Arie van der Houwen
Company founder, Arie van der Houwen, immigrated to New Zealand from Holland in 1997, bringing with him a wealth knowledge, experiences, and qualifications. He gained his qualifications (which are recognised in NZ) from a leading Dutch Agricultural college, Horticultural school (including Amenity Turf Management -Floriculture) and has acquired much experience from working in production houses of Europe from an early age.
He comes from a family of growers going back 5 generations, whose expertise has been passed along from each generation (capsicum, flowers, grapes, tomatoes, and cucumbers).
Arie invests his time continually seeking the best new varieties suited for the New Zealand market.
He is a “hands on” entrepreneur, regularly found working side by side with team members in the glasshouses and packing shed. He just gets stuck into the work that needs to be done, Boots and All!
Meet the Growers
Arie surrounds himself with dedicated, knowledgeable, and trusted individuals. He also always takes the opportunity, to mentor and motivate when needed. His success in the business and reputation earned is grounded on his relationship with all personnel. Arie never fails to have his meal breaks with the staff, which, reflects the simple nature of the man.
Each plant, Exception and Passion Fresh, has a designated specialist and qualified grower manager, independently overseeing all aspects of each site.
Passion Fresh Limited - Buckville Site (PFB)
Ben
Prior to joining Exception Ltd, Ben and his family were dairy farming for 10 years before he became a grower manager for the plant in November 2016. Like Arie; Ben is trying to reduce the company footprint. He is enthusiastic about the IPM program (integrated pest management) side of the business and the complexities of growing in glasshouses.
Passion Fresh Limited - Harrisville Site (PFH)
Simmu
Young and passionate grower with more than 10 years of experience in the glasshouse. He is the epitome of a successful and dedicated achiever. Starting as just an ordinary staffer, carrying out daily tasks such as picking, packing and all the general duties of the business, his meteoric rise to Operations Manager is nothing but admirable considering that he is still a young man.
Key Staff Members
The glasshouses couldn't survive without all our responsible, friendly, and hardworking key staff members.
Dick
Glasshouse Team Leader (PFL)
Tyla
Packhouse Supervisor (PFL)
Sonya
Glasshouse Supervisor (EXC)
Pavi
Packhouse Supervisor (EXC)
Devon
Sales and Marketing
Natalie
Administration Manager
Our Team
We currently employ around 20 full time permanent staff with many seasonal casual employees (from all cultural backgrounds) joining us during the course of the year.
