Tumu Kōkiri o Kono

Chief Operating Officer

Andy is the Chief Operating Officer for Kono NZ. Andy has been a partner at PwC, a large advisory firm, and since 2016 has been working with a range of leaders and leadership teams as an executive coach. In this capacity he has previously supported the Wakatū senior leadership team and the Kono senior management team. Andy has also worked on a number of commercial projects through management and governance roles with businesses in aviation, farming, recycling and waste reduction, on-line retail and nutraceuticals.

Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Wāina

Chief Winemaker

Originally from the Bay of Plenty, Bruce grew up on the beach with a family of scientists, but a love of books and surfing initially drew him to studying History at Waikato University for a Bachelor of Arts. After much travel and a winding career path, Bruce found himself back at University in his 30’s completing a Bachelor of Wine Science.

Extensive travelling and working in wineries around the world eventually ended with a return to Aotearoa in 2006 and a role with Kono as winemaker in 2008. Heading up our vineyard and winery team, Bruce oversees production of all our Kono, Tohu and Aronui wines with a particular passion for terroir driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and of course Sauvignon Blanc. Bruce lives happily in Blenheim with his wife Julie, daughters Eve and Ellie, and a 1970 Valiant coupe

Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Tika

General Manager - TIKA

Simon was born in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) but moved to Nelson in Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island) at a very young age. After gaining a Bachelor of Science majoring in Operations Research from the University of Canterbury, Simon returned to Nelson where he began his career in international sales within the salmon industry.

Simon first joined Kono in 2004 in a Blenheim-based role as Seafood Sales Manager, which included promoting the full range of Kono products internationally.

A change of focus in recent years has seen Simon utilise his university background and he now leads the organisation’s Tika division. This division works across all Kono business units and ensures that strong systems, processes and services mean that all teams are doing things better and doing better things.

Simon continues to use his knowledge of the international seafood industry and manages the lobster operations for Kono.

He is now based in Nelson, where he lives with his partner, Rachel and their three daughters Harper, Milla and Charlie.

Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Whakatairanga

General Manager, Group Sales and Marketing

Marina Hirst Tristram joined Kono in May 2022. Prior to joining Kono, Marina was managing director for her family business, Tasman Bay Food Co., based in Brightwater, Tasman. Growing up surrounded by grapes, boysenberries and feijoas near Māpua was the inspiration for Marina’s love of food and beverages from Te Tauihu.

Marketing and brand development, export market entry, operations and supply chain management along with continuous improvement/lean manufacturing are areas Marina has significant passion, knowledge and know-how, developed over many years in business.

Some highlights of Marina’s career include being awarded a Prime Minister’s Business Scholarship, completing a University of Sydney Global Executive MBA, being a part of EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women programme, and launching a Tasman Bay Food Co product, Juicies, into a range of markets including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and recently into over 900 Woolworths in Australia stores during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Kono Ahuwhenua

General Manager, Kono Horticulture

Karla was born and grew up in Motueka, where she lives and works. She has been involved in the horticulture industry for over 15 years, most of that time as part of the Kono Ahuwhenua team.

Appointed as Kaiwhakahaere, Kono Ahuwhenua in 2022, Karla has undertaken most roles on the orchard, from tree trainer to field supervisor, block manager, compliance manager and then pipfruit and kiwifruit manager.

Karla is passionate about sustainability and has a key role supporting Karioi, the regenerative and tikanga-led agriculture programme of Wakatū. You’ll often find her and Darcy at Te Māra o Puanga Kairau, the māra developed to grow ancient crops. Karla was President of Grow NZ Women, a group aimed to support women in horticulture.

Now Karla still supports the industry by mentoring students with their horticultural certificates. Looking after her young son Darcy keeps her fit and on her toes.