OUR TEAM


Henry VDV 2018

Henry van der Velden - Director

Henry manages the largest covered cherry orchard in the South Island of New Zealand and has extensive experience in growing and exporting fruit. He started New Zealand Cherry Corp. with business partner Bob Robertson in 2005. Henry provides overall leadership to the business and his three sons work in the company alongside him.


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Paul Croft - Director

Paul is the Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Investment Group who owns 50% of New Zealand Cherry Corp. Paul has been involved in many aspects of the cherry business for the last 9 years including accounting, finance and international sales and marketing. He is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for New Zealand Cherry Corp.


Neil MacDonald web

Neil MacDonald - Non-executive Director

Neil is a consultant with chartered accountancy firm Yardley/Lo and Associates in Dunedin. Neil has wide commercial skills from over 40 years in the workforce. Neil grew up in Central Otago and worked on orchards during his teenage years – picking and packing cherries and other fruit.


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Reece van der Velden - General Manager

Reece has a Bachelor degree in Information Systems and Management. He has a comprehensive understanding of overall operations including more than 10 years e-commerce, national and international sales. Reece maintains a close relationship with customers and vendors, with a focus on the companies strategic direction.


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Bronwyn Thomson - Sales & Marketing

Bronwyn joined the New Zealand Cherry Corp. team in November 2021. She absolutely loves working with people and has over 15 years experience in Customer Service and management. She’s worked in some exciting industries and workplaces including one of New Zealand’s largest exporters being Fonterra HQ in Auckland. After deciding to move back down to the mainland she’s settled with her partner in the sunny location of Cromwell. Often referred to as a pocket rocket and always on the go she’s right at home in this fast-moving role.


Christian Alberton

Christian Alberton  - Orchard Manager

Originally from Brazil, Christian joined NZ Cherry Corp team in 2013. He has over 15 years’ experience in protecting Cherry crops, as well as managing the Cherry harvest. When he is not growing cherries, Christian loves to play basketball and walk his dogs in the many amazing trails that New Zealand has to offer.


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Barrie Small - Company Accountant

Barrie joined the New Zealand Cherry Corp. team in October 2020.  He has over 20 years’ experience working in company and management accounting roles in forestry, agriculture and real estate companies. Barrie enjoys working within the business to help stakeholders understand the numbers.

Barrie owns a small beef finishing farm, which keeps him busy when at home, and he loves watching sport, particularly when the Highlanders win on the rugby field!


 Stephanie Cavell

Stephanie Cavell - Sales Manager

Born and bred in the sunny Bay of plenty, Stephanie joined NZ Cherry Corp team late October 2022. She has over 10 years’ experience in various sales avenues, including a focus on both Domestic and International marketing and sales. Growing up on a kiwifruit orchard, has fueled her passion and love for the horticulture industry.  You’ll most likely find her in the mountains or sometimes at the beach actively doing all things Surf lifesaving!


 Erin Whale

Erin Whale - Finance and Compliance Coordinator

Born and bred in Central Otago, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from working in UK and NZ government agencies. After moving back to the sunny location of Cromwell with her family, we are excited to have her part of the team. With a genuine passion for the development and growth of others, she's the perfect fit for the role.