Tracey Spender
General Manager
Tracey leads the team to ensure that we have the right people, processes and equipment to do an excellent job of making and shipping great products that delight our customers. This means that the customer is at the centre of everything we do, everyone goes home safe and the products that we make are food safe, taste great and arrive on time for our customers. Tracey brings over 20 years’ experience in the dairy industry in operational and technical roles so is a real asset to Canary.
Tracey enjoys working at Canary because of the ‘can do’ attitude of everyone in the company, as well as the speed & agility that makes Canary the go to people for all things butter
When Tracey is not at work, she loves to get out on the water for a fish, spending time outdoors & entertaining with friends & family.
Tracey Spender
General Manager
Tracey leads the team to ensure that we have the right people, processes and equipment to do an excellent job of making and shipping great products that delight our customers. This means that the customer is at the centre of everything we do, everyone goes home safe and the products that we make are food safe, taste great and arrive on time for our customers. Tracey brings over 20 years’ experience in the dairy industry in operational and technical roles so is a real asset to Canary.
Tracey enjoys working at Canary because of the ‘can do’ attitude of everyone in the company, as well as the speed & agility that makes Canary the go to people for all things butter
When Tracey is not at work, she loves to get out on the water for a fish, spending time outdoors & entertaining with friends & family.
Paul Bebbington
Finance Manager
Paul is our numbers guru and often refers to himself as the bean counter. He is responsible for the effective implementation of the company’s financial, accounting and administrative programmes, systems and policies. Paul keeps the team focused on meeting deadlines for month ends and end of financial years.
Paul enjoys working at Canary because of the people, his amazing assistant account and being able to wind up the team on the daily.
When he’s not engrossed in numbers, Paul is busy working on his lifestyle block and spending time with his lovely wife.
Paul Bebbington
Finance Manager
Paul is our numbers guru and often refers to himself as the bean counter. He is responsible for the effective implementation of the company’s financial, accounting and administrative programmes, systems and policies. Paul keeps the team focused on meeting deadlines for month ends and end of financial years.
Paul enjoys working at Canary because of the people, his amazing assistant account and being able to wind up the team on the daily.
When he’s not engrossed in numbers, Paul is busy working on his lifestyle block and spending time with his lovely wife.
Matt Mountfort
Global Sales Manager
Matt is the Global Sales Manager for Canary and has the pleasure of working on our strategic direction, servicing our key business partners and finding new partners and opportunities for Canary to showcase our portfolio to the world. We are currently opening new markets to expand our global reach and are set to increase our branded footprint across Asia and Middle East - watch this space!
Matt enjoys getting out to meet our customers, immersing in multiple cultures, establishing new partnerships as well as finding solutions to our existing business partners’ challenges.
When he isn’t working or travelling, Matt spends his time playing golf, has taken up tennis again since moving back to New Zealand and enjoys leisurely jogs to the Auckland waterfront. He enjoys good food and wine and is an avid traveller and the opportunity to do that with Canary is something he cherishes.
Matt is also a bit of a chocoholic purposely scouring out all the new latest editions of NZ’s favourite Whittakers intending to hold them as collector items, only to find they are empty packets within the day!
Matt Mountfort
Global Sales Manager
Matt is the Global Sales Manager for Canary and has the pleasure of working on our strategic direction, servicing our key business partners and finding new partners and opportunities for Canary to showcase our portfolio to the world. We are currently opening new markets to expand our global reach and are set to increase our branded footprint across Asia and Middle East - watch this space!
Matt enjoys getting out to meet our customers, immersing in multiple cultures, establishing new partnerships as well as finding solutions to our existing business partners’ challenges.
When he isn’t working or travelling, Matt spends his time playing golf, has taken up tennis again since moving back to New Zealand and enjoys leisurely jogs to the Auckland waterfront. He enjoys good food and wine and is an avid traveller and the opportunity to do that with Canary is something he cherishes.
