Orchard Managers
Area Orchard Manager | Te Matau-a-Māui
Manpreet Singh Sohal has built his career around a genuine passion for horticulture. After completing formal horticultural studies, he entered the kiwifruit industry at the age of 18 and has continued to develop his knowledge and experience ever since.
Manpreet began his career working across multiple orchards throughout the Bay of Plenty, gaining valuable hands-on experience in all aspects of kiwifruit production. In 2017 he moved to Hawkes Bay, where he further broadened his expertise through a range of orchard contracting and management roles.
In March 2025, Manpreet joined Ngāi Tukairangi Trust as an Orchard Manager. His passion, drive and commitment to continuous improvement quickly led to his promotion to Area Orchard Manager – Heretaunga, where he oversees the Trust’s kiwifruit orchard operations across the region.
Manpreet is passionate about producing high-quality fruit, improving orchard performance and, most importantly, developing people. He believes in leading by example, working alongside his teams and creating an environment where people feel supported, valued and motivated to succeed.
Proud to be part of Ngāi Tukairangi Trust, Manpreet is committed to contributing to the continued growth of its people, orchards and horticultural future.
Area Orchard Manager | Te Moana-a-Toi
Brandon became the Regional Manager for our Bay of Plenty orchards in October 2023.
Though born and raised in Gisborne, Brandon moved to Te Puke at 18 years of age to join the orchard cadetship programme with Seeka Ltd. This experience propelled Brandon into his orchard manager career, whereby his portfolio specialised in managing Māori-owned orchards, thus enhancing his experience across Māori trusts and growers.
Brandon has overseen the development of new orchards, producing orchards, harvest operations, and successive cadets that came through the same programme he started in. Brandon’s commitment to improve both people and production make up his style of management, and his eagerness to learn and experiment, alongside his whakapapa, is what drives his aspirations to do great things for our Ngāi Tukairangi orchards,
Area Orchard Manager| Tūranganui-a-Kiwa
Bruce came on board following the purchase of the Tūranga orchards which were purchased in 2022. However, he has been a long-standing manager of the orchards for over 30 years. Bruce was introduced to the industry at the young age of 12 under the guidance of Bill Thorpe, which later progressed into horticultural apprenticeships in the spaces of kiwifruit, citrus and grapes from the age of 16 years onwards. Later on, Bruce spent 3 years in Waipukurau as foreman at Ascot Orchard growing nectarines, peaches and apples during the mid-1980s. This is where he was also introduced to contract work and the establishment of hundreds of acres of new apple blocks for corporates. Upon returning to Gisborne, Bruce wound up managing a 20ha kiwifruit block in Patutahi before moving to Harper Vineyards in Makauri where he remains today.
Bruce acknowledges that horticulture is evolving all the time, and believes there is a constant need to grow with it, particularly with regard to sustainability and soil health. Bruce sees his role now as helping to upskill the younger generation to get them ready for leadership roles. He is amazed by the horticulture sector and sees the industry as an amazing place to be involved in.