Consultant

What does a typical day in your role look like?

Some days I’m out in the field visiting growers, carrying out soil or land assessments, and offering advice on management options. Other days I’m in the office working through the technical side — developing recommendations around soil and plant health, economic feasibility, and land-use or subdivision consents. The mix of fieldwork and office work keeps things interesting and balanced.

How did you get into this role?

I’ve always had a strong interest in plants and science, which led me to study Plant Biotechnology at the University of Otago. After graduating, I joined Fruition Horticulture as an assistant consultant. Over time, I was given more responsibility and eventually moved into a full consultancy role, where I’ve continued to learn and grow.

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

Yes — having a solid foundation in a relevant discipline is important, as I’m expected to provide evidence-based recommendations. I studied a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Plant Biotechnology, which gave me a strong theoretical base in plant biology and technology. I’ve since built on that with hands-on experience and further learning.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy the flexibility and variety. It’s great to be able to step away from office tasks and get out into the field, attend industry events, and work directly with clients. That balance keeps the work engaging.

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

One unique aspect of Fruition is the strong representation of women in the team and in leadership roles. It creates a supportive and collaborative environment, and I think it reflects the positive direction the horticulture industry is heading in.

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

Stay curious and open to learning. Many of the technical skills come with time and experience, so don’t feel like you need to know everything from the start. A genuine interest in the industry and strong problem-solving skills are the most important foundation.

Anything else that you would like to add?

The horticulture industry is fantastic — it offers a wide range of entry points and suits many different levels of experience and availability, from seasonal work to orchard management.