Matt is also a bit of a chocoholic purposely scouring out all the new latest editions of NZ’s favourite Whittakers intending to hold them as collector items, only to find they are empty packets within the day!
Hannah Archibald
New Zealand Sales & Marketing Manager
Hannah looks after our NZ customers and works closely with our key foodservice distributors throughout New Zealand. She is committed to ensure our premium dairy products are readily available to bakeries, cafes, restaurants, catering, hotels and food manufacturers. She really values the relationships she has with her customers which is demonstrated by her focus on delivering products that are not only of a high standard but also add value to their business. Hannah is also responsible for all Canary’s marketing – planning, creating and executing all marketing materials, product launches to expand Canary’s reach and prospect customer pipeline. Communication, exceeding expectations and providing exceptional service is what makes Hannah so well suited to her role and this company.
Hannah enjoys working at Canary because of the fast-paced environment where every day is different. She is also loves the close-knit team at Canary and the ability to be involved in other aspects of the business.
When Hannah is not at Canary she is busy spending time with her husband and their two children. She loves going on holiday, is mad on exercise, playing sports and spending time with her family and friends.
Sophie McCulloch
Food Technologist
Sophie is a recent Massey Food Technology graduate, and works alongside Margaret and Darshana in our Quality and Technical team. Her role includes a range of tasks such as the process of developing new products to be ready for commercial sale, shelf life testing, GMP Audits and maintaining all technical documentation.
She loves working at Canary as everyone is willing to help each other to get a job done and being able to create delicious products for consumers to enjoy.
In her spare time she enjoys cooking, going to the gym, hanging out with friends and family and going on walks to explore new places. One of her favourite things about Hamilton so far, is being so close to the duck island ice cream shop.
Lindsey Burgess
Sales Operations Coordinator
Lindsey works alongside Helen to make up one half of the Sales Operations team. She deals with order pricing, customer inquiries, product requirements and specifications and essentially looks after the customer from order placement through to delivery of the order. She has a wealth of experience with nearly 20 years in the export logistics industry.
Lindsey enjoys working at Canary because of the great people and the variety that her role entails.
To say food is Lindsey’s passion is an understatement, from eating at a Michelin Star/Three Hat restaurant to a hawker stall in an alley way there is nothing she will not try at least once... Her other favourites in life are golf, fishing, shopping and entertaining friends and family. Being from South Africa, most of her family is on the other side of the world so spending time with her family and friends in NZ is a very important part of her life.
Lindsey Burgess
Sales Operations Coordinator
Lindsey works alongside Helen to make up one half of the Sales Operations team. She deals with order pricing, customer inquiries, product requirements and specifications and essentially looks after the customer from order placement through to delivery of the order. She has a wealth of experience with nearly 20 years in the export logistics industry.
Lindsey enjoys working at Canary because of the great people and the variety that her role entails.
To say food is Lindsey’s passion is an understatement, from eating at a Michelin Star/Three Hat restaurant to a hawker stall in an alley way there is nothing she will not try at least once... Her other favourites in life are golf, fishing, shopping and entertaining friends and family. Being from South Africa, most of her family is on the other side of the world so spending time with her family and friends in NZ is a very important part of her life.
Shaun Blackbourn
Key Account Manager New Zealand and Australia
Shaun looks after our New Zealand and Australia customers and prides himself on building long lasting relationship. He is passionate and committed to ensuring the customers experience is always a great one. Shaun has worked in a number of key supply chain roles at Canary and has an extremely comprehensive knowledge off all areas of our business.
Shaun’s favourite things about working at Canary are the friendly banter which never ends – and is typically at his expense! As well as the amazing range of products we make.
If Shaun isn’t at work he is either on the indoor bowls mat, hanging out with his family or watching anything to do with sports.
Shaun Blackbourn
Key Account Manager New Zealand and Australia
Shaun looks after our New Zealand and Australia customers and prides himself on building long lasting relationship. He is passionate and committed to ensuring the customers experience is always a great one. Shaun has worked in a number of key supply chain roles at Canary and has an extremely comprehensive knowledge off all areas of our business.
