Our Team

Alan & Helen Thompson

Owners/Directors

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John Proctor

General Manager

John joined the Kainui Pack and Cool team in 2023 coming from a background in farming, valuation and rural finance. He was born and bred in Northland with a strong passion for horticulture and the Primary Industry.

Jamie Bevan

Operations Manager

Sarah Bingham

Crop Protection Manager

Sarah joined Kainui in 2021 as Crop Protection Manager after 10 years as Regulatory Product Manager with Syngenta ANZ and APAC. Previously, she worked in retail and production nurseries, then as a Horticultural Technical Officer at the University of Western Sydney, where she developed an interest in integrated pest management and studied insect-plant interactions. Sarah is passionate about producing quality fruit with minimal environmental impact, using science, practicality, and her knowledge of beneficial insects.

Kerry Carduso

Post Harvest Manager

Kerry started her horticulture career packing kiwifruit and mandarins during school holidays. After school, she worked full-time in the packhouse, gaining a thorough understanding of post-harvest processes and earning a horticulture certificate. As Post Harvest and Logistics Manager, Kerry manages all grower data and post-harvest software.

Kristen Henty

Compliance Manager

Kristen has been with Kainui for over 7 years as our Compliance Manager. She is responsible for RSE Employment, Food Safety and GAP. She has a PhD in Biochemistry and worked as a research scientist prior to joining us.

Barb Peri

Quality Manager

Richard St George

Orchard Manager

Richard, trained as a builder and former Project Manager, joined Kainui Pack & Cool over 5 years ago. He brought skills in managing people, resources, and projects, successfully overseeing an extensive development program. Richard now manages over 130 ha of kiwifruit and citrus, building lasting relationships with growers and maximizing orchard results each season.

Phil Wallis

Finance Manager

Phil Wallis, an accountant/administrator with over 12 years in horticulture, was Finance Manager for the Kerifresh Group (2000-2007) and joined Kainui Group in 2019 after 10 years overseas. Known as “Zane Gray,” Phil is the self-appointed captain of the Kainui running team, organizes the annual golf tournament, and offers fishing expertise.

James Rogers

Assistant Orchard Manager

James began picking kiwifruit for Kainui 10 years ago and has since worked in nearly all aspects of fruit production. Focusing on structure maintenance in recent years, he is now the Assistant Orchard Manager. With a farming background and years in horticulture, James studied horticulture and silviculture, gaining extensive knowledge of native plants and birds.

Alf Muaulu

Kiwifruit Vine Manager

Heather Burgess

Coolstore Supervisor