Meet the Team
Leadership +
Contact Details
Simon Bowker
CEO
Phone: 07 549 1745
Mobile: 027 573 8333
Email: simon.bowker@humepack.co.nz
Starting out in the industry in 2006 working for a private growing, packing and coolstore company I caught the kiwifruit bug and haven’t looked back. Building on my practical experience and grow my understanding I completed a Certificate in Horticulture Level 4, Diploma in Horticulture with Lincoln University, Fruit Production for Profit at the BOP Polytech and the Hort NZ Leadership program in 2015.
I have spent a number of years in orchard management which has given me a good grounding before moving in to post-harvest operations and continuing to expand my industry knowledge. Now with a young family my Wife and I are invested in the industry growing both Green and Gold and we are commited to the industry and it's future in the years to come.
Contact Details
Nav Singh
General Manager - Post Harvest
Phone: 07 549 1747
Mobile: 027 886 2723
Email: nav.singh@humepack.co.nz
I grew up in Katikati and my 16 year career in the Kiwifruit industry started as an after school job. I studied Business Management after college and worked my way up within the industry quickly and have held management roles from the ripe age of just 21 years old.
One my biggest achievements so far is turning around a 3 million tray site to one that was pumping out 8 million in the space of just six years.
When I'm not working I enjoy playing golf and cricket as well as spending time with my wife and two boys.
Contact Details
Simon Penness
Financial Controller
Phone: 07 549 1746
Email: simon.penness@humepack.co.nz
Originally from the UK, I have been in New Zealand for the last 12 years and have been involved in the kiwifruit industry since my arrival. Prior to moving to New Zealand, I studied at the University of East Anglia then trained as a chartered accountant, leading finance teams in a range of business sectors.
Outside of work I have the kiwi lifestyle block with avocados along with my wife, Margaret, and son and daughter (who has now moved to Ireland). We have a number of animals including two errant goats my wife rescued.
Contact Details
Alistair Grant
External Operations Manager
Mobile: 022 380 1638
Email: alistair.grant@humepack.co.nz
After completing a degree in Agriculture at Massey University, I moved to Te Puke and spent four years working for Turners and Growers as an export rep. During that time I experienced the highs and lows of the industry including multiple desk selling and the 87 share market crash. Returning from an extensive 2 year OE, I re-entered the kiwifruit industry working on orchards in Te Puke. Marriage, two children and a twenty five year career growing commercial roses has once again seen a return to kiwifruit…………
The industry today presents a far bigger, more complex and dynamic environment and I welcome the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Contact Details
Ollie Hoare
Grower Services Manager
Phone: 07 549 1011
Email: ollie.hoare@humepack.co.nz
I grew up in Te Puke and worked in both orchards and the packhouse throughout my school years. I went on to study international business and finance in Wellington, then lived all around NZ including Auckland, Tauranga, Queenstown and Wānaka.
After spending time working in commercial banking, a return to kiwifruit was the right move in 2018 which would lay the foundations for a professional career in the industry. Since then, I’ve continued to upskill including a Horticulture Certificate and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme in 2023.
I’ve travelled to many parts of the world and enjoy the perspective and adventure this brings. I’m a people person through and through and enjoy the challenge of business to create value for people, planet and profit. Outside of work I enjoy the great outdoors, golf and cricket, as well as being social with those around me.
Contact Details
Jimi Williams
People & Culture Manager
Phone: 07 549 1011 Ext 234
Mobile: 021 8764 731
Email: jimi.williams@humepack.co.nz
A Tauranga local who is passionate about the great outdoors which we are spoilt for in the beautiful BOP. Whether it be in the waves at the Mount, wake boarding on the lakes around Rotorua or in the bush in the Kaimais.
My background is in leadership and people development in the Hospitality, Tourism and Retail industries, however, like most other locals some of my first jobs were picking, packing, thinning or pruning after school or during my time at the BOP Polytech.
I live with my wife and 3 amazing kids at The Mount and you’ll often find me chasing them down the beach or practicing writing on the sand.