Shaun’s favourite things about working at Canary are the friendly banter which never ends – and is typically at his expense! As well as the amazing range of products we make.
If Shaun isn’t at work he is either on the indoor bowls mat, hanging out with his family or watching anything to do with sports.
Margaret McCracken
Innovation Manager
Margaret is our very own butter chef at Canary and is always bringing us buttery treats to try. As a career Food Technologist, she has over 25 years experience in the food industry and it certainly shows. She manages all new product development from experimenting in her kitchen to commercial trials and product improvement.
Margaret’s favourite thing about Canary is that everyone works closely to quickly respond to our customers. In her own words, ‘we often start with something that seems impossible, but we nut out a way to get it done’.
Always looking for an excuse to be outside, Margaret enjoys spending time in her garden (which is a self-described ‘messy riot of scented flowers, wildlife and fruit and veges’), water skiing on Lake Karapiro or – when she does go inside – trying out new recipes.
Margaret McCracken
Innovation Manager
Margaret is our very own butter chef at Canary and is always bringing us buttery treats to try. As a career Food Technologist, she has over 25 years experience in the food industry and it certainly shows. She manages all new product development from experimenting in her kitchen to commercial trials and product improvement.
Margaret’s favourite thing about Canary is that everyone works closely to quickly respond to our customers. In her own words, ‘we often start with something that seems impossible, but we nut out a way to get it done’.
Always looking for an excuse to be outside, Margaret enjoys spending time in her garden (which is a self-described ‘messy riot of scented flowers, wildlife and fruit and veges’), water skiing on Lake Karapiro or – when she does go inside – trying out new recipes.
Allan Swale
Supply Chain & Warehouse Manager
Allan is responsible for leading our warehouse, sales operation and supply chain. His capable and committed team is responsible for the planning, purchasing, sales operation and warehouse functions. His previous extensive experience in FMCG Manufacturing and Supply Chain roles means that he has a broad knowledge relevant to the Canary business.
Never wanting to disappoint the Sales team or our wonderful Customers he goes over and above to manage our suppliers and manufacturing schedule to ensure that our customers are never left wanting more. Known for his ability to pull a couple of tricks out of the bag, Allan works collaboratively with all parts of the business to ensure that ingredients & packaging arrive when expected, what is planned is made and product is despatched on time leaves when it should and that we are always looking for ways to improve.
Allan’s favourite things about working at Canary is the teams can do attitude, teamwork and customer-centric mindset.
If Allan isn’t at work he is either on the cricket field, golf course, outdoor bowling green or on the water doing what he enjoys but isn’t necessarily that good at!
Allan Swale
Supply Chain & Warehouse Manager
Allan is responsible for leading our warehouse, sales operation and supply chain. His capable and committed team is responsible for the planning, purchasing, sales operation and warehouse functions. His previous extensive experience in FMCG Manufacturing and Supply Chain roles means that he has a broad knowledge relevant to the Canary business.
Never wanting to disappoint the Sales team or our wonderful Customers he goes over and above to manage our suppliers and manufacturing schedule to ensure that our customers are never left wanting more. Known for his ability to pull a couple of tricks out of the bag, Allan works collaboratively with all parts of the business to ensure that ingredients & packaging arrive when expected, what is planned is made and product is despatched on time leaves when it should and that we are always looking for ways to improve.
Allan’s favourite things about working at Canary is the teams can do attitude, teamwork and customer-centric mindset.
If Allan isn’t at work he is either on the cricket field, golf course, outdoor bowling green or on the water doing what he enjoys but isn’t necessarily that good at!
Darshana Patel
Compliance Manager
Darshana is responsible for looking after Canary’s ethical heart “Compliance department”. She develops and delivers training, policies and regulatory guidance that support business goals. Alongside this she identifies opportunities for continuous improvement of the compliance programs and to reflect changes, clarifications, or updates in applicable regulations, policy, and business strategy. Darshana brings 12 years’ of experience from varied industries including laboratory, food and dairy.
