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Our Team

Trusted relationships

It’s hard to find people who reflect our clients’ values.  Building trust takes time.  So does building a great team.  

All our agribusiness advisors are members of New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM). To become a member each advisor must hold minimum academic qualifications, have been employed as a Primary Industry Professional for three continuous years and completed an ethics module. Applications also have to be supported by referees and accepted by the NZIPIM Board.

Directors Lee Matheson, Duncan Walker, Trudy Laan and John Perrin have achieved the prestigious status of becoming Registered Members along with Principal Consultant, Carla Muller. To achieve this status they have been identified by their professional peers and clients as having a level of expertise and a high standard of delivery in the core competencies. To achieve this status they have to provide examples of work for review by peers, provide referees (including clients) and be accepted by an interview panel. As Registered Members they are also held to a high standard around professional development and are required to complete set amounts of this every year.

Our Board

MANAGING DIRECTOR
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

Lee Matheson

B.Appl.Sc (Hons), FNZIPIM (Reg)

Lee came to agribusiness consultancy via the unlikely pathway of a suburban Wellington upbringing, an Honours degree in plant science and a six-year career in the financial markets. In his role as the firm’s MD, Lee doesn’t get out on-farm as much as he used to but makes the most of it when he does. While having swapped the paddock for the boardroom, Lee continues to provide advice in the areas of farm business strategy, farm system innovation, corporate governance, investment analysis and economic research.

Outside of Perrin Ag, Lee loves to spend his time coaching rugby, watching his three kids play sport and gardening with his wife Haidee.

“I love the challenge of empowering people in our primary sectors and the excitement of seeing clients achieving their aspirations.  If we can encourage farmers to engage with their consumers, take a more active involvement in their supply chains and view their businesses through a wider lens, then I think our industries have a great future.”

Duncan Walker - Perrin Ag Consultants Partner
DIRECTOR
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

Duncan Walker

B.Appl.Sc, MNZIPIM (Reg)

Coming from a drystock and dairy farming background, Duncan has always been passionate about growing primary sector businesses. Whether it’s pastoral farming, forestry, horticulture or investments outside the farm gate, sustainably optimising business performance is Duncan’s passion. After graduating from Massey University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness, Duncan’s first opportunity to optimise a farm business was by undertaking a dairy conversion. Duncan project managed the conversion and continued to run the dairy farm for a further three years.


Since joining Perrin Ag in 2011 Duncan works with a wide range of clients including those ‘outside the farm gate’. With his strong background in investment analysis, business strategy and project management, Duncan is increasingly working with clients to analyse and integrate horticulture and forestry investments into their farm businesses.

“I enjoy helping clients navigate through the complexities of today’s operational, financial and environmental challenges. Seeing clients achieve their goals is very rewarding”

Trudy Laan - Partner at Perrin Ag Cunsultants
DIRECTOR
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

Trudy Laan

B.Ag.Sc (Hons) , MNZIPIM (Reg)

Trudy graduated from Massey with an Honours degree in Agricultural Science. Since then she has been involved in practical farming on her own account and worked as a senior tutor in agriculture. She has also been a national examiner for NZQA farm business. Joining Perrin Ag in May 2002, Trudy works as a farm consultant in all areas of farming, specialising in dairying, corporate supervision, land use conversion and staff recruitment.

Trudy brings significant experience in dairy farm systems and management, along with a real passion for lifting productivity and achieving her clients’ aspirations.

“My philosophy has always been that you spend so much of your life working, that you should work at something you are passionate about and would love to do even if you were not getting paid. Having been brought up on a dairy farm where we were actively involved, I have always loved cows. I also enjoy the privilege of being trusted to assist farmers and the long term relationships we have with both staff and owners in the role as farm supervisors.”

John Perrin - Chairman of Perrin Ag Consultants Ltd
CHAIRMAN

John Perrin

Dip.VFM, MNZIPIM (Reg)

John has been in business as a Registered Farm Management Consultant and previously as a registered valuer for over 35 years. Most of his experience has centred around land development and farm supervision along with international consultancy in large scale farming operations.

