Our People

Andrew Rutherford is the Regional Sales Manager covering the Eastern region.

He spent his childhood on the family’s 225-hectare sheep and beef farm in the southern Hawke’s Bay. This, when combined with over 20 years working in the agriculture industry, has resulted in Andrew developing a broad knowledge of the sector.

He originally joined Ballance in March 2002 before moving into a Corporate Accounts Specialist role for the Central Plateau in 2008. In this role Andrew built strong relationships and enjoyed having a positive influence on his customers farming operations through providing quality advice. He has utilised these skills and his years of experience to move into a leadership role, where he can support and guide his team through their careers in agriculture.

Kim became the Corporate Account Specialist for Waikato in 2017. She brings with her a wealth of experience, having previously worked for Ballance for 9 years in Nutrient Specialist and Technical Coach roles, interspersed with raising her family and running her own business. Kim completed a degree and postgraduate studies in Animal Science, where she met her husband Gene. They have a small dairy grazing and beef farm near Te Awamutu, having previously had a dairy farm. Kim has a passion to help customers reach production, growth and sustainability goals. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her family (including coaching hockey), swimming, photography (and teaching photography), and skating.

Dot joined Ballance in July 2019 as Nutrient Specialist Putaruru / Tokoroa.

She brings extensive experience to the role, having been dairy farming for over 10 years and also holds a Certificate in Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management from Massey University.

Dot is passionate about the agriculture industry and enjoys helping clients to improve their productivity and reach their business goals.

A mum to two boys, she spends her time outside of work with family, and helping friends on their farms.

Caitlynn Rust joined Ballance in 2021 as an intern while simultaneously covering numerous nutrient specialist roles throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. She then progressed quickly into a role as key nutrient specialist for her home patch spanning the Rotorua/Tauranga region. Growing up in Rotorua working on both drystock and dairy farms, Caitlynn then completed a bachelor's in Agricultural Science at Massey University with a focus on soil science and innovation. She has since completed her intermediate and advanced sustainable nutrient management courses. Caitlynn has a passion for integration between agriculture, technology, and the environment. This passion has also led her to be part of the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environmental Awards committee.

Daniel Hurley has been the Key Accounts Nutrient Specialist for the Morrinsville / Matamata area since November 2025, having previously been the Nutrient Specialist for Otorohanga/Te Awamutu East.

He joined Ballance in January 2024 as part of the Intern Programme, before continuing his development with secondments into Nutrient Specialist roles in both the King Country and Whangarei areas.

Daniel’s interest for the agricultural sector was sparked during his time working at Farmlands across the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato. He credits his time there with growing his knowledge in the Agricultural and Horticulture sectors, inspiring him to complete a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Agricultural Business and Supply Chain Management.

He has built a strong passion for the agricultural sector and enjoys being on farm - building relationships with customers to help them achieve their business goals and thrive in the sector.

When not working, he enjoys spending time with his friend’s and family or you will find him out on the Rugby Field or Golf Course.

Curtly Harper joined the South Waikato team as Nutrient Specialist Otorohanga / Te Awamutu East in December 2025, following a stint in Northland as the Ballance Nutrient Specialist for Dargaville.

Hailing from a sheep and beef farm just outside Otorohanga in the North King Country, Curtly credits being raised rurally with cementing his deep connection to the land. His desire to be immersed in the agriculture sector led him to study at Lincoln University, where he achieved a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture.

Prior to starting with Ballance, he worked as a tractor contractor throughout the multiple University summer holidays while also working part-time for local farmers around the Otorohanga area. These roles gave him both exposure to the sector and practical experience, strengthening his passion for agriculture.

In his spare time, Curtly is a keen sportsman who gives most things a crack. Hunting and fishing are also a big interest with an overarching passion for the outdoors.