Avoca Lime Company has established itself in Northland over 70 years.
Avoca began in 1947 with agricultural lime and lime transport, based in the Tangowahine Valley, just outside of Dargaville. Today, Avoca are soil specialist consultants, helping Northland farmers and horticulturalists develop soil fertility for better crops, livestock and profits.
Bryce Manderson, owner and Managing Director has a wealth of knowledge in soil fertility. With many years working in the lime and fertiliser industry, Bryce oversees our sales consultants - all whom have completed the Neal Kinsey Soil Fertility course. Bryce adds to the continuality of professional and personal service that Avoca has built its reputation on.
Phone: (09) 433 5720 Email: bryce@avocagroup.co.nz
Keith Squires, General Manager has been with Avoca since 2011. Originally from Whangarei, in 2006 he returned home after 20 years away to manage Winstone Aggregates operations in Northland. He has a background in environmental management and over 11 years of quarry and business management experience. Keith is based out of our administration office in Whangarei.
Phone: (09) 433 5720 Email: keith@avocagroup.co.nz
Terry Nicolle originally from Zimbabwe, has been beef farming for over 30 years. He joined Avoca in September 2011 and has been advising farmers on getting the best from their fertiliser budget. Based in Kerikeri, Terry covers Far North and Bay of Islands.
Phone: (021) 286 2201 Email: terry@avocagroup.co.nz
Briar Philcox has a background in horticulture, agriculture and education and holds a Bachelor of Horticulture Science from Massey University. She joins the Avoca team to assist our orchardists and small block owners. Briar is based in Whangarei and has a keen interest in organics and biological farming .
Phone: (021) 883 182 Email: briar@avocagroup.co.nz
Tony Johnston holds a degree in Applied Science and an certificate in Nutrient Management from Massey University. This combined with his eight years of technical experience in the agriculture and horticulture sector will be an asset to the Avoca Team. Tony will be looking after our Dargaville and Kaipara area.
Phone: (021) 846 696 Email: tony@avocagroup.co.nz
Rev Crawford is based in Papakura and covers the South Auckland and Waikato areas. With over 30 years experience in the NZ Rural sector, Rev possesses a strong empathy with NZ agriculture and understanding of NZ farming systems. Rev has been involved with Avoca for over 20 years and now is part of the team.
Phone: 021) 503 029 Email: rev@avocagroup.co.nz
Philip Hobbs is based in our Te Kauwhata Store and is often on the phone arranging appointments for our fertiliser consultants and customers. With over 30 years in the agricultural industry ranging from Livestock Agent, Rural Supplies, Animal Health to more recently within the Lime & Fertiliser industry. He is looking forward to helping farmers grow their returns.
Phone: (021) 532 022 Email: philip@avocagroup.co.nz
Ray Wedgwood has both the practical experience and indepth knowledge with almost 35 years of being with Avoca. Ray arranges the dispatches of fertiliser mixes and is the link between the consultant and the transport companies.
Phone: (09) 433 5720 Email: ray@avocagroup.co.nz
Venee Mortimer’s role at Avoca is to support the sales team and quarry workers in an administration role. She is responsible for co-ordinating events, marketing activities and sponsorship which Avoca is involved in.
Phone: (09) 433 5720 Email: venee@avocagroup.co.nz
Dr Jabbar holds a PhD in Soil Science and has been consulting soil fertility, soil health, fertiliser use and management recommendations on different agricultural crops since 1999. He was involved with several agricultural research and extension works in the field of sustainable soil fertility and fertiliser management programs. Dr Jabbar has joined Avoca in 2011 and is responsible for preparing fertiliser recommendations for the dairy, beef and sheep farming, maize, some of horticultural crops such as kiwifruit, avocados and citrus etc,. These recommendations are analysed from the soil test lab results received from the Perry Ag Lab, USA, Eurofins Food Analytics NZ and Hill Lab NZ.
Phone: (09) 433 5720 Email: jabbar@avocagroup.co.nz