New Zealand farm supervision has largely centred around management and consultancy for Māori authorities and other absentee owners. Since the mid 1990’s John has been predominantly involved in the design and direct management of dairy conversion projects both in New Zealand and overseas, most latterly having had oversight for a new sheep dairy development at Waikino Station. These days John is focussed on his role as Chairman of Perrin Ag.

“In becoming involved in agriculture I was driven to help farmers and their managers maximise production and profitability from their land. Today farming is a very much more complex business and being involved in a rapidly growing advisory practice at a governance level and providing an environment where ambitious advisors and their clients achieve their joint goals and aspirations, gives me great pleasure.”

Julie Rockman - Perrin Ag Consultants
Independent Director

Julie Rickman

FCA, CAANZ, BMS

Born and bred on a dairy farm in the Waikato, Julie has over 30 years business experience, spread across both the commercial sector and chartered accounting. She worked for small and multi-national accounting firms before joining Beattie Rickman in Hamilton where she became a partner and then Managing Partner. Julie was responsible for the merger of Beattie Rickman into PwC in 2006 and was Managing Partner of PwC Waikato until she moved to PwC Otago in 2011.

She has recently resigned from her role as Executive Director Finance, Procurement & Facilities at Southern DHB and is now focusing her skills and experience on her directorship roles. In addition to Perrin Ag, she is a director of Barr, Burgess & Stewart Limited – an advisory and accounting services firm based in Dunedin. Julie is currently in the process of moving to Wanaka from Dunedin, where she has lived for the past ten years.

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change”
– Charles Darwin

Advisory Team

Peter Keeling - Senior Consultant at Perrin Ag
Principal Consultant

Peter Keeling

B.Ag.Sc (Hons), MNZIPIM

Peter grew up on a drystock, deer & dairy property in the Horowhenua area. Before joining the Perrin Ag team in 2017 Peter was Supply Chain Manager for Firstlight Foods Ltd where he led the livestock team managing the Venison and Wagyu Producer Groups. Prior to that Peter had 20 years’ experience as an Agricultural Consultant based in Te Kuiti, where he is still based, working with predominantly sheep and beef clients.

Peter has a real focus on delivering achievable change that has meaningful results, assisting their farm businesses and teams meet their goals, under the economic and environmental challenges that are present in the industry. Peter enjoys farming his 56 ha farm, playing tennis, water skiing and mountain biking with his family in his spare time.

“I just enjoy getting out to some great but often unseen areas of rural NZ to work with clients. Helping family and corporate teams meet challenges and achieve targets at both personal and business levels is motivating and rewarding.”

Carla Muller - Senior Consultant at Perrin Ag
Principal CONSULTANT

Carla Muller

B.Appl.Econ, M.Env.Mgmt, MNZIPIM (Reg), ASNM

Carla is an agricultural economist who joined Perrin Ag in 2019 following jobs with both DairyNZ and NIWA. She specialises in analysing the impact of policy and regulatory changes on farm systems and has worked around the country on regional and national policy development. Carla has worked on a range of projects from marginal decision making, irrigation research, climate change adaptation, economic impacts of water policies, biosecurity and the use of economic instruments such as taxes and trading.  Carla has both an Applied Economics degree and a Masters in Environmental Management, from Massey University.

Carla has also held a range of directorships in the primary sector, including as a director and president of NZIPIM and PrimaryITO.

“I’m passionate about a prosperous NZ built on a strong economy and a thriving environment. I enjoy contributing to this by supporting agribusinesses across the NZ food and fibre sector to balance and achieve both economic and environmental outcomes. I enjoy working with people to understand and solve problems and try new ideas.”

John Stantiall - Senior Consultant at Perrin Ag
SENIOR CONSULTANT

John Stantiall

B.Ag.Sc, M.Appl.Sc, MNZIPIM, ASNM

John, based in Palmerston North, provides one-on-one advisory services to sheep, beef and deer clients as well as specialising in group facilitation and learning. He facilitates a number of farmer discussion groups in lower and central North Island. John is well known for facilitating extension programmes such as monitor farms and RMPP funded groups.

