Our team

Ross is a born and bred orchardist with more than 40 years' experience in sourcing, developing and, managing land, establishing and managing orchards and project-managing and operating packhouses. He has a deep understanding of horticulture and how to maximise production.

His broad experience includes all the practical aspects of husbandry, such as the latest machinery developments, irrigation set up, sprays, crop protection and compliances.

This knowledge, combined with the invaluable experience he has in effectively managing and setting up orchards and packhouses, plus his constant push to bring new technology, systems, and techniques – sourced from the best in the world – into the business, means he is at the leading edge of horticulture production in New Zealand.

Ross is renowned for designing his own equipment in a quest to create efficiencies and be ahead of the curve in New Zealand cherry production. While overseeing two significant planting phases at Lindis Peaks and Mt Pisa orchards for Deep Creek Fruits NZ LP, Ross designed a planting machine, which was built to his specifications. The machine enables up to 6,000 trees a day to be planted, nearly double that achieved previously.

In 2022, he project-managed the construction and fit-out of the state-of-the-art Lindis Coolpac packhouse. The packhouse was the third packhouse Ross had project managed from greenfield to turnkey site in the Central Otago region since 2014.

Ross oversees multiple crews to develop and manage orchards at Mt Pisa, Lindis Peaks and Ardgour Valley Orchards, Central Otago. He is formerly project and orchard development manager of Tarras Cherry Corp.

He attended Massey University to study for a Diploma of Horticulture.

Sharon is an experienced horticulturalist and export marketing professional who has played a leading role in developing the profile of New Zealand premium fruit on the world stage since the early 1990s.

During her international career, Sharon has established the export function and elevated the brand profile for multiple leading New Zealand fresh produce companies. She has also developed and operated her own businesses, including Southern Kowhai Exports.

In 2016, Sharon and orchardist husband Ross Kirk combined their expertise to establish Hortinvest. Sharon holds multiple positions on companies and boards that Hortinvest has founded or is a shareholder in. She is co-founder and chief executive officer of cherry producer and investment company Deep Creek Fruits NZ LP (2020-2024) in which she now heads up international sales and marketing; international sales and marketing manager of Southern Fruits International and co-founder and director of apricot and cherry producer Ardgour Valley Orchards. She is formerly international sales and marketing manager for Tarras Cherry Corp.

Her background includes 13 years with export marketer Turners and Growers and 18 years running her export business, Southern Kowhai Exports and various consultancy roles helping fresh produce companies develop their export and marketing businesses.

She has a Horticultural Science Degree from Massey University and a Diploma in Management from the Institute of Management.

A people person, Sharon is dedicated to building a team as passionate as she is about delivering high quality produce to the world.

David Smith has a wealth of experience in market development including executing sales and marketing strategies gleaned over more than 20 years as a result of owning and operating his own businesses.

David joined the team in June 2022 and is charged with supporting Sharon Kirk in marketing cherries and apricots domestically and internationally including deepening connections with existing markets and developing emerging markets. His role includes developing marketing materials and identifying opportunities to elevate the brand presence of Hortinvest and its related companies on the world stage. He is also responsible for project work across the business including handling specifications for machinery required to operate in multiple orchards and packing facilities.

From 2015 to 2021, David was business owner and co-founder of GoodNoze Pet Cuisine Ltd which developed and provided freeze dried raw pet food to national and global markets.

David is passionate about the outdoors life and loves skiing, mountain biking and playing tennis.

Tony grew up on his family’s pip and stonefruit orchards in West Auckland and has been in the horticulture industry for most of his life. After qualifying with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1976, he travelled and worked in the UK for three years in the accounting field. On his return, he worked for Turners and Growers Exports and specialised initially in strawberries, kiwifruit, stonefruit and avocados.

In 2000, he established Global Fresh NZ, a Bay of Plenty exporter which focused on avocado and kiwifruit exports to Australia, Asia, the USA and Europe. The company pioneered exporting New Zealand avocados to Europe in 2003, testing the boundaries of transit times for the fruit.

