Our People

James is the General Manager of Bruntwood Farms, a large-scale family kiwifruit and avocado growing operation in Tauranga, who are also one of Kiwram’s largest shareholders and suppliers. James has also overseen a number of orchard developments for Bruntwood Farms. James worked for Zespri prior to returning to the family business and currently sits on numerous industry bodies including as Chairman of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, and the Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council.

Daniel was appointed to the Kiwram Group Board on 10 February 2022 as an independent commercial director. Daniel has held a variety of senior positions in the banking, investment and corporate sector, with significant experience in mergers and acquisitions; and driving growth and expansion while operating in highly regulated markets. Daniel is the former Chief Investment Officer for Tainui Group Holdings, and Head of Treasury & Strategy for NZSX listed top 50 company PGC and Heartland Group. Daniel is a member of the Institute of Directors; a former board member of the Institute of Finance Professionals of New Zealand; and currently holds the status of Certified Finance and Investment Professional. Daniel is currently an Advisory Board member for Nā Tuhoe iwi and a director and shareholder of Makana Energy Ltd, a renewable energies business.

Matthew has been the Managing Director of Western Orchards Ltd based in Katikati for more than 30 years. Western Orchards Ltd is an orchard management and post-harvest packing & coolstorage operation which, along with Kiwram, supplies fruit to Zespri through Kiwram Suppliers Limited. Matthew also has orchard development experience with Western Orchards. He lives with his wife and two sons on a 15 hectare orchard in Katikati where he grows SunGold, Hayward Green and RubyRed varieties of kiwifruit. He has extensive knowledge across all aspects of the kiwifruit industry and is currently on the NZKGI Forum. Matthew has been involved in the Zespri new varieties programme and has travelled on Zespri grower trips around the world, which has given him an understanding of the marketing strategies and implications of the Zespri supply chain.