John assists clients as part of their “management team” with issues such as benchmarking, business reviews, strategic and tactical planning, financial and feed budgeting. He facilitates a one-day workshop on feed budgeting when there is demand and this is a spreadsheet-based feed budget which participants set up at the workshop and keep for their on-going use. John is very familiar with software modelling tools such as Farmax and Overseer to get the greatest benefit for clients.

“I am passionate about pastoral farming and rural people, I enjoy working with farmers and the technological and business challenges they face. I especially enjoy helping people learn. Seeing clients and staff develop confidence and achieve improved farm performance from the knowledge and skills they gain is very rewarding.”

Rachael Mitchell - Perrin Ag Consultants
SENIOR CONSULTANT

Rachael Mitchell

CNMA, MNZIPIM, Certified GHG Adviser

Rachael emigrated from the UK in 1998, having been brought up rurally in Devon. Prior to joining the Perrin Ag team in 2014 she either jointly owned or worked on three different dry stock properties, winning two Ballance Farm Environment Awards for nutrient management and habitat creation in the process.

Rachael is one of the few independent Certified Nutrient Management Advisers in the region. Her attention to detail and passion for her clients sees her in demand with farmers wanting to establish their current environmental footprints, implement sustainable land use change or understand compliance requirements. In her spare time Rachael enjoys walking, swimming and photography.

“Having farmed in NZ since the late 90’s I have a real passion for the industry. Farming under a nitrogen cap in Lake Taupō has also given me a great insight into the challenges of farming within nutrient limits. I am passionate about helping other farmers better understand their systems in the environmental conditions they now find themselves farming in.”

Alastair MacCormick - Senior Consultant at Perrin Ag
SENIOR CONSULTANT

Alastair MacCormick

B.Sc, MNZIPIM

Following University, Alastair travelled and worked extensively through Africa before taking up agricultural flying in Australia. After 10 years dodging trees, power lines and the odd cattle beast in the exhaustive heat of the Australian outback, he returned to New Zealand and took a role with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Unwittingly entering the early stages of the water quality conundrum, Alastair spent the next 12 years working between science, policy and implementation, striving to find innovative solutions that enabled farming within environmental constraints. Alastair joined Perrin Ag in 2018 and works across the water quality space which ranges from the grass roots level with farmers wanting to continue to improve the environmental outcomes from their properties, through to how government can actually implement policy frameworks.

When he isn’t working Alastair enjoys renovating, boating and adventures with his wife and daughters.

“I enjoy working with farmers and feel for them during this time of rapid and difficult change. I believe that change is inevitable and necessary but strive to ensure it occurs in a manageable and intelligent way.”

Daniel Payton Perrin Ag Consultants
Senior CONSULTANT

Daniel Payton

B.Com Ag (FM), MNZIPIM, ASNM

Daniel grew up on a dairy farm in Marlborough and after graduating from Lincoln began a career with Landcorp Farming Ltd. As Business Manager he was responsible for large scale hill country sheep, beef and deer properties with his role including developing and implementing regional livestock strategies. This provided valuable experience and exposure to large scale corporate agribusiness.

After travelling overseas Daniel experienced rural finance, servicing a wide variety of clients and business structures including family operated farms and multinational wineries.
Prior to joining Perrin Ag, Daniel and family spent eight years in the dairy industry hands on contract and lower order sharemilking in the Taranaki region. This valuable time and the experience of operating his own business gives Daniel the ability to have a real affinity with all types of clients.

“From a young age I have lived and breathed agriculture and had a deep connection with the land. I enjoy not only offering solutions for clients to achieve their business goals but also the human element that is building relationships and enabling people to grow in their business”.

