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

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!

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.

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.

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.