Jono Ritchie
Arable and Horticulture
Jonathan made the switch to the Horticulture team in July 2018, taking up the Horticulture & Arable Specialist Hawkes Bay role. Prior to this he had been the Nutrient Specialist for Waipukurau, originally joining Ballance in October 2016.
After growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Central Hawkes Bay, he travelled to Australia, gaining work on cattle station in the Northern Territory.
On his return to New Zealand, he spent time working on the family farm before completing a Diesel apprenticeship. Jonathan then spent several years tending the machinery needs of the Hawkes Bay and East Coast farmers.
His desire to be involved in the agricultural sector saw a change from Diesel machines to working for a large-scale horticulture group in Hastings. When the chance to work in his home region arose, it was an opportunity he had to take.
Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his wife and two girls.
Tim Brooker
Arable and Horticulture
Jai Prakash
Arable and Horticulture
Samantha Moore
Arable and Horticulture
Samantha, known as Sam, joined the Ballance Hort team in October 2020, covering the Bay of Plenty region.
She started her career in banking, working her way up to a senior level. Sam then decided to branch out in a new direction, making the move to work as a Legal Secretary. Following this role, more changes were on the way with her and her family moving to Edgecumbe for a change of lifestyle. Spending time with her in-laws on their kiwifruit orchard has kindled a keen interest in the industry, leading her to look for work in this industry.
Sam is excited to embark on a role where she can utilise her current skills and continue to learn new ones at the same time