Rachel Durie - Consultant at Perrin Ag
Senior CONSULTANT

Rachel Durie

B.Ag.Sc (Hons), MNZIPIM, ASNM

Rachel graduated from Lincoln University with an Honours degree in Agricultural Science. Seeking a position where she could apply her knowledge in a varied role, Rachel joined Perrin Ag in 2019. Based in the South Waikato, Rachel combines her excellent observation skills with exceptional analysis, resulting in a wide range of work. Rachel works actively with farm managers to implement the strategic farm and business plan, as part of her dairy supervisory work, to land use change analysis including recent research on incorporating forestry and trees into pastoral farm businesses, conducting composting shelter analysis, to environmental support and Overseer modelling.

Outside of Perrin Ag, Rachel and her partner Mania are running their own contract milking business, and in her spare time, Rachel enjoys getting outdoors playing soccer, hunting or fishing.

“I enjoy the opportunity to assist clients in finding practical solutions to the diverse range of challenges the agriculture sector presents. Being able to see the benefits to a client’s business from problem solving is hugely rewarding.”

Rob-Brazendale
SENIOR CONSULTANT

Rob Brazendale

B.Ag.Sc (Hons), MNZIPIM, ASNM

With over 30 years in the agricultural sector, Rob knows how to navigate farmers through the regulatory maze.

During that time, his work has been varied from farm advisory and farm management research to rural banking and dairy farm systems development. Rob joined Perrin Ag in 2022 from DairyNZ where he was regional leader for the Lower North Island.

He also runs a lamb and beef finishing operation in the Manawatu. So, he has a good understanding of farming, from milking cows and shearing sheep to the regulatory process in Wellington.

Rob has a successful track record in senior leadership, along with his exceptional technical knowledge and communication skills. Based in Palmerston North, he is instrumental in helping Perrin Ag grow its business in the Rangitikei, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay.

“Part of my job is to bridge the gap between the worlds of policy makers and farmers – to bring the on-farm perspective into the policy-making room, and vice versa. If that can be done, the environment can be respected, and farming can be sustain its profitability. New Zealand needs both.

“It’s an ever-changing world for our farmers. It’s not easy. But we can help coach them through the maze. That’s my job. It’s why I joined the Perrin Ag team.”

Vance Fulton - Senior Consultant Perrin Ag Consultants
SENIOR CONSULTANT

Vance Fulton

MSc, CNMA, MNZIPIM

Vance was brought up on a dairy farm just south of Whangarei. He graduated from Waikato University with a Master of Science (Earth Science) degree in 1992. After working as an engineering geologist in Auckland, he moved to the Northern Territory in Australia to work as a senior land management officer specialising in erosion and sediment control.

Returning to NZ in 2003 Vance settled in Papamoa where he worked for the BOP Regional Council in Rotorua helping farmers to reduce their impact on the Rotorua Lakes. In late 2005 he set up his own business providing agricultural environmental services specialising in Overseer modelling. He is a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor and joined the Perrin Ag team as an Environmental Consultant in 2016.

“Being brought up on a small Northland dairy farm, my heart has always been with the land and its people. I enjoy working with and getting to know farmers and helping them to minimise their environmental footprint whilst maintaining economic productivity.”

Dwayne Cowin - Senior Consultant Perrin Ag Consultants
SENIOR CONSULTANT

Dwayne Cowin

B.Appl.Sc, MNZIPIM

After graduating from Massey University in 2007 Dwayne embarked on a career in the sheep and beef industry. Following shepherding and a sole charge stock management role, Dwayne moved onto a livestock operations manager role at Lochinver Station. In 2015, Dwayne and his wife Zara entered into an equity partnership on a 420 ha sheep and beef farm located in Piopio, King Country. Dwayne and Zara still actively manage this property and live there with their young family.

Dwayne joined Perrin Ag in 2019 and specialises in all aspects of sheep and beef farming. Aside from farming, Dwayne’s interests include rugby, hunting, fishing and water-skiing.

“I have a passion for seeing farms develop and progress, and also enjoy being able to see the people involved demonstrate the ability to lift both productivity and profitability, without compromising their environmental footprint. We are all only caretakers of the land, and it gives me great satisfaction seeing so many farmers leaving the farm in a better state than when they started.”

