Olives New Zealand

New Executive Officer Appointed

November 10, 2011

Olives New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Gayle Sheridan as its new Executive Officer.

Gayle has been involved in the New Zealand Olive industry since 2000 when she and her husband Lionel established their first olive grove at Pauatahanui, just north of Wellington. This was followed by the purchase of their second grove at Barrys Bay, Banks Peninsula in 2005 and then their third at Akaroa in 2007. This last property was developed as a commercial olive grove under the brand name of La Casa Toscana, producing both extra virgin olive oil and table olives. All of the olive oils entered by La Casa Toscana in the NZ Olive Oil Awards were at least Silver medal winners, with the Manzanillo being awarded Gold, Best in Class and Best in Show in 2009.

Gayle has substantial experience working at a senior management level including Chief Executive with the Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation, IT Manager at Work and Income New Zealand, Client Support Centre Manager at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Head of Business Faculty with Manawatu Polytechnic.

Gayle holds a variety of tertiary qualifications in business and education, including an MBA from Henley Management College, UK.

During her time at Akaroa Gayle was the local Farmers Market Manager, Chair of the Akaroa District Promotions and organised several festivals.

Gayle and her husband Lionel now live on a small vineyard in Havelock North with their six Irish Setters and Red Ragdoll cat.

“I am really excited that I now have the time, energy and opportunity to commit to furthering the olive industry in New Zealand” says Gayle.

2 responses to “New Executive Officer Appointed”

  1. Adela and Paul Jones says:

    Hi Gayle, my husband and I are considering purchasing an olive grove currently on the market in Amberley. Address is 204 Mt Brown Road. We are novices to the industry and would like your advice. We met with Ray and Brenda Gregory here in Nelson who were amazing in sharing their experience, which has been extremely helpful. We are wondering if you know this property and if you can help with any information about it, we would be grateful. We have also asked the agent for information which was slim on the realestate website. We look forward to your reply. many thanks Adela

    • Olives New Zealand says:

      Hi Adela and Paul. I am doing a bit of research on the property and will contact you via email with further information.

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