Grower Services +
Contact Details
Aimee Barker-Gilbert
Technical & Communications Manager
Mobile 021 895 415
Email: aimee.barker-gilbert@humepack.co.nz
I was born and raised in the North King Country on a sheep and beef farm before moving to Katikati in early 2015. I have been involved in the kiwifruit industry ever since, working in both the orchard and post-harvest operations throughout the year.
I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from the University of Canterbury and completed the Level 2 National Certificate in Horticulture through Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology.
My husband and I live in Katikati and when we're not knee deep in the Kiwifruit world we are busy making memories with our two young kids.
Contact Details
Brian Pepper
Grower Services Representative
Mobile 027 270 4685
Email: brian.pepper@humepack.co.nz
Like many people who grew up in Tauranga I earnt most of my years pocket money by picking and packing kiwifruit in the May school holidays and Kiwifruit jobs continued to help my finances while I attended Massey University.
After graduating with a Business Studies Degree in Marketing, I sold confectionary and then office equipment before becoming involved in Gisborne fruit and produce marketing company First Fresh. For twenty- two years I marketed fruit and although specialising in Persimmons and Citrus I came into contact with most of the produce grown in the Gisborne area.
Most recently my wife and I have been rearing Cattle in the Waikato but the Pacific Ocean has lured us back to the coast so we can resume a lifestyle that has more sun, surf and fishing. We have three adult sons and still have a link to Gisborne through a small orchard that produces Meyer Lemons and a new variety of seedless Eureka Lemon.
Contact Details
Todd Hardie
Grower Services Representative
Mobile: 027 540 7898
Email: todd.hardie@humepack.co.nz
I was born in Tauranga and have been in and around the kiwifruit industry for most of my life.
I spent a number of years living in Sydney and London, during which time I travelled extensively, and primarily worked in customer service and Sales roles in various industries.
Upon returning home in 2011, I got involved in Kiwifruit and have thoroughly enjoyed this ever evolving, dynamic Industry for 12 years now.
When not working, my number one priority is spending time with my amazing wife and two boys. I also love the outdoors, sport and music.
Contact Details
Mandeep Singh Bumrah
Grower Services Representative
Mobile: 021 045 6571
Email: mandeep.singh@humepack.co.nz
I came from India back in 2008 and I have been in the kiwifruit industry almost 12 years now! I started as a general labourer, now I am proud to be a part of Hume Pack-N-Cool as a Grower Services Represenative. I am a easy going person, I value other people's cultural values & emotions so its very easy to get along with me. I hold a bachelor's degree in Arts and also hold Horticulture diploma level 5.
When i'm not working I love spending my time around my family and I love cricket!
Orchard Services +
I commenced working for Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd in May of 2015 as an Orchard Cadet. I am now an Orchard Manager, and after a stint in Katikati, I live rurally on an Avocado orchard with my wife and two kids.
I grew up in Waihi Beach and was an aluminium joiner for 4 years before taking my brother in-law's advice and joined the kiwifruit industry. I thoroughly enjoy working at Hume, learning new things every day.
When I'm not growing kiwifruit, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching both rugby and league. Up the Wahs!
Contact Details
Geordie Waldron
Orchard Manager
Mobile: 021 081 14477
Email: geordie.waldron@humepack.co.nz
I grew up in Mount Maunganui before moving to Katikati at the age of seven. I attended Matahui School and then went on to Katikati College where I found my passion for the Kiwifruit industry whilst studying horticulture.
In 2016 I started working in a packhouse in Katikati where I was given the opportunity to progress into a Cadetship, completing the NZ Certificate in Horticulture and Fruit Production levels 3 and 4 at Toi Ohomai. I continued my Cadetship under Hume Pack-N-Cool in 2018, going on to achieve Fruit Production for Profit at level 5. This has since led me to become an Orchard Manager at the age of 21 and I am now planning on getting my Diploma.
I love being outdoors surrounded by nature and learning every day all whilst “growing” my knowledge.
