Meet Robin Oakley, Founder & Managing Director
Robin is the founder of Oakley’s, head agronomist, father and husband. A fifth-generation farmer, Robin grew up on his family farm and has been working the land since he was a young boy.
He started the business in the 1990s with his wife Shirleen and loves seeing his dream become a reality. In his free time, Robin loves cycling with his father, jet skiing in Lyttelton Harbour and spending quality time with his friends and family.
Robin is proud of the business he has built, and the industry partnerships he has formed and is excited for the future of the company.
Meet Bernie, General Manager
Bernie is our superstar General Manager. He has been a diligent and integral member of the team for over 15 years.
Bernie is a busy man, looking after our production, harvesting, packhouse, logistics, sales and management of external relations. Bernie loves how he can integrate all parts of the role and achieve stellar results for Oakleys.
His favourite veggie is the classic Golden Gourmet potato, and he’s also a huge fan of broccoli. Bernie has a lovely wife and two sons & a daughter, he loves spending quality time with them.
Meet Adam, Post-Harvest Manager
Adam is one of Oakley’s OG team members, starting his journey in April of 2007 digging spuds with Graeme Oakley (4th generation).
Adam’s strong work ethic and team spirit saw him move to our greens harvest and packhouse team, eventually becoming our Post Harvest Manager. Adam was born and bred in Sabah, Malaysia – referred to as the land below the wind. He enjoys taking on a challenge and making the “mission impossible, possible”.
Adam has an active son and in his spare time likes to spend time with his family, do the gardening and cook tasty meals (with plenty of vegetables, of course!).
Meet Steven, Production Manager
Steven has been with Oakleys since 2021. He joined as a production assistant and under some guidance has grown within the business to take on the role of Production Manager now.
Steven oversees the growing and harvesting of all our crops at Oakleys. He is originally from Cape Town, South Africa, but has made Canterbury his home. He has a wonderful partner, Rowan, that supports him in all his early morning and late-night antics to get the job done.
Steven's favourite aspect of the job is knowing he's providing food on the table for people. He's very thankful to his wonderful team that executes the plans to provide New Zealand with delicious veggies!
Meet Christie, Administration and HR Office Manager
Christie joined Oakley’s in 2023 as HR Manager and now takes care of the running of our busy admin team as well. Before Oakley’s, Christie has worked in Office Management and HR roles in the Construction Industry.
Originally from the UK, Christie moved to NZ 16 years ago. She lives locally in Leeston with her partner and 3 teenage kids and loves to spend time outdoors with her family.
Christie loves the close-knit family feel of working at Oakley’s and the availability of delicious fresh vegetables too!
Meet April, Marketing
April is a sixth-generation Oakley (founder Robin’s daughter) and has been involved in Oakley’s sustainability journey, worked in Human Resources and now works on branding and marketing.
April grew up on the back of the spud harvester on the family farm in Halkett alongside her grandparents Graeme and Dorothy Oakley (fourth generation).
April has a background in health sciences and is completing a Master’s of Business at Lincoln University. A lover of Golden Gourmet spuds, she enjoys cooking up fun recipes for Oakley’s customers.
