Our People

Sandy Scarrow

Chairperson

Sandy Scarrow is the Shareholder and Managing Director of Fruition Horticulture. She has a Bachelor of Horticultural Science, Diploma in Business and Administration (Management), Certificate in Adult Education and Training (Level 5) and has been a Horticultural consultant since 1987. Sandy also owns a kiwifruit orchard

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.

Igor Gerritsen

Regional Leader/Facilitator

Igor has been a pastor in Te Puke for 5 years where he was involved in the recovery phase of the kiwifruit sector. Before that Igor owned a financial planning business for 9 years and worked in the NZ Police. Igor has a degree in pastoral ministries and a diploma in Financial Planning. He has proven skills in People Management, Sales, Leadership and personal support in times of crisis.

Debbie Oakley

Facilitator

Debbie Oakley has a Diploma in Rural Studies and is retired from 35 years in banking; 10 years Rural Banking with Rabobank in Rotorua and Te Puke and 25 years Retail Banking including Branch Manager with Westpac/Trust Bank. Debbie has ownership in business and orchards in the Kiwifruit sector and is currently a member of the NZ Kiwifruit Growers Forum. She has proven skills in People management, Financial Management, Administration and technical skills, Sales and negotiation skills.

Helen Schweizer

Facilitator

Helen Schweizer trained as a registered nurse then went on to manage a large dairy farm - milking, rearing calves and administration. Helen has been in the Dairy Industry for 25 years and currently owns a dairy farm in South Waikato farmed with a Sharemilker on. Helen has a Diploma in Homeopathy and is currently studying as a Contact Care Practitioner. She has been involved in local support groups with her strengths in assisting those with grief, loss and self-care at times of crises.

Tim Bernau

Facilitator

Tim is a Registered Valuer with a financial advocacy and kiwifruit orchardist background.  With 16 years involvement in rural banking, he is now active in farm business administration and financial management.

Patrick Andrew

Facilitator

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.

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.

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.