She is passionate about the quality and regulatory aspects of business. Two things that Darshana loves to carryout is to raise awareness of the compliance programs and promote accountability for ethics and integrity. An exciting part of her role is getting to interact with varied bodies and individuals and make a great network. At Canary every day is different therefore “it’s never boring”.
When Darshana is not at work she loves reading mystery books and baking with her kids. She also enjoys hiking with family whenever time allows.
Darshana Patel
Compliance Manager
Darshana is responsible for looking after Canary’s ethical heart “Compliance department”. She develops and delivers training, policies and regulatory guidance that support business goals. Alongside this she identifies opportunities for continuous improvement of the compliance programs and to reflect changes, clarifications, or updates in applicable regulations, policy, and business strategy. Darshana brings 12 years’ of experience from varied industries including laboratory, food and dairy.
She is passionate about the quality and regulatory aspects of business. Two things that Darshana loves to carryout is to raise awareness of the compliance programs and promote accountability for ethics and integrity. An exciting part of her role is getting to interact with varied bodies and individuals and make a great network. At Canary every day is different therefore “it’s never boring”.
When Darshana is not at work she loves reading mystery books and baking with her kids. She also enjoys hiking with family whenever time allows.
Kelvin Coates
Planning and Procurement Lead
Kelvin is pivotal to the success of Canary delivering to our customers. He is responsible for all purchasing, planning, manufacturing and monitoring of all products that we make on site. Kelvin works closely with all parts of the business to ensure that ingredients & packaging arrive when expected, product leaves when it should, what we planned to make was made and that we are always improving. Prior to this role Kelvin has worked extensively in the factory and has a unique insight into everything going on in Canary.
He enjoys working for Canary because he believes that it is an innovative, ‘Go To’ company and loves the challenge of working on new things.
In his spare time, Kelvin enjoys getting out and about, whether it’s a nice walk or bike along the river, around a lake or through the bush. He is constantly challenging himself to go that little bit further.
Kelvin Coates
Planning and Procurement Lead
Kelvin is pivotal to the success of Canary delivering to our customers. He is responsible for all purchasing, planning, manufacturing and monitoring of all products that we make on site. Kelvin works closely with all parts of the business to ensure that ingredients & packaging arrive when expected, product leaves when it should, what we planned to make was made and that we are always improving. Prior to this role Kelvin has worked extensively in the factory and has a unique insight into everything going on in Canary.
He enjoys working for Canary because he believes that it is an innovative, ‘Go To’ company and loves the challenge of working on new things.
In his spare time, Kelvin enjoys getting out and about, whether it’s a nice walk or bike along the river, around a lake or through the bush. He is constantly challenging himself to go that little bit further.
Karel Gierke
Services & Maintenance Engineer
Karel is our ultimate “Mr Fix It Man”, keeping all our machines not missing a beat to ensure production can hit targets.
He loves working at Canary due to the excellent work ethics and the close knit family culture they have. There is always a helping hand or person close by to fill a gap.
When Karel isn’t at work he loves spending time behing “bars” be it his bicycle or motorbike. He is also a water baby and loves a “braai” with family and friends.
Karel Gierke
Services & Maintenance Engineer
Karel is our ultimate “Mr Fix It Man”, keeping all our machines not missing a beat to ensure production can hit targets.
He loves working at Canary due to the excellent work ethics and the close knit family culture they have. There is always a helping hand or person close by to fill a gap.
When Karel isn’t at work he loves spending time behing “bars” be it his bicycle or motorbike. He is also a water baby and loves a “braai” with family and friends.
Jaimee McGrail
Assistant Accountant
Jaimee is our friendly neighbourhood accounts payable lady and processes the bulk of the day to day invoices on top of payroll, HR duties and Leadership Team support. She is always partial to a practical joke and has some of the quickest wit of anybody in the office.
