Grower

What does a typical day in your role look like?

There’s a huge amount of variety in my day. I spend time working on our orchard, which includes meeting with our manager, managing budgets, and overseeing operations. I’m also involved in meetings with NZKGI and EastPack, so my time is often split between hands-on orchard work and governance or strategic discussions.

How did you get into this role?

I grew up around kiwifruit and studied Commerce and Management, majoring in Marketing and Economics. After a corporate career, I started a kiwifruit nursery while raising three young children. That eventually led to my husband and I purchasing an orchard nine years ago, and we’ve been involved in the industry ever since.

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

Although a business qualification isn’t essential, I use my Commerce and Management degree every day—whether it’s assessing interest rates, understanding the Zespri marketing model, or managing staff. My business skills also support my work with NZKGI and EastPack. In hindsight, I probably should have added some horticulture qualifications too!

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The positive energy in the kiwifruit industry and the amazing, talented people who work in it. I love the strong marketing model, the variety—no two days are the same—the flexibility, and the many opportunities to get involved in different parts of the industry.

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

When we bought our orchard, my husband had never worked on one before—I taught him how to drive a tractor! Now he runs our operation. It just goes to show it’s never too late to learn or change careers.

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

Go for it! Everyone has something valuable to contribute. It’s a privilege to be part of the kiwifruit industry—we’re admired not just in New Zealand but around the world. It takes skill, determination, and passion to keep us at the top, and there’s a place for everyone in this thriving sector.

Anything else that you would like to add?

I haven’t followed a traditional path into the kiwifruit industry, but the skills and experience I gained in other industries have been incredibly transferable. There are so many opportunities here, and so many people willing to share their knowledge and help you succeed.