Robert John Manuel

2026 Finalists

Robert John Manuel

Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Rehia, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Raakaipaaka

Kia ora, I am 29 years old and have a partner and two children. I have served as a supervisor for Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust for the last three years and have been in the horticulture and kiwifruit industry for ten years.

I was born in Australia and came back to Aotearoa when I was 12. I then attended secondary school at Kamo High School, however left school when I was 16 and went back to Australia. I returned home again three years later, and it was through family contacts that I managed to get a job in the horticulture sector, eventually taking up a position at Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust three years ago.

Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust owns 32 hectares of G3 gold kiwifruit in Kerikeri, broken up into six orchards, and I lead a team of 12 full-time workers.

We work closely with a team of Seeka who help us with the work. This year is a highlight for me because we are extending our team to 21, and we have our own tractors for the harvest.

I recently completed my Level 3 Horticulture and am now working toward my Level 4.

I am based is about 20 kilometres north of Whangārei and it is somewhat isolated. I love the outdoors and my job and wouldn’t change it for anything. In my spare time I like to fish and spend time with my family and friends.

My ultimate goal is to become the Orchard Manager and to watch my team grow and succeed.