Originally from Hawkes Bay and a graduate from Massey University, Gus has spent the last 20 years in the wine industry in the Gisborne and Marlborough areas.
Before joining the Vinepower team as CEO, he held positions that primarily focused on viticulture for large multinational and NZ wine companies. He was the GM of Viticulture for Ara and the GM of Bankhouse Estate for Indevin.
Gus has been based in Blenheim since 2010 and owns his own 8ha vineyard in Hawkes bay.
Calling New Zealand home since 1990, Marcel has worked in Viticulture for the last 12 years, joining Vinepower in 2019.
His main responsibilities include the recruitment of our RSE workers from around the Pacific and Thailand and their Pastoral care.
The latter is his team's focus, ensuring the workers' welfare, 24/7. Assisting them with their banking needs, religious observance, recreational activities and keeping them healthy and fit so their productivity and earnings are optimised.
Arriving in Blenheim in 2016, Michelle started at Vinepower as Administration Assistant and now looks after the Health and Safety side of the business and company vehicles.
This is a large and busy role within Vinepower as Michelle takes care of the transportation and induction for up to 380 staff. In addition to HSE, Michelle is Fleet Manager and takes care of anything with wheels within Vinepower.
Paul’s wine involvement dates back to vintage 1994.
With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, he has covered all areas of grape growing and wine production and even has his own family vineyard in Rapaura, and is a grower for Accolade and Mahi.
Consistency, quality and client wellbeing are always top of mind for Paul. Working closely together with Fred, and the rest of the Vinepower team, he strives to make your Vinepower experience a professional
and productive one.
Fred and his family have moved from France to New Zealand in 2007. He received New Zealand citizenship in 2014.
Fred has a background in large horticulture organisation management in Africa, France and New Zealand. Previously he worked at Indevin - Bankhouse Estate (formerly Ara) as Vineyard Operations Manager for 12 years. With Gus and Marcel, they form a very effective team.
Fred is about 'growing people' in a team to achieve common goals in a win-win relationship.
Cynthia has worked in the industry for more than 20 years having started out in vineyards with Stoneleigh and working her way to Assistant Vineyard Manager and Winery Operations Administrator with Constellation Brands before joining Vinepower in 2016.
Cynthia loves working with the Vinepower team and keeping everyone 'in check'. Attention to detail is very important to Cynthia and she loves getting outdoors and experiencing the countryside.
Kay has worked in the wine industry for more than 20 years. Starting from the ground up, Kay has done it all! From manual labour and machinery work in the vineyards, to now what is a full-time office-based role.
Kay joined the Vinepower Team in 2016 as Production Assistant, she then followed her passion and moved to become our Pastoral Carer in 2019.
She really enjoys this rewarding and challenging role with her main focus being the health and happiness of all our RSE employees. This involves setting up appointments, arranging sporting activities and their general day to day queries.
Jason Kennard and Jono Bushell have been working together as Owner Managers of Vinepower since 2006.
The business has grown significantly in this time and reflects the vision they had of improving the quality of work and professionalism of the contracting industry.
Back: Fred, Paul, Marcel, Michael, Gus Front: Cynthia, Michelle, Kay, Georgia