Our People

Miles Mander

Chairperson

Miles holds a BAgCom from Lincoln and Dip Banking from Massey. Recently retired after 40 years working in Rural Banking and  Finance. A Rural Support Trust trustee since 2004 lives on a rural block near Edgecumbe.

Patrick Andrew

Regional/Team Leader

Patrick has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science Degree and previously worked for 30 years in rural banking and finance, including private consultancy and valuation.  He is skilled in planning, negotiation and strategy.

Jodie Craig

Co-ordinator

Jodie has a National Certificate in Business Administration and Computing and has previously worked for 15 years in the legal sector. She has studied as a Life Coach and grew up in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Malcolm Fluker

Facilitator

Malcolm has a diploma in Valuation and Farm Management and previously worked for 38 years in rural banking.  He has a wide knowledge of sheep, beef and dairy farming and strong relationship skills.  He has helped many farmers through tough times.

Fraser McLean

Facilitator

Fraser has qualifications in agricultural commerce and dispute resolution. Fraser ran a dairy farm for over 25 years, and now enjoys tutoring industry trainees and running dairy grazers.

Gillian Searle

Facilitator

Gillian has qualifications in Horticultural Science and Psychology. She has been a dairy farmer for over 25 years and has also worked for a range of dairy industry support organisations. 

Pat Kilgarriff

Facilitator

The Trust's Facilitator Pat Kilgarriff has a bachelor's degree in Agriculture Science and worked for MAF as a farm consultant for nearly 30 years. He has since worked in private consultancy. Pat has proven skills in farm management and communications.

Kim Cawte

Secretary/Treasurer

Kim Cawte is a farmer's daughter, has been Secretary/Treasurer for the Te Puke A&P Show for 17 years, Te Puke Vet Service for 14 years and Office Manager for Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers for 12 years, so has a wide network within the farming industry.