Orchard Services

Simon has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from University of Nairobi-Kenya. He has a strong background in managing large scale horticultural operations before joining Opac, and has now added to that an excellent knowledge of growing kiwifruit.

Alan describes himself as the 'go to guy' for the Gisborne growers. His focus is on building enduring relationships with the local kiwifruit community and ensuring that growers receive the best support possible. Based in Gisborne with a small field team, Alan facilitates the delivery of a depth of services from the entire OPAC team, including post-harvest services, orchard management, technical services, Psa monitoring, crop counting and more. 

Alan is excited about the future of the industry in the Gisborne region and believes there is as yet untapped potential for new kiwifruit orchard developments.

He believes strongly in time spent in the orchard, where he applies the power of observation to develop the best solutions for every vine and orchard.

Warren maintains his focus on the future through his commitment to driving improvements that maximise production whilst maintaining production potential. Warren is also looking to the future through his work with new varieties and techniques: since 1994, he has been involved in national and international trials with Zespri, Hort Research and Plant and Food Research.

Hoani manages and is an investor in the Opotiki Te Kaha (OTK) joint venture orchards. He is also orchard manager, trustee and investor in the Te Kaha Group (TKG) joint venture. He is passionate about these ventures for two reasons. Firstly, he wants to see Maori landowning trusts develop their land to its full potential. Secondly, he is excited about the potential income generated for the East Coast community.

He sees these ventures between OPAC and Maori landowners as a 'win win' scenario for all involved. The joint ventures ensure a secure 20 year lease, while profits are shared equally and most importantly, that Maori landowners have the security that the land remains their own.

Hoani's vision is to see future generations of Maori landowners confidently developing and managing kiwifruit orchards, or similar ventures, themselves.

Straight out of secondary school, Grant completed a three year cadetship and then went on to study a two year management course. Unfortunately, the kiwifruit industry collapse of the early 1990s meant he had to step out of the field for a period of time, instead working in construction.

Keen to reignite his original passion, Grant joined Seeka Kiwifruit Industries in 2004 and then spent ten years there gaining further experience. When the opportunity arose for a change in scenery, Grant leapt on board as an Orchard Manager with OPAC in July 2014.

With three teenage daughters, family life keeps Grant busy, as do his four dogs. The fox terriers often work alongside Grant, rabbiting in the orchards, which is a win-win situation for all - dogs included!

With aspirations to one day own an orchard, Grant is looking forward to interacting with OPAC clients in the Te Puke and Edgecumbe areas ensuring they receive the best service from a dedicated and dynamic team.

He worked extensively throughout the Bay of Plenty area and was involved with setting up orchards in the early days of Hort16a. 

He has an interest in vintage and classic cars, of which he owns two, and enjoys travelling around NZ on various car rallies.

More recently, David had been working with bees as an Apiary Manager at NZ Manuka. 

Having these different backgrounds, places Aimee in a strong position to develop and maintain strong working relationships with OPAC’s growers.  

Aimee is able to speak and understand the kiwifruit language, discuss frustrations, investigate what can be done better as well as celebrate what is being done well.  Of particular interest to Aimee, is enabling and facilitating strategic orchard management workshops and field days.

Aimee believes that communication is the key to any lasting business relationship, and through supporting our growers with sound orcharding advice, she is fully committed to delivering on OPAC’s promise that “Every Fruit Counts”.