I have been in the kiwifruit industry for the last 35 years and bring a wealth of experience and industry relationships to my role at Hume. Over recent years, I have operated my own kiwifruit contracting business as well as running my own kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke.
I hope my cheerful personality and can do attitude will hold me in good stead with our growers and will greatly complement our young enthusiastic Orchard Operations team
Contact Details
Leon Cameron
Contracting Services
& Packaging Manager
Mobile: 027 435 5233
Email: leon.cameron@humepack.co.nz
I come from a farming background, was a builder for 10 years and have been involved in the Kiwifruit Industry on and off for the past 34 years. I have worked for Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd for the past 14 years and am involved in the Orchard, Packhouse and Coolstore sides of the business.
Contact Details
Lynn Jones
External Operations Coordinator
Phone: 027 232 2878
Email: lynn.jones@humepack.co.nz
I joined Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd in 2018 & work alongside our Orchard Managers, Contracting & Grower Services teams.
I have lived locally for many years with my children attending local schools.
With a background in finance, administration and event coordination I highly value contributing to a team that offers a high level of service in a friendly & efficient manner.
Postharvest Management +
Contact Details
Chris Clement
Site Manager
Mobile: 027 217 7195
Phone: 07 549 1011 Ext: 223
Email: chris.clement@humepack.co.nz
I joined the kiwifruit industry in 2008 after completing studies towards a BSc majoring in Horticultural Science at Massey University. My first role in kiwifruit was at a postharvest supplier in a technical support role looking after maturity testing and the selection and monitoring of crops for controlled atmosphere storage, as well as carrying out a range of on-orchard technical activities.
In 2012 I joined Kiwifruit Vine Health as an Operations Advisor, providing advice to growers on the management of Psa on their orchards and helping to develop a range of best practice documents. Following this, I returned to post-harvest in 2015 as an Operations Technical Manager, with a primary focus on optical and predictive sorting of fruit, as well as working with production teams to help maximise packhouse throughput and working on a range of automation projects. During this time I also spent two years overseeing blueberry packing operations.
I am proud to have been a previous winner of both the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower and New Zealand Young Fruit Grower of the Year competitions.
I grew up in Auckland, before moving to Katikati at the age of 15. After school I completed level 3 & 4 automotive engineering, worked in the automotive industry before moving to the kiwifruit industry and have not looked back since.
This will be my 12th season working in coolstore. With a mechanical background I have enjoyed learning about plant operation and running coolstore operations. When am not at work I enjoy spending time with my young family of two kids
Contact Details
Kathy Wilton
Compliance Manager
Mobile: 027 279 9729
Phone: 07 549 1754
Email: kathy.wilton@humepack.co.nz
I grew up in Thames prior to coming to live in BOP, where I’ve worked in the Kiwifruit industry for 15 years in various roles with a quality and compliance background, and have completed a level 4 advanced degree in horticulture.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughter and family and going fishing - I’m still trying to get that really big one!
Contact Details
Paea Kava
Coolstore Technical Manager
Mobile: 027 707 2857
Phone: 07 549 1011 ext.226
Email: paea.kava@humepack.co.nz
I have been at Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd for over 19 years and have worked in a variety of positions, learning about packhouse operations and processes.
I enjoy my role as Coolstore Technical Manager, working with the team to continually improve fruit storability. Outside of work, I am a volunteer fireman with the Katikati Fire Brigade which keeps me active and involved in the community.
Contact Details
Audrey Barbarich
Head of Quality & Compliance
Mobile: 027 454 9939
Phone: 07 549 1749
Email: audrey.barbarich@humepack.co.nz
I am a born and bred East Coast girl, growing up in Matawai near Gisborne. My career started off in customer service and due to a change in my partner’s work circumstances, we relocated to the Bay of Plenty. It was at this time that I tried my hand in the kiwifruit industry, starting in the packhouse, moving on to Kiwigreen Pest Monitoring and finally finding my niche in Quality.
