Angela holds a degree in Bachelor of Applied Science with a major in Agriculture, she joined Avoca in August 2021 with over 10 years experience in the NZ fertiliser industry and has completed both the Sustainable Nutrient Management in NZ Agriculture and the Advanced Sustainable Management courses through Massey University. Angela is a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor (CNMA) Angela is passionate about our industry and a genuine interest in improving animal health and pasture improvement. Angela is based in Kerikeri and is looking after the Far North and Bay Of Islands

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.

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 .

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business Studies (Major in Management) - Massey University (2008) and a NZ Certificate of Science (Major in Chemistry / Biochemistry) - Auckland University of Technology (1991)
Sarah's dairy industry experience started at LIC as the area manager for Waiuku and districts 2012-2016, she has also spent four seasons managing a 400 cow dairy farm achieving the farm records for production and increasing the value of the herd over this time. Since 2016 Sarah has worked in the fertiliser industry completing both Sustainable Nutrient Management in NZ Agriculture and Advanced Sustainable Management through Massey University. Sarah lives in Waiuku and services the South Auckland, North Waikato and Hauraki areas.

Tony’s passion for farming began early, growing up on a dairy farm where he developed a
deep appreciation for the land and rural life. With over 20 years of experience advising
farmers, Tony brings a wealth of practical knowledge and insight to his role. He works closely
with Farmers across the Franklin and Northern Waikato regions, helping them achieve
optimal results through tailored solutions.

With over 30 years of hands-on experience as a dairy farmer, Howard brings deep practical
knowledge to his role advising farmers on lime and fertiliser solutions. For the past 8 years,
he’s been helping farmers improve soil health and productivity in Franklin District and North
Waikato. Outside of work, Howard is a passionate motorsport enthusiast and always keen
for a great conversation.

With a lifetime dedicated to supporting farmers, Brett Wilson brings decades of hands-on
experience and trusted fertiliser advice to the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty regions. Known
for his practical approach, Brett works closely with farmers to deliver tailored solutions that
improve productivity and sustainability. Whether you're managing pasture, crops, or
orchards, Brett is here to help you get the best from your land.

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.

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.

Neil brings over 20 years of hands-on experience with a strong focus on nutrient
management and team leadership. He’s known for his practical approach, deep industry
knowledge, and commitment to helping farmers succeed. Neil is passionate about building
strong relationships, delivering real value to farmers, and is based out of our administration
office in Whangarei.

Based in our Te Kauwhata Depot Office, Rev Crawford supports our logistics and fertiliser
procurement channels of Avoca. Having been involved in the rural sector for nearly 50 years
Rev brings a deep empathy for agriculture and a strong understanding of local farming
systems. Having worked alongside Avoca for more than two decades, Rev is now a key part
of the Avoca Team.

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.