Our people

The Fertiliser Association operates with a Management Board and Technical Committee. Staff are based in Wellington.

Chief Executive - Dr Vera Power

Vera has worked internationally in agricultural research, assessment of environmental impacts and regulation of intensive agriculture. More recently she has had government policy experience on both water and climate change with the Ministry for the Environment. As Chief Executive, Vera drives the implementation of the Fertiliser Association's strategic plan, with a key focus on research, sustainability and the environment, and local authority and central government planning. She represents the Fertiliser Association on a range of external committees, as well as industry and government stakeholder groups.

Executive Manager - Greg Sneath

Greg has an extensive background in the technical aspects of horticulture and agriculture. He holds an honours degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Queensland, and was employed by the New South Wales Department of Agriculture as a Horticultural Advisory/Extension Officer before immigrating to New Zealand. In New Zealand, Greg was employed for seven years as a Technical Manager, Growing Media Division for Yates New Zealand Ltd and was Chair of the New Zealand Potting Mix Manufacturers' Federation.

Greg joined the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand in 2005, and works on a wide range of industry programmes. This includes developing information and resources for farmers and rural professionals, funding and managing research projects, developing submissions and representing to local and central government. He also participates in industry and government panels and working groups, and provides technical support and assistance to the Chief Executive.

Programme Manager/Administrator, Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme - Donna Mumm

Donna is your 'go-to person' for the Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme.

Office Manager - Brenda Kiteley

Brenda ensures the smooth running of the Fertiliser Association, providing office and financial administration support.

Management Board

The Board is responsible for setting the policy direction of the Fertiliser Association.

Board members are:

• The chair from each member company: Duncan Coull (Ballance Agri-Nutrients) and Bruce Wills (Ravensdown)
• The two chief executives of the member companies: Garry Diack (Ravensdown) and Kelvin Wickham (Ballance Agri-Nutrients)
• Two technical representatives: Warwick Catto (Ballance) and Mike Manning (Ravensdown)

The Management Board is currently chaired by Bruce Willis.

Technical Committee

The Technical Committee makes recommendations to the Management Board on research funding. It also provides technical advice to the Board to support programmes of industry good.

Committee members are:

• Sheree Balvert - Nutrient Science Manager, Ballance Agri-Nutrients
• Warwick Catto - Science Strategy Manager, Ballance Agri-Nutrients
• Mike Manning - Chief Science Officer, Ravensdown
• Vera Power - Chief Executive, Fertiliser Association of New Zealand
• Ants Roberts - Chief Scientific Officer, Ravensdown
• Greg Sneath - Executive Manager, Fertiliser Association of New Zealand
• Will Talbot - Scientific Office, Ravensdown
• Carmen Viljoen - Development Chemist - Industrials, Ballance Agri-Nutrients