One of my favourite parts of being a manager is watching people develop their skillset and start elevating their career in the kiwifruit industry.
I have three beautiful grand daughters to my one son and love spending time with them when I'm away from the packhouse. I'm also quite fond of getting in a round or two of golf in the weekends as well.
Contact Details
Rupinder Singh
EDI & Data Manager
Mobile: 027 380 0151
Phone: 07 549 1011 Ext: 221
Email: rupinder.singh@humepack.co.nz
I was born and grew up in India, before moving to New Zealand in 2009 with my wife. I have a bachelor’s in Information and Technology (B.I.T) and have worked in various roles including in a Private Hospital, a SUV salesperson, and a Foreign Exchange Manager for a bank in India.
In March 2010 I joined the Kiwifruit Industry (this being the first time I had ever seen kiwifruit). I worked mainly in EDI and Inventory, where my expertise are. One of my biggest achievements, and what makes me proud, is that 12 years back I didn’t know anything about kiwifruit or the industry and now I’m a part of this – giving me great satisfaction. I am always keen to learn, and at Hume’s I have the opportunity to expand myself in other areas of the industry.
In my free time I love to spend time with my family. I’m part of local community club where we train young children to play hockey. I enjoy going for long walks and tramping.as well as enjoying Golf and Fishing.
Engineering +
Contact Details
Jacques Stephens
Engineering Manager
Mobile: 027 236 1005
Email: jacques.stephens@humepack.co.nz
I moved to New Zealand in 2022 from South Africa with my family. I completed my trade in Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control, and I have worked in the industrial automation and engineering industry for the last 20+ years within kiwifruit and avocado packing, plastics, automotive, chemical and heavy mineral mining industries.
I am a GoodSam (St Johns) medical responder and also a Trustee of Papamoa College. I am super passionate about my offshore fishing, and you will find me out at sea with every weather window. I have two children and I am the sound engineer for my daughter and her band.
People & Culture +
Contact Details
Neil Fisher
Health & Safety Advisor
Mobile: 027 279 5887
Email: neil.fisher@humepack.co.nz
I was raised and educated in Waihi but for the past 13 years my wife and I have been living in Athenree. I am married to Donna, and we have 3 adult children and I am proud to be a Life Member of the Waihi Football Club!
I come into this role after spending 22 years in the mining industry as a Health & Safety Trainer and for the past year as a Compliance Officer based at the Tirohia Landfill. I have a passion for safety after suffering a life changing injury in my early 20’s.
Outside of work I enjoy watching football and spending time with my family, especially our Grandson Cooper.
I grew up in the small South Canterbury town of Waimate where I developed a love for sports, guitar and the outdoors.
I am passionate about People and Culture and love the diversity and the fast-paced nature of the Kiwifruit Industry. I am currently studying Level 7 Human Resource Management.
My wife and I live in Tauranga with 4 of our 7 children. Outside of the office you will find me longboarding, in the gym, tramping or playing guitar. I am an avid women’s football supporter and have recently developed a love for golf
Contact Details
Cathy Norman
Recruitment Advisor
Mobile: 027 280 3632
Email: employment@humepack.co.nz
City chick turned country dweller, I made the leap to the stunning Bay of Plenty six years ago after 15 years in Auckland. Nestled on a picturesque lifestyle property, my days are filled with breathtaking views of the Kaimai Range, grazing cows, and many sheep. Embracing the joys of a blended family, our bustling household includes six energetic kids who thrive in the vast open spaces and love the opportunity to ride horses. My professional journey has taken me through various office roles, culminating in my last stint in the dynamic world of Tiny House construction. A people person at heart, I relish the opportunity to meet and collaborate with others, constantly seeking new opportunities for learning and growth.
Directors +
Contact Details
Mark Hume
Chairperson
Phone: 07 549 5798
Mobile: 021 497 613
Email: mark.hume@humepack.co.nz
I originally planned a career in dairying and from school took a labouring job at the Te Puke Dairy Company. This led to the company sending me to Massey University for a diploma in Dairy Technology.