In 2014, Tony moved offshore, firstly to the USA, Mexico and Peru as a post-harvest consultant on avocados. He returned to New Zealand on the outbreak of the global pandemic. He continues to be involved in post-harvest work in avocados and stonefruit and with his strawberry marketing company, Strawberry Swing Ltd. He joined the Hortinvest team in 2024.

A passionate advocate for New Zealand horticulture and the possibilities it offers young people, Christie Kirk was inspired to follow the family path by parents and Hortinvest founders, Ross and Sharon Kirk.

Christie has completed her Level 3 and 4 Horticulture and is undertaking further study.

Christie enjoys the rewards of seeing trees grow and change with the seasons and expanding her knowledge and love for horticulture. Her responsibilities include overseeing staff, managing day-to-day activities on orchard including pruning, spraying, mowing and all other aspects of orchard husbandry at Hortinvest’s three managed orchards in Central Otago.

Christie also has a wide range of experience in quality control, setting up and maintaining packhouse compliance systems, building and maintaining GlobalGAP and GRASP, human resources, running harvest management systems, working with in-house systems and other systems related to orchard function. Christie gained this experience at various leading New Zealand cherry and apple packhouses prior to her joining Hortinvest in 2020.

A love of the outdoors and farming inspired Loren Lilley to embark on a career in horticulture.

Loren joined the Hortinvest team in late 2023 just in time for cherry season, after completing a Bachelor of Agricommerce at Lincoln University.

Her farming journey began growing up on a kiwifruit orchard in the Bay of Plenty region and she was equally inspired by her father, a dairy farmer.

Loren, who relocated to Wanaka to assume her position, is assigned to the Lindis Peaks cherry orchard where she is an orchard worker responsible for general crop work and orchard maintenance.

She embraces all aspects of orchard life, especially working outside, discovering the beauty of the Central Otago region and the opportunity to learn about what goes into producing cherries for the export market.

Growing up, much of Makayla Rasmussen’s time was spent outside mountain biking, horse riding and tramping – making for an easy transition to her role where she works in all kinds of weather.

Makayla started as a casual in winter 2021 and seized the opportunity to take on an apprenticeship when it arose, relishing the chance to discover the world of horticulture and learn an array of new skills.

Makayla’s duties include spraying, pruning, ground preparation and maintenance, fruit harvest management and post-harvest care at Ardgour Valley Orchards.

Before joining the team, Makayla was employed as a horse groom at Taupo Hunt Master, Reporoa on the North Island, where she managed six horses.

Maaka Roberts, who joined our growing family of horticultural apprentices in 2021, is assigned to the Lindis Peaks orchard, one of several in Central Otago under development by Hortinvest.

Maaka is responsible for maintaining safe work practices throughout the Lindis Peaks orchard, planting and caring for trees, preparing for harvest and supervising the orchard crew.

He has embraced the opportunity to further his career in horticulture and learn a range of skills in orchard production including tractor and machinery operation.

He joined during the team during the 2021 planting season, bringing four years’ experience in cherry production including pruning, planting and harvest. He is also familiar with the end-stage of the cherry supply chain, having worked five seasons in a cherry packhouse until 2018. His experience extends to a winery where he was employed as a bottling hand.

David Mackessy applies a knowledge of farm machinery and equipment gained over more than 20 years to his role at Hortinvest.

David is responsible for maintaining machinery and equipment at all Hortinvest-operated orchards in Central Otago. He grew up on a dairy farm in Ireland which gave him a sound knowledge of farming practices and machinery. David later moved to London where he spent 20 years working as a plant fitter, fabricator welder and machine operator.

While on holidays in New Zealand in 2003, he decided to stay and now calls “the land of the long white cloud”, home. He has experience working on agricultural, construction, vehicle and site equipment in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

David is trade certified as a mechanical engineer and has a National Diploma in Engineering from Rycotewood College, Thame, Oxfordshire. He joined the Hortinvest team in 2021.

Orchard worker Anahera Roberts was so inspired by her brother Maaka’s experience at Hortinvest that she decided to join him and begin her journey into the world of growing fruit.

