KUMARA - Key Persons
Anthony Blundell's role is that of Managing Director and he has the privilege of leading a team that is extremely passionate about Kumara. Marketing is his strength along with developing relationships within the whole produce supply chain and industry. Ant lives in Ruawai with his family and is very active member of that community. He currently sits on the Ruawai College Board of Trustees and is on the committees of the local Ruawai Sports Club Inc., Ruawai Boating Club, and the Northern Wairoa Cricket Club. He is a firefighter with the local Ruawai Volunteer Fire Brigade and is an ambassador for the Northland Rescue Helicopter service. Ant is also proud to sit on the executive committee of United Fresh NZ Inc. - the pan industry body managing the 5+ADAY Charitable Trust.
Since winning MasterChef Brett McGregor's life has gone from detentions and marking to TV gigs, culinary tours, recipe writing, TV presenting, cooking demo's and much more. The second season of his TV show (Taste of a Traveller) has just finished airing on TVOne, with season three about to be filmed and his third book Chop Chop has just hit the shelves.
Brett is passionate about getting kiwis eating healthy and is relishing being part of the Kaipara Kumara family. "I grew up loving kumara and since learning the nutritional value of the humble kumara I'm keen to get as many kiwis getting their daily dose of New Zealand's very own superfood."
Heather Thompson's role is that of Quality Controller and is hands-on with the team on the floor at the packhouse. Heather is very meticulous and "doesn't miss a trick" - perfect characteristics for an excellent quality controller. Heather's many years of experience with kumara also put her in great position to perform her role. Heather, and her husband CJ, love the quiet lifestyle in Ruawai. They love being around family and Heather looks forward to making the (mostly) annual pilgrimage to Perth to visit with her daughter.
Helene Blundell is Anthony's "better half" and joined the team in a more permanent role over the past few years. Helene's official title is Management Support (she says "girl friday") and has learned many different roles along the way. Helene has also taken a very active role in various community groups and fundraising activities, especially with our much loved local kindy, primary school and college, where their 3 kids have all attended. Another one of Helene's passions is netball - of which she puts 110% effort and support into. Helene loves spending quality time with family and friends.
Jill Jenyn's role is that of Office Manager and has been with KKL forever (and we do mean forever). She started her role with Gary Blundell in 1972 when the business was then known as Greenhill Gardens and for a long time now has been considered part of the Blundell extended family, and vice-a-versa. Jill lives in Ruawai with her husband Gavin and loves golf and gardening, along with spending time with her family at Oakura Bay. Jill was a fantastic netball player and has done a lot to help it remain a strong sport in Ruawai. Her sense of humour and infectious laugh is something you will hear in the office quite often
Michelle Beardsall role is in Reception and Office Administration and is the first port of call and the person who greets you on the phone amongst her many other tasks. While Michelle has only been with KKL for a couple of years, she is very efficient in what her job entails and throws at her on a daily basis. A Dargaville girl who now lives in Ruawai with her partner Beau and son Frankie - with both Michelle and Beau on local committees of the Ruawai Boating Club and Community Sports Club Inc. Michelle loves catching up with family and really enjoys her hunting and fishing.
Peter Blundell's role is that of Operations Manager and is a brother to Anthony. Both have a fantastic working/family relationship together to take the humble kumara further up the produce ladder. Pete is very passionate and active within the business and maintains a very "hands-on role" at the packhouse facility situated in Ruawai. Pete is highly respected by all the team members and always leads from the front. Pete lives in Whangarei with his wife Megan and enjoys time with family and fishing on our beautiful West Coast where they have a bach, along with the odd game of golf when time allows.
Job Titles:
- Quality Assurance Manager
Sam Panoho's role is that of Quality Assurance Manager and she also looks after all our Health & Safety. Her knowledge across all areas is Sam's greatest asset and someone you can count on to get things done. Sam's family and the Blundell's family have known one another since the 60's, so there are some close family ties there. Sam and her family moved back to Ruawai in 2007, with her husband Lance taking on a teaching role at our local Ruawai College. Cricket and Basketball team are definite favourites - with commentaries from Sam most Mondays on the weekend's results.
Sharon Martinovich's role is that of Production Supervisor working hands-on with the team on the floor at the packhouse - where some say the real work is done! Sharon is very valued at KKL has also worked here for many years and openly admits that she is part of the furniture here at KKL. She lives within easy walking distance and is heavily involved with the Ruawai Bowling Club. Sharon and her husband Ant (who owns the local tyre services shop) enjoy nothing more than having their family visit Ruawai for the weekend.