Tell us about your background.

I am qualified in Diagnostic Imaging and Emergency Medical procedures  but when I arrived in New Zealand it was time for a change

For over 16 years now I have worked in the horticultural industry

I started working part time on a kiwifruit and citrus orchard in Kerikeri and part time in the local packhouse

So I soon learnt both perspectives

When I started we were growing good old Hort16A but it wasn’t long before I had to upskill on grafting to convert over to the current Sungold variety

We grow 3 types of mandarins, giving us a nice spread of early and later harvesting crops, and a later season Navel orange

These citrus crops we grow, harvest, pack and market ourselves

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What do you do now?

Orchard Manager – 7 ha Kiwifruit and 3 ha citrus

How did you get that role? What was the pathway to that?

I felt like a change of career and simply fell into it through friends

It was a lifestyle choice

What’s the best thing about your role?

Practical hands on management!

I love being out in the orchard, there’s a sense of achievement as you see things coming to life in Spring or the fruit sizing or changing color.

I enjoy my industry involvement too and have been extremely lucky with the opportunities I have been given in this area

And I enjoy being an advocate for the Growers in my region and also for the Growers in my Entity

Do you travel much for the role ?

I travel a little more now for grower advocacy for my industry involvement yes.