Aimee Barker‑Gilbert – External Operations Manager, Hume Pack‑N‑Cool

Aimee Barker‑Gilbert is the External Operations Manager at Hume Pack‑N‑Cool, with over 11 years’ experience in the kiwifruit industry. Based in Katikati, she leads grower‑facing operations and brings strong commercial and people‑management expertise to her role. Aimee is passionate about developing teams and supporting growers, and also gives back to the community as a trustee of the Hume Pack‑N‑Cool & Growers Community Fund. She is entering the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition for a second year after a positive experience in 2025. Outside of work, Aimee enjoys time with her two children and is Treasurer of the Katikati Football Club.

Jessie Blattmann – Orchard Manager, Trevelyans Pack and Cool

Jessie Blattmann is an Orchard Manager at Trevelyans Pack and Cool, overseeing kiwifruit production in the Bay of Plenty. Having grown up around kiwifruit, avocados, and dairy, she combines a strong horticultural background with formal business training. Jessie joined Trevelyans six years ago as an orchard supervisor and was the company’s first female kiwifruit orchard manager. She recently broadened her experience by managing a SunGold orchard in Japan. Jessie entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge herself and connect with like‑minded growers. Outside of work, she enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and horse riding.

Navneet Kaur – Shift Manager, Seeka Limited

Navneet Kaur is a Shift Manager at Seeka Limited, with seven years’ experience across both orchard and packhouse operations in the kiwifruit industry. She has progressed through a range of roles including packer, EDI supervisor, orchard supervisor, line manager, and now shift manager, giving her a strong end‑to‑end understanding of production, people, and fruit quality. Navneet enjoys the fast‑paced challenges of packhouse operations and working with diverse teams. She entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to support her professional development and work toward her goal of becoming a packhouse manager. Outside of work, she enjoys the gym, walking, driving, and spending time at the beach.

Teriaki Williams – EDI Manager, Seeka Limited

Teriaki Williams is an EDI Manager at Seeka Limited, based in Ōpōtiki, where the kiwifruit industry plays a key role in the local community. With experience across post‑harvest and orchard roles, he brings strong communication skills, confidence, and a people‑focused approach to his work. Teriaki is passionate about promoting horticulture as a viable and rewarding career and has been actively involved in speaking with local schools and community groups. He entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge himself, grow his industry knowledge, and connect with others across the sector. Outside of work, Teriaki enjoys spending time with family and friends and making the most of the outdoors.

Danyon Robertson – Field Operations Manager, Verified Lab Services

Danyon Robertson is Field Operations Manager at Verified Lab Services, leading large‑scale field services across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Coromandel, and Gisborne. Starting his career as a seasonal field technician just five years ago, he now manages multi‑programme delivery and a workforce of more than 100 staff at peak season. Danyon is motivated by delivering high‑quality, reliable services that support growers to make confident decisions. He is entering the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge himself, connect with industry peers, and continue developing as a leader. Outside of work, Danyon enjoys adventure, Formula 1, and staying busy.

Nanique Bonthuys – Orchard Manager, Prospa (EastPack)

Nanique Bonthuys is an Orchard Manager with Prospa –EastPack, based in the Bay of Plenty. With five years’ experience in the horticulture industry, she enjoys the hands‑on nature of orchard work and the variety and challenges each season brings. Nanique is motivated by continuous learning and developing both her technical and leadership skills, particularly in team management and orchard performance. She entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge herself, build confidence, and connect with others who share a passion for horticulture. Outside of work, Nanique enjoys running and spending quality time with family and friends.

Patterson Kelly – Orchard Manager, Trevelyans Pack and Cool

Patterson Kelly is an Orchard Manager with Trevelyans Pack and Cool, working across managed kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty. He began his horticulture career at age 14 as a seasonal orchard hand and has steadily progressed through hands‑on roles while completing formal horticulture studies at Lincoln University. Patterson enjoys the challenges of orchard development and working with new varieties, particularly where problem‑solving and innovation are required. He values working outdoors with a diverse team and contributing to fruit production for global markets. Patterson entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to continue learning, challenge himself, and grow as an orchard manager.

William Kenna – Orchard and Innovation Lead, KWKiwi

William Kenna is the Orchard and Innovation Lead at KWKiwi, the family‑owned kiwifruit business north of Katikati where he grew up. He combines hands‑on orchard management with a strong interest in innovation and data‑driven decision‑making. William holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury, majoring in Marketing and Operations and Supply Chain Management. He entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge himself, test his knowledge alongside peers, and connect with future industry leaders. Passionate about sustainable growing, William is focused on looking after the land for future generations. Outside of work, he enjoys Formula 1 and spending time with his family.