In her first year out of high school, Anahera had left her hometown of Invercargill to move to Wanaka to live and work alongside Maaka and the team at Lindis Peaks orchard where premium cherries are grown for the global export market.

It has been a steep learning curve for Anahera, who enjoys learning how to operate machinery and carry out orchard work such as spraying, pruning and thinning, in all kinds of weather.

She enjoys living and working in an environment different from the one she grew up in, as well as learning about the cultures and ethnicities of her colleagues.

Arriving in mid-winter 2023, Anahera was struck by how much goes on behind the scenes in the orchard such as frost-fighting and the attention to detail paid to every tree to ensure they are in the best of health.

Fresh out of school and ready to work, Noah Bayliss joined the Mt Pisa orchard team in September 2024.

Previously from Queenstown, he moved to Wanaka to be closer to work and is reaping the rewards of that decision. He enjoys working outside in the fresh mountain air and learning about cherry production, specifically his main task as crop sprayer.

One of his favourite things about living and working in Central Otago is seeing snow on the mountains. Noah is also a keen snowboarder and skate boarder.

After five long years at university, Lauren Over took a gap year to travel and live and work at Wanaka, joining the Hortinvest team in October 2024.

Originally from Wellington, Lauren has a Master of Science in Genetics from the University of Otago, Dunedin. She enjoys learning about horticulture and the fascinating technology behind growing and getting high quality fruit to market.

In her role as office administrator, she helps with recruitment of new staff, payroll and other general administrative tasks. To Lauren, Wanaka in summer means a hot and lively area filled with lake days.

Louisa is a corporate communications specialist from Singapore who has a passion for food security and feeding the local community.

She is In New Zealand on a working holiday to gain firsthand experience in agriculture and has enjoyed a year in the fields harvesting kumara, feeding calves, planting watermelon, and collecting eggs – all of which has given her a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into getting food on the table.

Louisa is temporarily hanging up her gumboots to return to the office to help with staff recruitment and other administrative matters and is excited to learn about what goes on beyond the fields. She’s also enjoying exploring the stunning Central Otago region.

Nina joined Hortinvest in late 2024, after graduating from the University of Canterbury and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the cherry industry, particularly since she has a strong passion for fruit.

In her role, she assists with Xero and Freshsale and continues to expand her responsibilities. She loves Central Otago’s beautiful environment including taking in the breathtaking view of the crystal-clear lake and snow-capped mountains every day.

Eduarda Lopez worked in imports and exports for the meat processing industry in her home country of Uruguay before travelling to New Zealand for what has become an unforgettable working holiday experience.

Based at Wanaka, Eduarda, who has a degree in International Business has been able to put her skills to use as sales and marketing assistant for Hortinvest’s cherry and apricot business and is excited to be learning about the summerfruit industry.

She particularly loves working in an excellent office environment with colleagues from all over world sharing their culture, not to mention the beautiful landscapes of Central Otago itself.

Originally from Buenos Aries, Argentina, Juan Martin Giordano joined the Hortinvest team as compliance officer in early September, 2024.

As an agronomic engineer, Juan previously worked with multinational companies such as BASF and Bayer and was involved in several Argentinian agri-tech start-ups.

He believes his job in Central Otago is the perfect balance between working outdoors and in the office. The stunning views of Central Otago make every day special for Juan Martin who particularly enjoys being in touch with nature, learning about different cherry and apricot varieties and seeing how they develop through the crop cycle.

Originally from South Africa, Jo-Elize was a high school teacher before she migrated to her new home of New Zealand. Based in Cromwell, she has a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management and Recreation Science – knowledge she has put to good use in coordinating campers and developing the campgrounds for the harvest season.

Jo-Elize enjoys being out of the office on the campground to see firsthand how her efforts come to fruition. She loves living in Central Otago because it makes her feel like she is living in a small farm town.

Joe Milligan is on his second year of a working holiday from England. He spent his first year away from home working for an insurance company in Wellington and on a farm in Australia where he was responsible for maintenance tasks such as building electric fences, managing landscape projects and planting.

