Michael was raised on the family farm in Zimbabwe and after gaining an MSc in Fisheries Science he returned to manage the farm for 10 years. In 2002 he moved his family to greener (and safer) pastures in New Zealand.
Mike initially worked for Altum as a sales consultant in the Whangarei region, but left after three years to put his fisheries qualifications to good use managing the NIWA aquaculture park in Bream Bay. In 2011 he returned to Altum, taking on the role of sales manager for the Northland region.
Mike spends his weekends chasing (his) children around Northland’s sports fields. His boat is an amusement park for spiders.
Jamie hails from Kaiwaka, where he started farming after high school and worked on a number of dairy farms in the district before heading to the big smoke and a stint in tourism.
'I saw the light in 2010 and have returned to my roots. I missed the time outdoors, and the satisfaction that comes from working with the land and animals and farmers – that’s why I came back.'
Educated on the region’s farms, Jamie works hard to keep his weight down so he can play his rugby in the lightweight division.
Born and raised in farming on the Canterbury plains, Paul’s a long way from home. After completing his degree he spent two years doing a working OE, mainly on cropping farms in Australia and Europe.
'I get a lot of pleasure from being able to get to know a stunning part of New Zealand in the Far North, with its distinctive people and land types. It’s challenging – I find there’s something different to absorb every day.'
Paul claims to be one of the few Altum men trying to boost his own liveweight.
Lynley has a wide range of family connections in Northland, having been raised on a dairy farm near Hukerenui. Her main role at Altum is to keep on top of the regional admin, and she deals directly with major farming clients as well as handling the Customer Service role for the region.
'I’ve been with Altum for 13 years and get out onto customers’ farms a bit more now.
'I’ve two grown-up children, so can devote time to fishing, boating and beaches.'
Lynley holds the marlin record at Altum.
