HUME PACK-N-COOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Technical & Communications Manager
I was born and raised in the North King Country on a sheep and beef farm before moving to Katikati in early 2015. I have been involved in the kiwifruit industry ever since, working in both the orchard and post-harvest operations throughout the year.
I have a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from the University of Canterbury and completed the Level 2 National Certificate in Horticulture through Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology.
My husband and I live in Katikati and when we're not knee deep in the Kiwifruit world we are busy making memories with our two young kids.
Job Titles:
- External Operations Manager
After completing a degree in Agriculture at Massey University, I moved to Te Puke and spent four years working for Turners and Growers as an export rep. During that time I experienced the highs and lows of the industry including multiple desk selling and the 87 share market crash. Returning from an extensive 2 year OE, I re-entered the kiwifruit industry working on orchards in Te Puke. Marriage, two children and a twenty five year career growing commercial roses has once again seen a return to kiwifruit…………
Job Titles:
- Head of Quality & Compliance
I am a born and bred East Coast girl who grew up in Matawai near Gisborne. My career started off in customer service roles and due to a change in her partner's work circumstances, relocated to the Bay of Plenty. It was at this time that I tried her hand in the kiwifruit industry, starting in the packhouse, moving on to Kiwigreen Pest Monitoring and finally finding my niche in Quality.
Contact Details Cathy Norman Recruitment Advisor Mobile: 027 280 6362 Email: employment@humepack.co.nz City chick turned country dweller, I made the leap to the stunning Bay of Plenty six years ago after 15 years in Auckland. Nestled on a picturesque lifestyle property, my days are filled with breathtaking views of the Kaimai Range, grazing cows, and many sheep. Embracing the joys of a blended family, our bustling household includes six energetic kids who thrive in the vast open spaces and love the opportunity to ride horses. My professional journey has taken me through various office roles, culminating in my last stint in the dynamic world of construction. A people person at heart, I relish the opportunity to meet and collaborate with others, constantly seeking new opportunities for learning and growth.
I joined the kiwifruit industry in 2008 after completing studies towards a BSc majoring in Horticultural Science at Massey University. My first role in kiwifruit was at a postharvest supplier in a technical support role looking after maturity testing and the selection and monitoring of crops for controlled atmosphere storage, as well as carrying out a range of on-orchard technical activities.
In 2012 I joined Kiwifruit Vine Health as an Operations Advisor, providing advice to growers on the management of Psa on their orchards and helping to develop a range of best practice documents. Following this, I returned to post-harvest in 2015 as an Operations Technical Manager, with a primary focus on optical and predictive sorting of fruit, as well as working with production teams to help maximise packhouse throughput and working on a range of automation projects. During this time I also spent two years overseeing blueberry packing operations.
I am proud to have been a previous winner of both the Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower and New Zealand Young Fruit Grower of the Year competitions.
I have been in the kiwifruit industry for the last 35 years and bring a wealth of experience and industry relationships to my role at Hume. Over recent years, I have operated my own kiwifruit contracting business as well as running my own kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke.
Contact Details Frankie Hayes HR Advisor Mobile: 027 578 2665 Email: frankie.hayes@humepack.co.nz I grew up in the small South Canterbury town of Waimate where I developed a love for sports, guitar and the outdoors. I am passionate about People and Culture and love the diversity and the fast-paced nature of the Kiwifruit Industry. I am currently studying Level 7 Human Resource Management. My wife and I live in Tauranga with 4 of our 7 children. Outside of the office you will find me longboarding, in the gym, tramping or playing guitar. I am an avid women's football supporter and have recently developed a love for golf
I grew up in Mount Maunganui before moving to Katikati at the age of seven. I attended Matahui School and then went on to Katikati College where I found my passion for the Kiwifruit industry whilst studying horticulture.
In 2016 I started working in a packhouse in Katikati where I was given the opportunity to progress into a Cadetship, completing the NZ Certificate in Horticulture and Fruit Production levels 3 and 4 at Toi Ohomai. I continued my Cadetship under Hume Pack-N-Cool in 2018, going on to achieve Fruit Production for Profit at level 5. This has since led me to become an Orchard Manager at the age of 21 and I am now planning on getting my Diploma.
I love being outdoors surrounded by nature and learning every day all whilst "growing" my knowledge.
