Strengthening the Fruitfed Supplies team
Two relatively recent additions to the Fruitfed Supplies team of Technical Horticulture Representatives (THRs) are Helena Von Oslo and David Oberdries. They both bring a variety of strengths and expertise in the horticultural sector to their new roles.
Originally from Germany, Helena joined Fruitfed Supplies in Gisborne in January this year. She has a degree in chemistry and a diploma in horticulture. Her horticultural career started in Australia, working primarily with mangoes.
“When I relocated to New Zealand, I worked for a contractor, and through him, undertook orchard work for two Hastings apple growers. In time, I joined one of these pipfruit operations where I advanced to the role of manager. As the company grew, so did I and along the way, I developed strong working relationships with two local Fruitfed Supplies THRs Richard Griffiths and Lara Dunningham. During the nine years I enjoyed as an orchard manager, my main focus was stonefruit and pipfruit including many well-known varieties and also newer varieties being established around Hastings and Napier.”
Helena says she was interested in the THR role as it offered her a great way to connect with more growers and continue her passion for growing quality produce.
Now looking after growers across the Gisborne and Wairoa regions, Helena remains dedicated to pipfruit as her primary focus, and also covers stonefruit and citrus crops.
“Having been in orchard management roles myself, I’ve faced many of the same challenges experienced by our local growers. Each orchard has its own set of practices, challenges, and dynamics, requiring adaptability and a broad understanding of horticulture practices. It's very rewarding, personally and professionally, to learn from these diverse perspectives and contribute insights gained from my own practical experience.”
Dave’s background in the horticulture sector is extensive, having been involved since the age of ten, before heading away to Massey University to do a B. Hort. Sci. He moved back to Blenheim to teach Polytech level horticulture before joining the Department of Conservation as a specialist working with rare plants then a few years with Piddinghoe Nurseries, in Marlborough, which specialises in grafting grape vines and used to be owned by Dave’s family.
“A move to north Otago saw me involved with the propagation of pine trees and agriculture shelter trees, then I had another stint teaching Polytech courses.”
He went back to Marlborough and spent ten years with Fish and Game working on wetland restoration and other projects, before a period doing landscaping and building. Following a company restructure, Dave headed to the Far North doing similar work before joining Kaikohe Berryfruit as their head grower.
“I’m pleased I decided to apply for the Fruitfed Supplies role. It’s a great company and, since I started in April, I’m enjoying updating the broad background I have in various horticultural sectors to get up to speed with crop specific requirements.”
As the THR looking after the Far North, Dave provides products and support to growers around Kaitaia and further north of Awanui.
“The main crops are avocados, and we also have some citrus, blueberries and kiwifruit. It’s fantastic to be able to draw on so much technical knowledge within the Fruitfed Supplies team such as Gavin Subritzky for nutrition and soil health and Elaine Gould as the subtropical crops Technical Specialist, as well as mentoring and support from our Area Sales Manager Craig Lamb.”
