TOM – FRESH CUT PRODUCTION SCHEDULER

I’ve been part of the LeaderBrand team since 2009 where I packed squash for four seasons before moving into my current role with the production planning and scheduling crew.

I love how rewarding the industry is – bringing home grown, fresh produce to customers.

RACHEL – PACKHOUSE & DISTRIBUTION ADMINISTRATOR

Based out of Gisborne, my day-to-day consists of placing orders with suppliers, calculating requirements, invoices and handling stocktakes.

No two days are the same at LeaderBrand. I get to engage with many different parts of the business while developing my reporting and analysis skills.

IAN – POST HARVEST

I’ve just celebrated 30 years at LeaderBrand, first starting on the post-harvest team in 1994.

Since then I’ve had many different roles and responsibilities. I now look after all the dispatch out of Gisborne. Co-ordinating trucks, checking loads and completing paperwork are my day-to-day jobs.

Stuart – Sustainability Manager

I’m based at our Pukekohe farm, making sure all our environmental projects are on track.

I manage everything from our Regenerative Farming Project, riparian planting, biodiversity project, GHG emissions, nitrogen, water efficiency projects and more.

It’s my job to make sure that we live and breathe our philosophy of farming for a healthy future and leaving the soil in better condition than how we found it.

Grace – Sales

I’m part of our Sales team based in Pukekohe. I look after all things fresh produce sales-related for our customers. You may also recognise me from the recent Woolworths Fresh TV ad.

I love working in such a diverse team. It’s great to be in a role with the tools, space, and confidence to grow.

WILLIAM – WORKSHOP FOREMAN

I am responsible for the day to day running of the workshop. From planning the workload to providing support for the team.

We assist the farm with fixing/servicing/breakdowns and redesign of machinery and implements.

I like the flexibility and the type of work we do. It is always nice to see the impact the team has on improving & upgrading the business.

WILTON – GROUND CREW

I’ve  been a tractor driver at LeaderBrand since 1995 and they tell me I’m the eldest person working at LeaderBrand!

I like that I keep the young ones on their toes and they help me learn new tricks like using the GPS system in the tractors.

My job is to ensure that we’re evening the ground out and putting in good beds with good drainage which means we’ve got a great base for the crops.

GEORGE – JUNIOR agronomist

What I love about my role is everyday there is a new challenge and there is always something new to learn. I get to work across all aspects of agronomy for broccoli – from harvest right through to sales.

I have a passion for the outdoors and love growing fresh healthy products.

Tanya – Farm Compliance Officer

I like that my job is varied and interesting. I get out and about across many different areas of LeaderBrand and see the different operations.

I love working with such a wide range of people from all walks of life.  We have so many great people across the LeaderBrand teams who are all so passionate about what they do.

Mani – Viticulture Technician

2022 Young Grower of the Year  finalist & Gisborne Young Grower winner!

I have been working with LeaderBrand for 5 years and I like the variety of tasks in my role, that’s what I enjoy the most.

I manage hundreds of young vines daily,  supervise important pruning and help maintain vine and soil health.

Lalit – Processing

I was a chef and wanted a change of career so walked in looking for a job. The next day I had a new job and trial and have never looked back.

Antz – Operations

I joined LeaderBrand when my first son was born and I needed more certainty than being a part time musician.

Over the years it’s never been dull. I even spent time in Japan where I became semi fluent in the language and culture. But Karaoke definitely not.

Richard – CEO

I came to LeaderBrand back in 1993 to earn some cash to get back overseas.

The challenges have kept me here ever since. I’ve gone from tractor driver to CEO without an interview.

Kylie – Sales

I love the hustle and bustle of produce, I’m in my element talking to customers.

I’m proud to work in produce because we grow fresh and healthy food for all New Zealand families. It’s authentic and I can truly say I’m proud of what we do and the positivity we can have on kiwi’s lives.

Billy – Future Farms Manager

I moved up from Ashburton after I graduated to get away from home for a couple years.

I’ve never really looked to go back as I enjoy being challenged and the challenges keep coming.