Rockstar in Steelcaps

If ever there was a Warehouse Rockstar Allanah Bedford is your person. She’s the first to admit she’s addicted to cleanliness, structure and straight lines in the warehouse. With rows and rows of fertiliser meticulously stacked in soldier like lines and floors swept so clean they almost shine, her attention to detail and pride in her work makes her an asset to our team.

Allanah’s career

Allanah began her full-time career working for her stepfather, Mark Freeman, former owner of NZ Crop Care in Pukekohe, where she was based in the warehouse. When Hortigro purchased existing stock and moved into the building in 2012, Allanah stayed on—and her role expanded significantly. What started as a warehouse position quickly evolved into a broader set of responsibilities.

Ten years later, in 2022, when Hortigro wound up operations, an opportunity opened up at Seed & Field (then Inta-Ag Ltd) for a fertiliser and warehouse role. Allanah stepped into the position—and quickly made a name for herself.

Today, the site is spotless and runs like clockwork, as Allanah puts it: “I found my niche here. I like to work alone and take care of an area. I like straight lines and take pride in everything I do. Keeping the warehouse organised is actually like playing a big game of Tetris—only with blocks that weigh more than a tonne each!”

Most of Allanah’s days are spent out on the road making deliveries, followed by organising stock (mostly fertiliser) and assisting customers back at the warehouse.

“When I’m out on my delivery runs, it’s basically karaoke—cranking the radio, just me and my tunes,” she laughs. “I really love music and to sing along, in fact I sing whenever I can! I also enjoy interacting with the customers; most of them are absolutely lovely.”

“Despite the physical nature of my job I still love having pretty nails,” she adds with a grin.

Early years

Allanah is a local girl, born and raised in Waiuku. Until the age of 13, she lived with her parents and sister on the outskirts of town, near Karioitahi Beach. Many of her childhood years were spent swimming and playing on the sand dunes.

“Dad worked at the Glenbrook Steel Mill,” she recalls. “Every Christmas his work would bus all of the employee’s teens to Rainbow’s End for a night. Because Waiuku is such a small town most of my friend group was always there. It was a big deal, something really special.

“I was a thin, active kid,” Allanah recalls. “When I was 11, Dad encouraged the family to sign up for the annual Sky Tower Vertical Challenge. I managed to climb 1,056 steps in 12 minutes and 1 second (proudly faster than my sister) and I even made it into the local newspaper to celebrate the occasion.

“At 18, I started working at Spookers—every Friday and Saturday night for years. I’d get pumped up on too many Red Bulls, paint my face, get dressed up, jump into character, and scare strangers until they cried or wet their pants. It was always high energy, and I absolutely loved it. No matter what kind of day I’d had I could go there, scream at people, and laugh about it afterwards with friends.

“I made lifelong friends during my time there—it was a very happy chapter of my life. I spent a lot of time acting in the 3D Disturbia section, in a few different sets but mostly as Clown. As well as acting I moved into different customer service roles and I ended up working there for over 10 years.

“The same year I started at Spookers I applied for and was accepted into the New Zealand Navy. But on day two, during my medical, admitting to a niggle in my ankle—something I didn’t think was a big deal, just from running—ended up getting me kicked out.

“With Dad’s encouragement I went through physio to help fix the issue so I could apply again later, but the truth was, my heart just wasn’t in it anymore. Looking back, getting rejected the second time was actually a good outcome—it pushed me in a different direction.”

Tell me about your hobbies

“My happiest place has to be travelling—it’s an expensive hobby, but totally worth it. Exploring new places, trying new food, and soaking in different cultures lights me up like nothing else. Over the years, I’ve built up a pretty extensive travel résumé. I’ve explored places far and wide—from the UK, France, and most of Europe, to more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Morocco, Uzbekistan, Cuba, and Nepal. I’ve ventured to Russia, China, and Easter Island, and even made it all the way to Antarctica. Other favourites include Japan, South Korea, Patagonia, Oman, India, Egypt, Turkey, Finnish Lapland, and most recently Vietnam & Cambodia. Every journey has added something to my life, and there’s still so much more I want to see.

“I have the best memories from overseas; my home is half mementos from my travels and half library because I love books and reading.

“I also love a wee cocktail now and then—rhubarb and ginger gin is my absolute favourite. When I’m not sipping a G&T, you’ll usually find me baking. Especially sweet things. All my teeth are sweet teeth. I’ll bake for any excuse—whether I’m in the mood or someone else is hungry. Any reason will do.

“Another hobby I try sometimes is cross-stitch. I recently finished a 70x35cm cross-stitch of a PRS Custom 24 guitar for a very good friend. It’s not something I do every day, but I loved the challenge and the satisfaction of finishing it.”

And as mentioned earlier in her story Allanah absolutely loves to sing. “Growing up we didn’t have a playstation but my cousins did, so playing SingStar when visiting them was my favourite. Thankfully now the only audience to put up with me is my small fluffy pupper Rosie.”

Rosie

This story wouldn’t be complete without a special mention of Rosie—Allanah’s beautiful, furry companion. The office is always a little brighter on the days Rosie pays a visit, bounding in with her usual mix of fun, affection, and uncontainable enthusiasm. Whether she’s offering tail wags or simply making her rounds to say hello, Rosie brings joy to everyone she meets. It’s clear to all of us that she holds a very special place in Allanah’s heart—and the feeling is mutual.

Any plans for future travel?

“At the moment, I’m leaning toward Central and South America for my next adventure. One of my main travel goals is to visit Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail— but my biggest goal would be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Not in the distant future—hopefully soon. As you get older, it definitely becomes harder to achieve things like that. I want to make the most of active tourism while I can, because let’s be honest—later on, I’ll probably be on a cruise with all the other old people!”