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Our People

It all comes down to people. The scheme is governed by a Board of Directors comprising four elected farmer shareholders, two appointed independent directors and a Waitaki District Council representative. A busy team of professionals handles the day-to-day management of the business from the company’s Oamaru office, while the field-based operations team is responsible for the physical operation and maintenance of the scheme.

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NOIC Directors from L-R: Paul Hope, Callum Kingan, Matt Ross, Jo Hay, Sina Cotter Tait and Gareth Isbister.

Senior leadership team

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Andrew Rodwell

LinkedIn
Chief Executive Officer

Andrew joined NOIC in May 2019, bringing an extensive commercial and international background, that includes significant experience in the primary sector through roles with Genestock (accelerated breeding of cashmere and angora goats), Fruitfed Export (kiwifruit exporting) and as CEO of Arborgen (NZ’s largest forestry biotech company). These were interspersed with seven years in California, initially as New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles (with a focus on food and agritech), then as Executive Vice President for a US subsidiary of Telecom NZ and subsequent CEO roles in high-tech engineering and manufacturing.

Andrew is an advocate for the primary sector and for the environment. “The value of irrigation water cannot be underestimated, nor can the responsibility of those who distribute and use it. Water has the capacity to transform farming, lift productivity, provide land use options not otherwise possible, bring regional economic growth, jobs and opportunities. It is incumbent on us all to maximise the efficiency of our schemes, with equal emphasis on environmental sustainability. Success in both is NOIC’s objective.”

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Stephen Craig-Pearson

LinkedIn
Commercial Manager

 

Stephen joined NOIC in 2017 and is responsible for overseeing the financial control of the business and contributing to strategic planning and business development. He started his career in banking and has worked overseas in project finance for several international banks, as well as serving a variety of industries within the corporate banking sector here in NZ. Stephen then moved into chartered accounting, which led him into business consulting and financial management. Prior to joining NOIC, Stephen worked for NZ Genomics, a national science infrastructure that served all sectors of NZ science.

Stephen is a keen rower and competes in master’s regattas. He lives in Kakanui.

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Oli Knopp

LinkedIn
Operations Engineer

Oli joined NOIC in August 2022, after relocating to Oamaru with his young family. Oli has worked as an Engineering Consultant for the past four years in Christchurch following the completion of his Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) at the University of Canterbury. A natural problem solver, Oli brings a creative and analytical approach to all problems and is eager to contribute to the further development of the scheme.

Oli is also a sport fanatic and has enjoyed playing premier rugby over the past seven years in both Dunedin and Christchurch. Oli is excited for the opportunity to build great relationships with NOIC shareholders and to dive into rugby in North Otago.

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Mike Searle

Environmental Manager

Mike started with NOIC in July 2021. He has extensive resource management industry experience having worked in this field for nearly 30 years, including consulting in the rural sector with the majority of his clients being dairy farmers with irrigation.

Mike also owns and operates a 130 hectare sheep and beef farm (with the odd bit of dairy support and cropping) near Herbert so appreciates the many challenges confronting NOIC’s shareholders.

Office & Operational Staff

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    Jodi Leckie

    Projects Manager

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    Anita Walton

    Environmental Advisor

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    Colin Perkins

    Operations Manager

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    Will Fisher

    Operator

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    Barry Johnston

    Operator

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    Andrew Bain

    Operator