I am the Packhouse Operations Manager at Orangewood Packhouse which is located in the sunny Bay of Islands. I hold a Level 4 Certificate in Horticulture, and a 2018 Hort NZ leadership programme graduate and have been with Orangewood since 2008.

I am responsible for the performance of the Packing, Quality and Export operations and systems of Orangewood Ltd. I provide strong leadership to all packhouse staff to support them in carrying out their roles.

I am responsible for forecasts, planning, and coordinating kiwifruit and avocado packing capacities and capabilities vs harvest volumes to ensure that our Grower’s fruit is packed as timely as possible, and in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

Originally from Whakatane, my partner and I needed a change from hospitality so bought a van and travelled the country for a year. In 2004 we ended up in Kerikeri pruning kiwifruit and enjoyed the work so much that we both established careers in horticulture.

When time allows, I enjoy fishing, gardening, playing with our 3 English Staffies and taking long drives in our 1965 Chevy Impala.