I returned to Katikati in the late 1970’s converting a block of land and the family property from dairying to Kiwifruit. And the rest, as they say is history…
Hume Pack-N-Cool is a company with real family values and a family feel and I pride myself on being a very hands-on Director and can say with hand on heart that I keep fully informed in all aspects of the company and wider industry. I'm involved in the whole process from growing to packing to cool-storage, then often travelling overseas to see the fruit in the market! I am a commited member of many industry groups.
Contact Details
Mel Manley
Director
Originally from Hamilton, I moved to the Bay in 2021 with my family after almost 20 yrs in Australia, residing just outside of Katikati on an avocado orchard with my hubby, teenage son and furry friend. With a Post-Grad in Human Resources Management and after many years in People & Culture roles in NZ and overseas, I branched out into Executive roles including manufacturing, logistics, marcomms and risk management. Currently the GM - Operations for Quayside Holdings (a $2.8 billion investment company focussed on intergenerational wealth for the Bay of Plenty), I also run my own HR business, am the Event Manager for Beach 5s rugby in Australia and N.Z, and I am privileged to be a Board Director on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.
I am rugby mad, with a real love for travel and the outdoors with a family that focusses on 'active' relaxing. Our orcharding introduction has been a tough one, but with challenge comes opportunity, including working with Hume in an industry that is dynamic and has a lot of change on the horizon.
Contact Details
Kevin Christie
Director
My journey began in South Africa with aspirations of becoming an accountant, yet my path has taken me beyond those initial plans. Having traversed multiple countries and experiences, I have evolved into a seasoned director.
A diverse background includes steering transformative initiatives and overseeing finances across a spectrum of sectors, spanning from financial services to education. Committed to the principles of Good Governance, I values the potency of dialogue and collaboration in tackling challenges head-on.
With a pragmatic approach grounded in action, I integrate business acumen with a deep understanding of governance principles into my roles.
Contact Details
Lydia King
Director
I bring extensive experience and a fresh perspective to governance. Raised amidst Katikati's kiwifruit orchards, my passion for agriculture ignited early. My academic journey at Massey University, culminating in a Masters in Science and a Masters in Dairy Science and Technology, laid the foundation for my expertise in this field.
Joining Fonterra in 2012, I have held various roles spanning technical, manufacturing, and management domains.
Driven by a desire to contribute in new capacities, I embrace opportunities to transition my expertise into governance. Joining Hume Pack-N-Cool's board, I brings insights and strategic vision. With dedication to excellence, I am well-positioned to drive positive change for the company.
Contact Details
Jayden Park
Director
I am a dairy farmer’s son out of the Waikato, which was where I first developed my passion for the primary sector.
After school, I traded in milking cows for studying at Waikato University, where I completed my honours degree majoring in Finance and Economics.
It wasn’t long and I found myself drawn back to the primary sector as a finance professional. I worked in rural banking for a period of five years and subsequently moved to kiwifruit in 2018 where I joined the team at Baygold Limited as CFO. In this role I have been able to learn about growing and developing kiwifruit orchards and expand my financial skills to positively influence successful outcomes.
I am excited about the journey that Hume Pack-N-Cool is on and am thrilled to have the opportunity to use my financial experience to add value to the business. I am also excited to expand my scope within the kiwifruit supply chain.
Contact Details
Don Oxley
Director
After growing up in Cambridge on a deer farm, I studied mechanical engineering at Auckland University and have been working within the industrial automation industry for the last 17 years within food processing, textile manufacturing, fruit sorting and aviation sectors. More recently, after completing my MBA, my focus has been around ensuring the commercial success of innovation and technology in various industries.
While previous roles have taken me around the globe, I am currently based in Auckland with my wife and our weekends are largely filled with renovations before the arrival of our first-born, but otherwise I like to get out fishing or mountain biking.
Since stepping on to the board, I have been staggered by the opportunities in front of Hume; it is an exciting time to be part of a high-growth industry and a company well placed to take advantage of this growth.