Contact Details Jared Mills Engineer Phone: 07 549 1011 Email: jared.mills@humepack.co.nz I grew up in Auckland, and after leaving school, completed his apprenticeship in Maintenance and Diagnostic Engineering. Following my apprenticeship, I went on to work at the Devonport Naval Base working on diesel ship engines. In 2014 I moved with my family to Papamoa where I started working on commercial vehicles. My career in the kiwifruit industry began as a Maintenance Engineer for a post-harvest facility where I gained experience maintaining a range of fruit packing machines, as well as assisting with the installation of a whole new packing line. Following a brief period of time away from the kiwifruit industry, I returned to the Kiwifruit industry, continuing my journey with Hume. On the weekends I like to spend time with my daughters and family. My past-times include windsurfing and working on cars to take out for long Sunday drives.
Contact Details Jimi Williams People & Culture Manager Phone: 07 549 1011 Ext 234 Mobile: 021 8764 731 Email: jimi.williams@humepack.co.nz A Tauranga local who is passionate about the great outdoors which we are spoilt for in the beautiful BOP. Whether it be in the waves at the Mount, wake boarding on the lakes around Rotorua or in the bush in the Kaimais. My background is in leadership and people development in the Hospitality, Tourism and Retail industries, however, like most other locals some of my first jobs were picking, packing, thinning or pruning after school or during my time at the BOP Polytech. I live with my wife and 3 amazing kids at The Mount and you'll often find me chasing them down the beach or practicing writing on the sand.
I commenced working for Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd in May of 2015 as an Orchard Cadet. I am now an Orchard Manager, and after a stint in Katikati, I live rurally on an Avocado orchard with my wife and two kids.
I grew up in Thames prior to coming to live in BOP, where I've worked in the Kiwifruit industry for 15 years in various roles with a quality and compliance background, and have completed a level 4 advanced degree in horticulture.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my daughter and family and going fishing - I'm still trying to get that really big one!
My journey began in South Africa with aspirations of becoming an accountant, yet my path has taken me beyond those initial plans. Having traversed multiple countries and experiences, I have evolved into a seasoned director.
I come from a farming background, was a builder for 10 years and have been involved in the Kiwifruit Industry on and off for the past 34 years. I have worked for Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd for the past 14 years and am involved in the Orchard, Packhouse and Coolstore sides of the business.
I bring extensive experience and a fresh perspective to governance. Raised amidst Katikati's kiwifruit orchards, my passion for agriculture ignited early. My academic journey at Massey University, culminating in a Masters in Science and a Masters in Dairy Science and Technology, laid the foundation for my expertise in this field.
Joining Fonterra in 2012, I have held various roles spanning technical, manufacturing, and management domains.
Driven by a desire to contribute in new capacities, I embrace opportunities to transition my expertise into governance. Joining Hume Pack-N-Cool's board, I brings insights and strategic vision. With dedication to excellence, I am well-positioned to drive positive change for the company.
Job Titles:
- External Operations Coordinator
I joined Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd in 2018 & work alongside our Orchard Managers, Contracting & Grower Services teams.
I have lived locally for many years with my children attending local schools.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Manager
Contact Details Malc Douglas Business Development Manager Mobile 027 301 9460 Email: malcolm.douglas@humepack.co.nz Born in Hamilton, I got a touch of the "bogan" before forging a 25 year career in horticulture - from the wine industry to retail business management to kiwifruit grower services. Professionally, I'm all about relationships and engagement. "Teamwork makes the dreamwork" or some other such fluffy phrase. Hobbies include prying my son off playstation, ("before being involved in kiwifruit harvest") hunting and fishing and all manner of craft alcohol, single malts and fine wine appreciation.
Job Titles:
- Grower Services Representative
I came from India back in 2008 and I have been in the kiwifruit industry almost 12 years now! I started as a general labourer, now I am proud to be a part of Hume Pack-N-Cool as a Grower Services Represenative. I am a easy going person, I value other people's cultural values & emotions so its very easy to get along with me. I hold a bachelor's degree in Arts and also hold Horticulture diploma level 5.
When i'm not working I love spending my time around my family and I love cricket!
Contact Details Mark Hume Chairperson Phone: 07 549 5798 Mobile: 021 497 613 Email: mark.hume@humepack.co.nz I originally planned a career in dairying and from school took a labouring job at the Te Puke Dairy Company. This led to the company sending me to Massey University for a diploma in Dairy Technology. I returned to Katikati in the late 1970's converting a block of land and the family property from dairying to Kiwifruit. And the rest, as they say is history… Hume Pack-N-Cool is a company with real family values and a family feel and I prides myself on being a very hands-on Director and can say with hand on heart that I keep fully informed in all aspects of the company and wider industry. I'm involved in the whole process from growing to packing to cool-storage, then often travelling overseas to see the fruit in the market! I am a commited member of many industry groups.
