About TIPU

Tim Egan

Advisory Board Member

Tim Egan is a local grower and also the chairman of the Gisborne Labour Governance group, along with the Tipu Advisory Board. Tim’s involved with Tipu to support the sustainability of the regions’ growing horticulture industry, and its people.

Tim brings to Tipu his extensive horticultural experience from many years in vineyards and orchards – leadership, people management and networks.

Natalya Egan

Advisory Board Member

Natalya’s passionate about Tairawhiti horticulture and its growth. She is part of Tipu because she believes if we can identify, quantify and plan for labour requirements going forward, we will be able to maximise the opportunities for the industry and our community.

Natalya brings to Tipu her experience in people management and training & development.

Wayne Hall

Advisory Board Member

Wayne is involved in Tipu as he believes horticulture in the region has huge potential for growth. His belief is that there is a need to showcase Tairawhiti’s own growing community so that horticulture is seen to be a preferred career option over other industries. His goal is to see growers strive to be successful in their respective businesses, through the use of highly valued staff at all levels of the production cycle.

Wayne brings to Tipu his extensive networks, leadership and experience in the citrus, persimmons and kiwifruit including governance roles with NZ citrus.

Karen Bartlett

Advisory Board Member

Karen is the Ministry of Social Development representative on the Tipu Advisory Group.

She believes Horticulture provides great opportunities for local people to train and work. The Tipu Project will aid toward creating pathways to good jobs and careers accessible for the entire region.

Karen brings 20 years of central government experience with an emphasis on working with industry sectors on the development and delivery of workforce solutions.

Gordon McPhail

Advisory Board Member

Gordon is is a part of the TIPU advisory board to drive, educate and lift the profile of the Tairawhiti horticulture industry and opportunities within it.  He believes that there is endless potential for growth and such a wide array of careers in the horticulture industry.

Gordon’s role for the last 5 years at Leaderbrand has been focussed on management of a large scale farming business, cropping over 2500ha in a diverse portfolio but focused on horticultural products, employing over 500 staff. Core to this role are leadership; managing large teams, individuals and managers; financials; industry & community networks and relationships and project management.

Prior to this Gordon was focused on vegetable crop growing for 6 years using his agronomy skills and team management. He has also held another key role in the business responsible for training programs and education.