Braydon Schroder - Consultant at Perrin Ag
CONSULTANT

Braydon Schroder

B.Ag.Sc (Hons), MNZIPIM, ASNM

Braydon was born and bred on a dairy farm in the Tararua district with a passion for animals and agribusiness from day dot. He has toured and worked on various farm systems in North America, South America and Australia through self-chosen work experience or various scholarships. In his spare time he investigates the latest dairy genetics internationally to help with breeding decisions for his dairy herd, along with judging and fitting dairy cattle both nationally and overseas.

Braydon, who joined the team in January 2019, is based out of our Rotorua office, where he manages a diverse workload ranging from facilitating RMPP Farmer Action groups, operational supervision for dairy farms, alongside land use, systems, financial and environmental modelling and analysis advisory for corporate and family farm operations.

“I really value the opportunity to help farmers translate the enormous amount of information out there, to ensure they can make more informed decisions. It’s a privilege being able to help people and their businesses succeed and grow in the agriculture sector.”

CONSULTANT

Morgan Inness

B.Ag.Sc (Hons), MNZIPIM

Morgan grew up just north of Whanganui as part of a rural community, which started his passion for agriculture. After graduating from Lincoln University with an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, Morgan spent two years working as an agricultural consultant in Scotland and Northern England. This was a challenging time for UK farmers dealing with the impact of Brexit.

Morgan has a real interest in all sectors of the agricultural industry from horticulture to livestock. He brings experience in all systems with a focus on helping clients achieve their goals whether that be financial, environmental, land use change modelling or supervision. 

Outside of Perrin Ag Morgan has a love for the outdoors and is often found hunting, fishing, involved in sports such as rugby, cricket or mountain biking.

“I am extremely passionate about New Zealand agriculture and the people involved in it. I get great satisfaction from helping clients better their business. I am committed to working collaboratively with farmers to help our sector to adapt and grow.”

laura
CONSULTANT

Laura McQuillan-Reese

B.Ag.Sc (Hons), MNZIPIM

Laura joined Perrin Ag in 2022 as a graduate advisor through the firm’s Empower programme. She grew up on a sheep farm in the small town of Hawarden, Christchurch. From the time she could walk, she was out helping on farm, learning the art of stockmanship and nurturing her passion for farming. 

Before attending university, Laura gained a wealth of hands-on experience on several Canterbury farms. She started her Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) at Lincoln University in 2018 but kept building on her practical farming knowledge in dairy and sheep and beef in parallel with her study.

Laura is a proud advocate for the primary industries. In her Honours year, Laura studied the quality of crossbred wool production in New Zealand and what opportunities that could provide for the industry. She also reared 130 Spring calves per year on leased land to help fund her studies.

“I’m really excited about being part of the Perrin Ag team. It’s a challenging time for the agricultural industry, but with that comes a huge amount of opportunity and promise for the future. I’m really looking forward to providing our clients high quality farm systems advice and supporting resilience and profitability in the agricultural sector.”

CONSULTANT

Courtney Stone

B.Env.Sc, MNZIPIM, ISNM

Courtney joined Perrin Ag in 2022 after roles at both MPI and NIWA. Born and bred in Tauranga, she lived in Wellington for six years before an opportunity to live and work closer to whānau came about. Courtney has worked on a range of projects from supporting career pathways and capability in the advisory sector, biological emissions reduction from agriculture and water availability and security in Aotearoa.

With a keen interest in whole of system thinking and customer-centric solutions, she brings energy and fresh thinking to the team. Courtney has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Physical Geography.

Outside of the workplace, Courtney enjoys hiking, football, futsal, arts and crafts, and a good flat white.

“I get a lot of joy out of seeing people thrive in our sector. If I can add value and support clients to get closer to where they want to be, that is a success to me.”

CONSULTANT

Abbey Dowd

B.Ag.Sc (Hons), MNZIPIM

Abbey joined Perrin Ag in February 2023 as part of the firm’s graduate recruitment programme, Empower.

Abbey grew up surrounded by dairy farms in a close-knit community in South Waikato. She saw first-hand how local farmers supported her community, which is what inspired her to study at Lincoln University.

