Chair – Dave Whalley

Bay of Plenty | Consultant

Dave is based in Rotorua, where he has been managing a 10ha truffiere since 2012. Dave’s background is in commercial horticulture production since 1978, which started with an apprenticeship in fruit production (NCH & RNZCH) then went on to further study at Lincoln University (Dip Hort). He has worked with a wide variety of fruit crops, forest nursery, vegetable cropping, industry training, land developments and conversions into horticulture, including native plant regeneration and pest plant management. In recent years Dave has been more involved in horticultural consultancy whilst still retaining the practical aspects of land management roles.

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Secretary – Ann Roberts

Waikato | Truffle Grower

Ann grew up on a dairy farm in the North King Country, studied languages at Waikato University and became a teacher.  She taught and held school management roles and completed a Masters of Education and a post-graduate diploma in school management. Before retirement Ann took up a position as a review officer with the Education Review Office(ERO) where she also completed a post-graduate diploma in evaluation and undertook various leadership responsibilities.

With her late husband Ann purchased land from her family in Kio Kio (about 8 kilometers north-east of Otorohanga). They had developed an interest in growing truffles and so planted 500 oak and hazelnut trees in late 2012.

With the assistance of capable helpers and continued application of fertilizer (mainly lime), Ann’s truffiere is progressing well. Ann is also interested in the ongoing training of her young dog as a truffle hunter as soon as production begins. Ann is grateful for input from NZTA’s conferences, newsletters, networks and website, and volunteered to contribute to the association as Secretary. Ann is also interested in continuing to develop NZTA’s regional and national networks.

email: admin at nztruffles.org.nz

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Treasurer – Tiri Connell

Otago | Grower

Executive Convenor – Lindsay Esler

Auckland | Consultant

Lindsay has worked in a wide range of fields including as a translator, commercial and intellectual property lawyer, and food business owner/operator.  Lindsay qualified as a lawyer and patent attorney in New Zealand. He spent 17 years working overseas, with the last 8 years as Managing Partner of a large international law firm in Hong Kong.

On returning to New Zealand in 2010, Lindsay and a business partner rebuilt, operated and onsold a chemical free bacon business. Now working part time with the NZ Truffle Association as a new challenge, with the benefit of having more truffle in his life.

email: lindsay at nztruffles.org.nz