Staff Members

Jen Scoular

CEO, New Zealand Avocado

The NZAGA & AIC Board task Jen with developing and implementing a strategy to optimise profitability while growing a strong industry.

Mobile 021 741 014 |

Edwina Aitchison

Executive Assistant

Edwina provides administrative support to Jen, the NZAGA & AIC Board members, industry stakeholder groups and the NZ Avocado team.

Phone 021 977 890 |

Glenys Parton

Industry Systems Manager

Glenys manages the industry quality and export systems, including AvoGreen, and currently facilitates rot research and agrichemical efficacy assessment.

Mobile 0274 99 70 81 |

Bevan Jelley

Market Manager

Bevan works closely with exporters and NZ marketers to optimise grower investment in market development, and manages promotional activity in our key markets.

Mobile 021 994 097 |

Joanne Nunn

Administration Assistant

Jo is the NZ Avocado receptionist and also assists the the New Zealand Avocado staff with any administration tasks.

Jay Bent

Business Manager

Jay focuses on finances of the industry body, while also managing the collection and dissemination of industry data to industry stakeholders.

Brad Siebert

Biosecurity & Programme Manager

Brad manages the day-to-day of the NZ Avocado Primary Growth Partnership programme: NZ Avocados Go Global, and works to ensure the industry has a well considered biosecurity plan to protect the New Zealand avocado industry.

Phone 021 804 847 |

Phillip West

R&D Officer

Phillip works with growers on orchard trials, while also managing projects within the NZ Avocado Research Programme, analysing data and communicating results to growers.

Email Phillip.west@nzavocado.co.nz | Mobile 021 706 504 |

Logan Whenuaroa

Research Associate

Logan supports with the implementation of the NZ Avocado Research Programme.

Email logan.whenuaroa@nzavocado.co.nz | Mobile 0273739859 |

Anna Livingston

Market Manager

Anna provides support with promotional activities across export markets and in the NZ market with a focus on digital marketing.

Email anna.livingston@nzavocado.co.nz |

Melissa Conrad

Communications Manager

Melissa manages the stakeholder and corporate communications activities and events for NZ Avocado. She coordinates the development and creation of industry publications such as AvoScene and Avoconnect, while also managing the organisations PR and social media for the NZ market.

Email melissa.conrad@nzavocado.co.nz |

Melissa van den Heuvel

Industry Systems Associate

Melissa provides support for the wider team in her role, with a focus on AvoGreen and grower communication. 

Email melissa@nzavocado.co.nz |

Sarah Sorensen

Project Manager

Sarah is on a six-month contract as project manager for research into post-harvest rots in avocado. 

Email sarah.sorensen@nzavocado.co.nz |