Contacts
The Sustainable Farming Fund Team
 |
Denis Packer - Fund Manager Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Level 16, Pastoral House 25 The Terrace PO Box 2526 Wellington Phone 04 894 5650 Fax 04 894 0740 Email: denis.packer@maf.govt.nz |
Denis was previously an Investment Manager with Dairy InSight with responsibilities for investments in the areas of Environment, Animal Welfare and Biosecurity and a number of policy issues impacting the dairy industry. Most of his career has been in the agri-business sector including several years at AgResearch in various commercial roles.
Denis is qualified in agricultural science and commerce.
 |
Amanda Hall - Fund Administrator Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Level 16, Pastoral House 25 The Terrace PO Box 2526 Wellington Phone 0800 008 333 Fax 04 894 0740 Email: amanda.hall@maf.govt.nz |
Amanda is responsible for programme administration and operating budget co-ordination.
Amanda has a background in administration. She has completed a BSc. in Environmental Studies at Victoria University and enjoys the diversity of SFF projects.
 |
Louise Askin - Project Adviser Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Level 16, Pastoral House 25 The Terrace PO Box 2526 Wellington Phone 04 894 0446 Fax 04 894 0740 Email: louise.askin@maf.govt.nz |
Louise is responsible for projects in Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington, Nelson and the West Coast. These include a particular focus on berryfruit, organics and parasitic worms.
Louise graduated with a BSc (Hons) and BA from Victoria University. Her previous role at MAF was in strategy and planning. This involved a broad view of New Zealand's primary sectors and what sustainable development means on the ground.
 |
Helen
Percy - Project Advisor Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Ruakura Research Centre East Street Private Bag 3123 Hamilton Phone 07 957 8321 Fax 07 957 8315 Email: helen.percy@maf.govt.nz |
Helen has project responsibility for most of the SFF projects in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and King Country. She is the SFF technical contact for subtropical horticulture, floriculture, tree crops, integrated pest management; and she also looks after a range of environmental projects, particularly those associated with water quality. Helen is the key contact regarding communication and extension.
Helen has previously worked for ENZA and HortResearch in various roles covering extension, communication and business management. She has a B.Hort.Sc (hons) from Massey University
 |
Diana Mathers - Project Adviser Rainbow House Cnr Queen & Warren Streets PO Box 11 016 Hastings Phone 06 974 8816 Mobile 029 974 8816 Fax 06 974 8801 Email: diana.mathers@maf.govt.nz |
Diana is responsible for the projects in the southern half of the North Island, (apart from Taranaki); she is also responsible for projects in Marlborough. Her project management covers projects in the pipfruit, summerfruit, wine, and arable industries, as well as projects focusing on environmental issues.
Diana has experience in both scientific research and commercial crop production systems. She worked for Heinz Watties for 11 years as a crop supply agronomist and manager of the agricultural research projects. This experience gave her wide exposure to process cropping and the summerfruit and berry industries. Diana's experience in research is in the fields of plant diseases, plant physiology and soils.
 |
Janine Alfeld - Project Adviser Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 14 Sir William Pickering Drive PO Box 20 280 Christchurch Phone 03 943 3802 Fax 03 943 7157 Email janine.alfeld@maf.govt.nz |
Janine is responsible for a range of South Island projects, particularly in the Canterbury region. These projects are mainly in the dairy farming, irrigation, pastoral farming and land management domains.
Prior to joining the SFF team Janine has been completing her PhD. Her research is based on the sustainability of dairy farming in Canterbury. Janine has 15 years experience within the financial management area and has lectured at Lincoln University. She has a farming background with her parents operating the family farm
 |
Nic Newman - Project Adviser Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 14 Sir William Pickering Drive PO Box 20 280 Christchurch Phone 03 943 1784 Fax 03 943 7157 Email nic.newman@maf.govt.nz |
Nic is responsible for projects in South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. He has responsibility for projects in the sheep and beef sector, sustainable land management, community water management and for environmental and social sustainability.
Nic has a Master of Development Studies from Victoria University and PG Diploma in Agricultural Science from Lincoln University. He has worked with the implementation of Integrated Catchment Management for a community trust, managed education programmes for a development NGO, worked on Integrated Pest Management with AgResearch, and completed his thesis on Technology and Sustainable Rural Development in the Andes.
Contact for Enquiries
Fund Administrator
Sustainable Farming Fund
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
Tel: 0800 008 333
Fax: 04 894 0746
Contact this person
