New team members....2025

2025 has brought some exciting changes to our Seed & Field team.

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Brooke Cheyne

Trainee Agronomist

Based in Pukekohe, Brooke has been with us for three months now and has become a natural fit within our skilled team. 

With a quiet demeanour, she’s always got a smile and is eager to join in.

Learn more about Brooke

Amanda Payne

Trainee Agronomist

We have another new member of our Agronomy team in Pukekohe - Amanda Payne, who joins us as our newest Trainee Agronomist. 

Amanda has just completed her Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University and is excited to dive into the role. She’ll be involved across the business; working alongside our agronomy team, assisting and conducting field trials, whilst putting her knowledge and fresh perspective to good use.

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Amanda is ready to experience a new part of New Zealand and get to know Auckland.

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Tim Hanrahan

Agronomist

Tim joins our Rakaia team as an Agronomist, he's a young man who has a genuine passion for horticulture. Originally from Rakaia, he has a strong Canterbury connection and is excited to reconnect with growers he’s met before while also meeting new ones.

Tim spent three and a half years at Talley’s as a field representative, covering spuds, peas, corn and carrots  – giving him broad and valuable crop knowledge – before heading off on his OE in the UK, where he spent two years working in fresh produce.

He holds University degrees in both BCom Agriculture and Accounting, and he’s keen to spend time on the ground with our experienced team, learning, sharing, and contributing wherever he can. 

Outside work, Tim and his partner Claire have been together for 5-6 years and have enjoyed travelling together, adding some global perspective to their Canterbury roots.

We’re thrilled to have Tim on board and look forward to seeing him thrive as part of our Rakaia branch.

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David Kilford

Warehouse

We’re pleased to welcome David Kilford back for his second stint with Seed & Field in Pukekohe. Some of you may remember him from way back in 2006 when he was part of our seed warehouse team.

Since then, David has gathered a wealth of experience — working on farms in the UK, managing his family’s kiwifruit orchard in Harrisville, and taking on roles across arboriculture, landscaping, and horticulture, including Auckland City Care and the Royal Auckland & Grange Golf Club.

David enjoys being out on the road delivering product, catching up with local growers, and seeing crops progress through the season. He’s also loving being part of an experienced and supportive team again.

Outside of work, David’s passions are golf, trout fishing, and time at the family Bach in Taupo. He’s travelled widely (every continent except Antarctica!) and will be heading to Dunedin over the New Year.

David’s a quiet achiever who loves to say hello and help anyone out — so make sure you say hi when you see him around.

Jane Palmer

Finance Assistant

We’re delighted to introduce Jane Palmer, who is based in our Pukekohe office and now works full-time in our Accounts team. Jane originally joined us part-time and quickly proved herself to be a natural fit for the role.

She has now taken on parts of Jane Walter’s former role, as Jane Walter is off enjoying a well-earned retirement. After seven months with us, she has settled in and is already a go-to person for anything accounts-related.

Jane is available Monday to Friday to assist with your account queries and can be reached on 09 237 0430.