Sustainability Manager

What does a typical day in your role look like?

My days are super varied. Some days I’m hands-on in the packhouse, checking how things are running. Other days, I’m at my desk or in meetings. I also get out and about—visiting orchards, Zespri, or packaging suppliers—so I get to see many different parts of the kiwifruit supply chain.

How did you get into this role?

I grew up on a kiwifruit orchard and worked in a packhouse, which gave me a strong connection to the industry. I’ve always had a passion for the environment and improving systems, and this role brings those interests together. I hadn’t done anything quite like this before, so I was lucky to have the opportunity to grow into the role at Trevelyan’s.

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

There are a range of relevant tertiary qualifications. I have an Honours degree in Chemical Engineering.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The variety and the autonomy. I love being able to explore different parts of the industry and take ideas from concept through to completion.

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

I get to meet a wide range of people from all sorts of backgrounds, all working together to produce a world-class product for export. That shared purpose is really inspiring.

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

Stay curious. Think about where you want to end up and work backwards to figure out how to get there. Be proactive—if you don’t put yourself forward, you might miss out on opportunities you didn’t even know existed.