring the different parts of OwtSmart together and keeps things moving behind the scenes.

With a background in environmental science and seven years helping run a small New Zealand based consultancy, Hannah is passionate about finding practical solutions that make a real difference. She loves working with communities and is excited by OwtSmart's potential to make managing on-site wastewater systems easier while delivering better environmental outcomes for everyone.

A natural problem solver who enjoys a good puzzle, Hannah thrives on the variety that comes with building a growing business and is always looking for smarter ways to turn big ideas into reality.

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David Wylie
CTO

As Chief Technology Officer, David leads OwtSmart's technology strategy, helping turn innovative ideas into practical digital solutions that make managing on-site wastewater systems simpler, smarter, and more effective.

With more than 35 years' experience in engineering, renewable energy, and digital technology across New Zealand, Australia, the UK, the US, and India, David has spent his career developing innovative solutions to environmental and infrastructure challenges. From founding successful renewable energy businesses to leading digital transformation and AI initiatives, he is passionate about combining engineering, software, data, and artificial intelligence to create products that deliver real value while improving community and environmental outcomes.

David enjoys bringing together talented people from different disciplines to build new products and businesses. When he's not exploring the latest technology, you'll usually find him sailing, flying light aircraft, scuba diving, or exploring New Zealand on his motorcycle.

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Jack Cantrell
HEAD OF MARKETING

As Head of Marketing, Jack drives our marketing efforts, brand positioning, and revenue growth. In addition, Jack helps out in the background with our website and app design.

Originally from the US, Jack has grown up in New Zealand. After completing his Bachelor's degree at Victoria in Wellington, he moved back up to Auckland and has been working in marketing and advertising for the past 5 years. He is passionate about bringing OwtSmart to a wider audience, and while he does not come from a scientific or engineering background, he cares deeply about environmental projects.

Outside of OwtSmart, Jack spends his time playing and watching sports, watching and making movies, and listening to music. Jack is creative to his core, and brings this passion to our team.