Growing up in a rural community Abbey has always been impressed by how much local farmers contribute to the community. She wanted to help give back to the industry and play a part in helping our primary sector continue to produce quality food in a sustainable way.

In 2022, Abbey spent the summer as an intern on one of New Zealand’s first commercial deer milking operations. Her Honours project was researching deer milk alongside other more traditional milking operations and assessing the deer milking industry’s future production possibilities.

“Growing up I didn’t live on a farm, but I always knew I wanted to work in the farming sector. I wanted a role where there was a balance between working on and off farm and where I could support farmers to get the best out of their businesses.”

Business Services Team

Mike
Business Manager

Michael Matthews

BMS, CPIM, SSCMP

Mike joined Perrin Ag in 2022 after nearly a decade working in supply chain and logistics roles with dairy giant Fonterra and GPS positioning system company, Trimble Navigation.

His energy, commercial experience and rapport with people are a winning combination for driving change and building on the value Perrin Ag delivers its clients. He also has a Bachelor of Management Studies in PR and supply chain management from Waikato University.

If change is going to come, Mike firmly believes he’s got to be the most enthusiastic person in the room and the one who invites people to join in.

“It’s not enough for me to see the improvement possibilities. The rest of the team needs to have buy-in and be motivated to make good things happen.

“There is such goodwill at Perrin Ag. I’m confident that together we’re going to achieve great things for our clients and the wider agribusiness sector.”

Gayle Newman - Perrin Ag
Finance and Client Services Manager

Gayle Newman

Gayle was brought up on a sheep station in Masterton and spent childhood holidays on the family dairy farm in Dannevirke. Her family moved to Kaitaia before eventually settling in Rotorua. Gayle’s previous professional background is hotel management and tourism. Gayle now manages Perrin Ag finances and our Client Services team, which sees her successfully dealing with the less-sexy but critically important behind the scenes functions of our business and farm businesses in relation to data management, payroll, health and safety and digital information systems.

Gayle is a keen mountain biker and spends a lot of her spare time on Rotorua’s world class trails.

“In my role as Finance and Client Services Manager, I can live in Rotorua and enjoy (on a daily basis if I could) the Redwood Forest and the mountain bike trails. I love working closely with our farm mangers and the diversity my role offers, and being able to support the managers and hopefully make some of those admin tasks a bit more bearable.”

Danni Armstrong - Perrin Ag Consultants
Finance Administrator

Danni Armstrong

Danni grew up on a life style block in Atiamuri and spent five seasons as a relief milker in the area. During this time, her full time roles were in various fields including the rental car, health care and marine industries. Danni has had a focus on administrative and accounting duties, but is also proficient in looking after customers especially well, social media and website operation, running a rental car fleet and the associated tasks like training, rosters, H&S and organising repairs! Danni joined Perrin Ag in May 2021, to be part of a business in an industry she is passionate about.

During her spare time Danni can be found reading a book with her cats or out enjoying the walks in Rotorua’s Redwoods.

“What motivates me each day is knowing that I will be challenged with a range of problem solving tasks. I love to see all the figures adding up and knowing that my role makes a difference to the team.”

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Lee Matheson

Managing Director

Principal Consulant

B.Appl.Sc (Hons), FNZIPIM (Reg)

Lee came to agribusiness consultancy via the unlikely pathway of a suburban Wellington upbringing, an Honours degree in plant science and a six-year career in the financial markets. In his role as the firm’s MD, Lee doesn’t get out on-farm as much as he used to but makes the most of it when he does. While having swapped the paddock for the boardroom, Lee continues to provide advice in the areas of farm business strategy, farm system innovation, corporate governance, investment analysis and economic research.

Outside of Perrin Ag, Lee loves to spend his time coaching rugby, watching his three kids play sport and gardening with his wife Haidee.

“I love the challenge of empowering people in our primary sectors and the excitement of seeing clients achieving their aspirations.  If we can encourage farmers to engage with their consumers, take a more active involvement in their supply chains and view their businesses through a wider lens, then I think our industries have a great future.”