Originally from Hamilton, I moved to the Bay in 2021 with my family after almost 20 yrs in Australia, residing just outside of Katikati on an avocado orchard with my hubby, teenage son and furry friend. With a Post-Grad in Human Resources Management and after many years in People & Culture roles in NZ and overseas, I branched out into Executive roles including manufacturing, logistics, marcomms and risk management. Currently the GM - Operations for Quayside Holdings (a $2.8 billion investment company focussed on intergenerational wealth for the Bay of Plenty), I also run my own HR business, am the Event Manager for Beach 5s rugby in Australia and N.Z, and I am privileged to be a Board Director on the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.
I am rugby mad, with a real love for travel and the outdoors with a family that focusses on 'active' relaxing. Our orcharding introduction has been a tough one, but with challenge comes opportunity, including working with Hume in an industry that is dynamic and has a lot of change on the horizon.
Job Titles:
- General Manager - Post Harvest
I grew up in Katikati and my 16 year career in the Kiwifruit industry started as an after school job. I studied Business Management after college and worked my way up within the industry quickly and have held management roles from the ripe age of just 21 years old.
I was raised and educated in Waihi but for the past 13 years my wife and I have been living in Athenree. I am married to Donna, and we have 3 adult children and I am proud to be a Life Member of the Waihi Football Club!
I come into this role after spending 22 years in the mining industry as a Health & Safety Trainer and for the past year as a Compliance Officer based at the Tirohia Landfill. I have a passion for safety after suffering a life changing injury in my early 20's.
Contact Details Paea Kava Coolstore Technical Manager Mobile: 027 707 2857 Phone: 07 549 1011 ext.226 Email: paea.kava@humepack.co.nz I have been at Hume Pack-N-Cool Ltd for over 19 years and have worked in a variety of positions, learning about packhouse operations and processes. I enjoy my role as Coolstore Technical Manager, working with the team to continually improve fruit storability. Outside of work, I am a volunteer fireman with the Katikati Fire Brigade which keeps me active and involved in the community.
I was born and grew up in India, before moving to New Zealand in 2009 with my wife. I have a bachelor's in Information and Technology (B.I.T) and have worked in various roles including in a Private Hospital, a SUV salesperson, and a Foreign Exchange Manager for a bank in India.
In March 2010 I joined the Kiwifruit Industry (this being the first time I had ever seen kiwifruit). I worked mainly in EDI and Inventory, where my expertise are. One of my biggest achievements, and what makes me proud, is that 12 years back I didn't know anything about kiwifruit or the industry and now I'm a part of this - giving me great satisfaction. I am always keen to learn, and at Hume's I have the opportunity to expand myself in other areas of the industry.
In my free time I love to spend time with my family. I'm part of local community club where we train young children to play hockey. I enjoy going for long walks and tramping.as well as enjoying Golf and Fishing.
Starting out in the industry in 2006 working for a private growing, packing and coolstore company I caught the kiwifruit bug and haven't looked back. Building on my practical experience and grow my understanding I completed a Certificate in Horticulture Level 4, Diploma in Horticulture with Lincoln University, Fruit Production for Profit at the BOP Polytech and the Hort NZ Leadership program in 2015.
I have spent a number of years in orchard management which has given me a good grounding before moving in to post-harvest operations and continuing to expand my industry knowledge. Now with a young family my Wife and I are invested in the industry growing both Green and Gold and we are commited to the industry and it's future in the years to come.
Originally from the UK, I have been in New Zealand for the last 12 years and have been involved in the kiwifruit industry since my arrival. Prior to moving to New Zealand, I studied at the University of East Anglia then trained as a chartered accountant, leading finance teams in a range of business sectors.
Outside of work I have the kiwi lifestyle block with avocados along with my wife, Margaret, and son and daughter (who has now moved to Ireland). We have a number of animals including two errant goats my wife rescued.
I grew up in Auckland, before moving to Katikati at the age of 15. After school I completed level 3 & 4 automotive engineering, worked in the automotive industry before moving to the kiwifruit industry and have not looked back since.
This will be my 12th season working in coolstore. With a mechanical background I have enjoyed learning about plant operation and running coolstore operations. When am not at work I enjoy spending time with my young family of two kids
Job Titles:
- Grower Services Representative
I was born in Tauranga and have been in and around the kiwifruit industry for most of my life.
I spent a number of years living in Sydney and London, during which time I travelled extensively, and primarily worked in customer service and Sales roles in various industries.