Business Support Manager

What does a typical day in your role look like?

Every day is a little different, but there’s a monthly and seasonal rhythm to the work. I usually start by checking my calendar and emails, then planning out meetings and tasks for the day. My to-do list is a mix of long-term projects and quick or urgent tasks that pop up.

My team is responsible for all business administration—Finance, HR, Health & Safety, Compliance, and more—so I check in to see where support is needed. I authorise payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and often work on documentation like service contracts, employee agreements, and process or procedure documents.

As a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE), a big part of my role involves managing the admin around maintaining our RSE status, recruiting workers, and supporting them while they’re in New Zealand.

Another key focus is ensuring we meet the requirements of GAP/GRASP—industry standards that ensure we grow fruit responsibly and take care of our people so we can export our product globally.

How did you get into this role?

I joined Rawhiti Hort 10 years ago when it was still our family business. The company was growing, and my parents needed admin support. I was also ready to return to work after a couple of years at home with our first child. I took over all the admin tasks, and as the business expanded, I built a team around me and transitioned into the Business Manager role. In many ways, I created the role myself.

Did you need to study for this role, if so, what did you study?

I have a Marketing degree, although it’s not essential for this role. What’s been more important are my skills in business process creation and improvement. Before this, I spent 10 years in a manufacturing company in various roles—factory/production leader, project manager, warehouse/distribution manager, and marketing assistant. My general business experience and a natural knack for admin and process work have been key to my success.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The people! We have a fantastic team. I also enjoy the seasonality of the industry—even in admin and finance, the work changes throughout the year, so it never gets boring.

What’s something unique, surprising, or fun about your role or team?

I’ve designed my role to be part-time and flexible. I choose when I work from home or in the office, which is a huge benefit as a working parent. I’m also proud that we can offer this flexibility to others in the team—it allows them to balance work with family life, which is a big plus in our industry.

What advice would you give someone interested in your role or career path?

You don’t need to know much about kiwifruit to get into the business support side of the industry. I’ve worked in the industry for 10 years and still couldn’t tell you how to grow kiwifruit! There are so many roles that support the growing process. You don’t necessarily need formal qualifications either—being open to learning, confident using Microsoft Office, and taking initiative are the most important things.

Anything else that you would like to add?

There are so many opportunities in the kiwifruit industry, and lots of people are willing to share their knowledge and help you succeed. My path wasn’t traditional, but the skills I brought from other industries have been incredibly valuable.