He joined the Hortinvest team in late 2024 and is responsible for managing irrigation across multiple cherry and apricot orchards. Joe is extremely detail minded and understands how the small things, such as analysing data from systems, can make a difference to successful fruit growing. He sees his role as an opportunity to gain experience and learn more about the horticulture industry in an interesting way.

Marlon is a member of our construction team installing nets over our cherry orchards at Central Otago.

Travelling to New Zealand from Saudia Arabia in November 2022, Marlon brings to Hortinvest a wealth of experience in building and construction works. He is also a highly competent welder who joined our team with a passion for working in rural development projects. His daughter and son continue their education in the Philippines, his home country, while he remains here paving the way for their future.  Excited by the prospect of exploring New Zealand’s rivers and pursuing his passion for fishing adds to Marlon’s adventures here.

Gilbert is a member of our construction team installing nets over our cherry orchards at Central Otago.

Gilbert joined Hortinvest and his fellow countrymen in March 2024, having worked with them before in Saudi Arabia as a skilled carpenter and scaffolder. His skillset is easily transferable and highly sought after in our developing orchards. Gilbert’s wife remains in the Philippines monitoring the college education of their two sons.  He enjoys cooking and eating and entertaining his friends with singing, especially karaoke.

Ricky is a member of our construction team installing nets over our cherry orchards at Central Otago.

Joining the Hortinvest team in December 2022, Ricky came directly from Saudi Arabia where he was working in construction. Fabricating tiles and blocks as a skilled mason, his job was an integral part of the project. Bringing his expertise to the team, he leaves in his home country, the Philippines his wife, two sons and daughter all currently in education. Ricky enjoys driving his car through the quiet country roads of his adopted home, Otago.

Jeffrey is a member of our construction team installing nets over our cherry orchards at Central Otago.

In January 2023, Jeffrey joined his friends and teammates in our orchards.  Coming from a background of installing a feed silo for the agricultural industry in Saudi Arabia, Jeffrey was excited to turn his skills to those in horticulture. Jeffrey has a wife and three children at home in the Philippines, waiting for their opportunity to join him in this beautiful part of the world. Jeffrey is known for his highly skilled billiards game!

Arden is a member of our construction team installing nets over our cherry orchards at Central Otago.

Growing up in Pototan Iloilo, Philippines, Arden’s wife and daughter remain there while he has journeyed to New Zealand to forge a new path for them all.  Joining us at Hortinvest in November 2022, Arden brings with him a wide skillset contributing to the development projects of our cherry and apricot orchards.  Enjoying the cooler temperatures and laid-back lifestyle that New Zealand has to offer is all part of the adventure.

Rodrigo is a member of our construction team installing nets over our cherry orchards at Central Otago.

Coming to the team in February 2024 just as our harvest was ending, we were pleased to welcome Rodrigo as we prepare for the next harvest.  Having previously worked in New Zealand in construction, it was a smooth transition to join the development project of our orchards.  Rodrigo’s baby daughter remains at home in the Philippines with his wife. When not at work in the orchards, he enjoys quiet times in his home space.

Fourth generation producer Liam Kirk – the son of Hortinvest founders, Ross and Sharon Kirk – is a horticultural entrepreneur.

Liam is focused on acquiring knowledge in the technological sector of the horticultural industry including operating Compac grading machines at three high-tech cherry packhouses since 2014, when he was still a teenager.

Since graduating from Mt Aspiring College, Wanaka, in 2018, he has owned and managed his own fruit and vegetable company and operated a retail pop-up business during Central Otago cherry season.

In 2019, Liam travelled to Turkey where he consulted on packhouse technology at a 4,500-tonne cherry packhouse in Turkey and in 2020 and 2021, he consulted on packhouse technology use in the cherry industry in the United States of America.

In the leadup to cherry season, Liam supports our marketing function, showcasing cherries to international buyers and during the season, he is a vital cog in the packhouse chain, ensuring the smooth operation of technologies and systems.