I studied Food Technology at Massey University and spent the initial years of my career based in the UK on an extended OE working for various large food manufacturers.

Upon returning to New Zealand in 2011 I started a drinks business based in Tauranga. We started by using contract manufacturers, but have now taken over manufacture ourselves. Due to the seasonal nature of this business, I started taking on some food technology contracts that were offered to me, and this work has grown and grown to the point where it is now a key focus of the business.

My creativity and love of food has led to some great new product innovations which have been sucessfully commercialised, here is a recent one which was particularly technical.

I have a strong background in engineering. I majored in food engineering and have held engineering roles in both project engineering and maintenance engineering, including managing up to 8 maintenance/electrical staff and managing $1M+ installations.

I have implemented food safety programmes, environmental management systems (ISO14001), and been heavily involved with implementation of health and safety systems. I also have HR experience through my project management roles which have cut labour requirements substantially.

My work has included many process improvement projects which have led to improved product quality, reduced downtime, reduced wastage, reduced labour requirements and increased throughput.

My background in business and a food company startup has developed a strong interest in food law, and I already have valuable experience with the new Food Act, Food Control Plans and National Programmes.

Lastly, I am an extremely hard and fast worker. I was Dux and Science Dux of Tauranga Boys’ College and I completed Massey’s 4-year food technology degree in just 3 years; this didn’t come easily. I am now running both a consultancy and manufacturing company. This year in my spare time I started an innovative social sports club (managing netball, basketball, turbo touch and football teams in past 6 months) in Tauranga with several hundred members and counting. I have spent my career as a project manager and have the capabilities to take on most projects with a reasonable level of experience.