Anthony Blundell
Anthony Blundell’s role is that of Managing Director and he has the privilege of leading a team that is extremely passionate about Kumara. Marketing is his strength along with developing relationships within the whole produce supply chain and industry. Ant lives in Ruawai with his family and is very active member of that community. He currently sits on the Ruawai College Board of Trustees and is on the committees of the local Ruawai Sports Club Inc., Ruawai Boating Club, and the Northern Wairoa Cricket Club. He is a firefighter with the local Ruawai Volunteer Fire Brigade and is an ambassador for the Northland Rescue Helicopter service. Ant is also proud to sit on the executive committee of United Fresh NZ Inc. – the pan industry body managing the 5+ADAY Charitable Trust.
Peter Blundell
Peter Blundell’s role is that of Operations Manager and is a brother to Anthony. Both have a fantastic working/family relationship together to take the humble kumara further up the produce ladder. Pete is very passionate and active within the business and maintains a very “hands-on role” at the packhouse facility situated in Ruawai. Pete is highly respected by all the team members and always leads from the front. Pete lives in Whangarei with his wife Megan and enjoys time with family and fishing on our beautiful West Coast where they have a bach, along with the odd game of golf when time allows.
Jill Jenyns
Jill Jenyn’s role is that of Office Manager and has been with KKL forever (and we do mean forever). She started her role with Gary Blundell in 1972 when the business was then known as Greenhill Gardens and for a long time now has been considered part of the Blundell extended family, and vice-a-versa. Jill lives in Ruawai with her husband Gavin and loves golf and gardening, along with spending time with her family at Oakura Bay. Jill was a fantastic netball player and has done a lot to help it remain a strong sport in Ruawai. Her sense of humour and infectious laugh is something you will hear in the office quite often
Sam Panoho
Sam Panoho’s role is that of Quality Assurance Manager and she also looks after all our Health & Safety. Her knowledge across all areas is Sam’s greatest asset and someone you can count on to get things done. Sam’s family and the Blundell’s family have known one another since the 60’s, so there are some close family ties there. Sam and her family moved back to Ruawai in 2007, with her husband Lance taking on a teaching role at our local Ruawai College. Cricket and Basketball team are definite favourites – with commentaries from Sam most Mondays on the weekend’s results.
Helene Blundell
Helene Blundell is Anthony’s “better half” and joined the team in a more permanent role over the past few years. Helene’s official title is Management Support (she says “girl friday”) and has learned many different roles along the way. Helene has also taken a very active role in various community groups and fundraising activities, especially with our much loved local kindy, primary school and college, where their 3 kids have all attended. Another one of Helene’s passions is netball – of which she puts 110% effort and support into. Helene loves spending quality time with family, friends, and three grandchildren!