With extensive experience in the commercial and horticultural sectors, I bring a wealth of knowledge in governance, strategic planning, finance, and sustainability. Currently, Chair of Onyx Capital Ltd, Deputy Chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc, Director of Racetech Manufacturing Ltd, roles that have reinforced my expertise in leadership, industry advocacy, and innovation.

I hold numerous governance roles across both public and private sectors, providing strategic advisory support based on my merchant banking and investment finance background. As a Director and Shareholder in Onyx Capital Ltd - an integrated horticultural enterprise based in Northland - I actively contribute to the growth, management, and marketing of high-tech horticultural crops. Onyx, a family-owned business since 1994, has pioneered advanced growing techniques in kiwifruit, kiwiberries, and hydroponic berryfruit production.

Before kiwifruit and berries, Onyx was involved in apples, pears and stonefruit in Hawke’s Bay, apple exporting through Orchard Crisp Co-operative, horticultural media in owning and publishing NZ Gardener magazine and ornamental nursery production. 

My horticultural industry involvement includes:

• Biosecurity leadership through my role at Kiwifruit Vine Health.
• Governance in industry bodies, Chairman of the Zespri Taste Review Committee and the BerryCo Grower 
  Relationship Committee.
• Other industry involvement includes serving on the NZKGI Forum and Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association.

I am deeply committed to the advancement of horticulture in New Zealand. My expertise includes:

• Financial and treasury management, strengthened by years in investment financing.
• Corporate governance and strategic planning, ensuring sustainable growth.
• Export logistics and trade management, supporting international market expansion.
• Biosecurity and traceability, promoting industry resilience and sustainability.

I am pursuing a Master’s in Agribusiness at Massey University and hold an Honours Degree in Zoology and Botany from the University of London. Additionally, I possess a Postgraduate Certificate in Farm Organisation and Management from Hampshire College of Agriculture and multiple industry qualifications, including Primary ITO Assessor accreditation.

I’m standing for the Horticulture New Zealand Board because we need strong, experienced governance to reset priorities and rebuild unity. That starts with enhancing Horticulture New Zealand’s role as a credible partner to government - at both Ministerial and MPI levels. Without that high-trust relationship, we won’t get the policy support horticulture needs to thrive.

Horticulture New Zealand needs to deliver tangible outcomes for all growers: labour certainty, land use protection, trade access, biosecurity and regulatory common sense.