Mike Gordon, our Senior Agronomist and 'Business Lead,' is one of those solid, old-school blokes. He’s been with Seed & Field for 34 years—longer than some of our staff have been alive! I’m sure my colleagues would agree that he’s always upbeat and incredibly supportive, both among his peers and with customers.
Many of us have had the pleasure of working with Mike for years, yet his unassuming nature means we don’t know a lot about him. So, here’s a closer look at the man behind the solid exterior…
So where did you grow up?
“As a youngster my parents owned the Jolly Farmer Pub in Drury for eight years (now called Murphy’s), our family of seven lived upstairs for six years of those years. I fondly remember my job of collecting empty glasses from the garden bar on Sunday mornings with my trolley. I earned a shilling a week—about 10 cents—which was just enough to buy my comic book and indulge in some hot chips.
I attended St. Mary’s in Papakura, where the nuns were quite strict, before moving on to St. Peter’s College where, during the week I lived with my grandparents and returned home on weekends. My interest in horticulture began while working at a plant nursery on weekends during school, where I was encouraged to learn more about plants. I was also active in sports, playing on the first XV rugby team and participating in cricket during the summer.
My nursery experience really impacted my next choice which led me to attend Massey University where I studied Horticulture.
And then….
For my Overseas Experience, I headed to England where I worked as a rep for Lloyd’s of London Insurance. I also picked up a part-time night job at a local restaurant, one night the band Frankie Goes to Hollywood turned up, making for an unforgettable experience. During my time in the UK, I played a season of rugby for Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire. My best mate was there too, working for an exporting liquor business, which kept us well-stocked for Saturday nights.
Some of my best memories come from flatting with 13 people in Streatham, which turned our place into party central. We were footloose and fancy-free—no cell phones in sight! I communicated with my parents through letters and the occasional phone call while exploring various tourist attractions. One of my favourite was spending a week in Ibiza, courtesy of the rugby club, which provided us with a free apartment.
Tell me about your work history
At 21, my first full time job was a Rep with an Ag company – May and Baker (morphed into Rhone Poulenc) based in Auckland where my customer region was from Whakatane across to the King Country to the top of the North Island. After two years I moved on to BASF where I was a Sales Rep for five years, this is where I met Garry Elliott (one of the founders of Pukekohe Growers Supplies).
I decided to step away from horticulture when an opportunity arose to run my own hotel. With my family still young, we moved to Sydney where I managed the Nepean Hotel for two years. Although it was an exciting experience, I soon realised how much I missed the outdoor life. Life in Sydney was a bit more aggressive and fast passed than I expected, which reinforced my love for a simpler, nature-connected lifestyle.
They say it’s all about timing, I was unsettled in Sydney and considering my options when Gary Elliott and Rod Ketels offered me an Agronomy role with Pukekohe Growers Supplies, I’ve never looked back. No day—or season—is ever the same. I find myself busier than ever, working with growers of various sizes and navigating geographically challenging crops. I truly enjoy my customers, and the pursuit of safer chemistry in harmony with nature makes my work incredibly satisfying.
Interesting fact…
My mum and dad owned the Kings Arms Pub in the suburb of Newton, Auckland for over 30 years. For more than 20 of those years, I helped manage the public bar one night a week whilst still working as a rep during the day. What I witnessed in that bar should stay on tour! I often saw various growers who visited, but I can’t name them for fear of reprisal," he laughs. “The whole family was involved in the business; my sister was in a band and needed a place to play, so she started booking other bands and transforming part of the building into a live music venue. This is when the music scene really kicked off. The Kings Arms played a significant role in the beginnings of many new and iconic bands in New Zealand, and it was an honour to be part of their growth.
When my father, Pete passed away suddenly, my mother, Maureen, stepped up to become the publican—she was more of a behind-the-scenes person before that. She thrived in this role because she loved dealing with people. Unfortunately, due to noise complaints via the council and her ill health, she eventually sold the pub to developers for apartments. Mum and I had a very close relationship; she was incredibly business-savvy, a tough negotiator, and highly respected by everyone nationwide.
Mike now
My wife Lisa and I came out to Mauku 14 years ago where we have a small lifestyle block. I genuinely love the slower pace of life and the community feel out here.
I have three grown up kids, and between Lisa and I we have six children and five grandchildren who play a large part in our lives. One of Lisa’s son’s lives in Canada (Squamish, Vancouver) which we love to go and visit. I love the Canadian people, they have an energy about them I deeply relate to. Whenever we visit, we always make time for lake fishing, hiking, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the great outdoors. I absolutely love my walks there—although I’ve yet to buy a bear bell, I’ve spotted bears in the distance a few times.
When people ask why I’m still working full-time, my answer is simple and sincere: 'I love my job.' As for reaching 65—well, I believe 65 is the new 40, as long as my legs keep moving and my heart stays strong I’m not ready to slow down.
Your happy places?
I have a few passions, and horse racing is definitely one of them. Over the years, I’ve owned a horse or two, and I’ve really enjoyed the thrill of experiencing the entire journey from training to paddock. As a youngster my uncle was a commentator and handicapper for the Northern region, and I ended up taking a part-time job at the Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturdays, which is where my passion for the sport truly began.
My oldest son, Matt and I have recently gone halves in a filly. She’s still unnamed and just two years old, but we’re hoping to take her to the races early next year if she proves to be good enough. Right now, the fees are covering her regular pedicures and luxury swimming lessons—I’m hoping it all pays off!
I have a real passion for gardening and have put countless hours into landscaping our property. I never get tired of it—especially mowing the lawn, which is definitely my happy place. If you ever drive past on a Saturday afternoon, give me a toot!”