Contact Us
We'd love to talk to you...
Whether you have a question about our services, a project in mind, or just want to say hello, feel free to contact us any time.
The contact numbers for our Business Development Managers in each region are below, or you can drop us a general enquiry using the form below.
Talk to a member of our team...
Key Accounts, Upper South & West Coast
Richard Hawke
+64 27 2496917
Richard has a deep connection to rural New Zealand, having grown up on his family’s fourth-generation sheep and crop farm in Mid Canterbury. He now owns and manages a truffle orchard in North Canterbury, continuing his ties to the land. Professionally, Richard brings over 17 years of experience in service sales and customer account management. He is dedicated to building trusted, long-term relationships and delivering positive outcomes for his clients.
Mid-South Canterbury
Renee Faatui
+64 27 535 6495
Renee brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the agricultural sector to her role, a position she's held since April 2024. With over a decade dedicated to agriculture across key roles at MyMilk, Synlait Milk, and SealesWinslow, her expertise spans operations, procurement, and account management. This agricultural foundation is complemented by two decades in administration and event management with major New Zealand companies, providing her with a solid foundation in organisational excellence and client relations crucial for growing partnerships and supporting initiatives like Farmlands FLEX.
Hawkes Bay & Wairarapa
Matt Cheer
+64 27 665 7797
Returning to New Zealand after a decade in London, Matt Cheer pursued a National Diploma in Agribusiness Management at EIT, keen to stay ahead in the evolving rural industry. Growing up on a 40-acre Norsewood lifestyle block, he gained hands-on experience in dairy farming and with Williams & Kettle across Dannevirke, Taupo, and Waipukurau. Since joining Farmlands in 2018 as a Branch Manager, Matt quickly advanced to Area Manager before transitioning into business development and key account management, focusing on corporate and multi-farm operations.
With global experience and a strong industry background, Matt is committed to driving growth in New Zealand’s rural sector.
Southland & Otago
Melissa King
+64 29 200 7197
Melissa has extensive experience and a strong connection to rural New Zealand, backed by over eight years with Farmlands Co-operative supporting farmers and growers in achieving better results. As a seasoned business leader with Farmlands in Southland, Melissa focuses on building strong relationships and gaining a clear understanding of customers’ needs at the frontline. She leads her team with energy and purpose, driving strategic growth while remaining focused on what matters most – supporting local farmers and their communities.
Taranaki & Manawatu
Ben Sole
+64 27 705 3989
Ben Sole is a seasoned Business Development Manager with over 20 years of experience in the farming industry, including more than 13 years at Farmlands. Born and bred in Taranaki, Ben brings a deep understanding of the local community and a genuine passion for supporting its success.
At Farmlands, Ben leads growth and relationship strategies across the Taranaki and Manawatu regions. He is known for delivering tailored solutions, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving innovation. His collaborative approach and commitment to excellence ensure that both customers and teams benefit from his leadership and insight.
Northland, Waikato & Bay of Plenty
Sam Connor
+64 27 220 3577
Over the past four and a half years, Sam has progressed through a number of roles at Farmlands including Key Account Manager and Business Development Manager and now leads the Business Development team. His practical background, combined with a strong technical foundation, gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s Food & Fiber sector. For the past 18 months, Sam has been helping to shape the launch of Farmlands FLEX. He understands the huge potential of solar for farmers and growers and how it can turn a traditional cost centre into a valuable asset or income stream.
Business Development Manager - Horticulture
Dwayne Farrington
dwayne.farrington@farmlands.co.nz
+64 27 660 1120
Drawing on almost three decades in the horticulture sector, Dwayne Farrington combines deep technical expertise with a genuine commitment to helping New Zealand's growers succeed. In his role with Farmlands FLEX, Dwayne partners directly with growers to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability on-farm, developing and delivering solutions that create lasting, measurable value. He is highly respected for his approachable style and deep industry insight, thriving on the challenge of supporting the people who are the backbone of New Zealand's primary industries.