Jaimee’s favourite thing about Canary is the small company feel where everyone knows and gets along well with one another.
Outside of work, Jaimee is an active mum (read taxi!) to two kids and spends a lot of time supporting them from the sideline of their sports matches.
Jaimee McGrail
Assistant Accountant
Jaimee is our friendly neighbourhood accounts payable lady and processes the bulk of the day to day invoices on top of payroll, HR duties and Leadership Team support. She is always partial to a practical joke and has some of the quickest wit of anybody in the office.
Jaimee’s favourite thing about Canary is the small company feel where everyone knows and gets along well with one another.
Outside of work, Jaimee is an active mum (read taxi!) to two kids and spends a lot of time supporting them from the sideline of their sports matches.
Joseph Te Hira
Production Manager
Joe coordinates the day-to-day production by ensuring that we have the right people in the right places in our factory to produce quality products that we can be proud of. Joe brings over 20 years’ experience in the food industry from manufacturing meals for Jenny Craig to loading hoppers of wet fish to be filleted.
Joe’s favourite thing about working at Canary is that it gives him the ability to brag about the quality products that we make – especially the Lewis Road Butter.
When Joe isn’t working, he enjoys watching his kids sporting events, chilling out with the odd gaming session and reading. His top three books are ‘Be Your Best’ by Steve Price, ‘Dan Carter: Skills and Performance’ and ‘The E-Myth Revisited’ by Michael Gerber.
Joseph Te Hira
Production Manager
Joe coordinates the day-to-day production by ensuring that we have the right people in the right places in our factory to produce quality products that we can be proud of. Joe brings over 20 years’ experience in the food industry from manufacturing meals for Jenny Craig to loading hoppers of wet fish to be filleted.
Joe’s favourite thing about working at Canary is that it gives him the ability to brag about the quality products that we make – especially the Lewis Road Butter.
When Joe isn’t working, he enjoys watching his kids sporting events, chilling out with the odd gaming session and reading. His top three books are ‘Be Your Best’ by Steve Price, ‘Dan Carter: Skills and Performance’ and ‘The E-Myth Revisited’ by Michael Gerber.
Helen Wellwood
Sales Operations Coordinator
Helen works alongside Lindsey in our Sales Operation team and is responsible for all local orders and handling export shipments. Helen’s role includes pricing, product availability/specifications and customer enquiries. Most recently she has also expanded her role through taking on procurement functions. She is really enjoying learning the processes of stock ordering and production requirements.
She enjoys working at Canary due to the close knit team (the people are awesome) and having the opportunity of learning different aspects of the business.
When she is not working at Canary she loves spending time with her family (husband and two beautiful girls), friends, having fun and eating gluten when she shouldn’t (coeliac).
Helen Wellwood
Sales Operations Coordinator
Helen works alongside Lindsey in our Sales Operation team and is responsible for all local orders and handling export shipments. Helen’s role includes pricing, product availability/specifications and customer enquiries. Most recently she has also expanded her role through taking on procurement functions. She is really enjoying learning the processes of stock ordering and production requirements.
She enjoys working at Canary due to the close knit team (the people are awesome) and having the opportunity of learning different aspects of the business.
When she is not working at Canary she loves spending time with her family (husband and two beautiful girls), friends, having fun and eating gluten when she shouldn’t (coeliac).
Bridgette Shearer
Quality Technician
Bridgette is a key member of our quality team, her role is to ensure all products are of a high standard through vigorous testing and quality checks. She maintains the on-site Canary laboratory and coordinates with various other laboratories around New Zealand to ensure we’re always up to date and competitive.
Bridgette enjoys working at Canary because of the team atmosphere – things go much smoother when everyone is working together to get things done.
When she’s not at work, Bridgette enjoys spending time with her two cats, reading voraciously and playing the odd videogame or two.
Bridgette Shearer
Quality Technician
Bridgette is a key member of our quality team, her role is to ensure all products are of a high standard through vigorous testing and quality checks. She maintains the on-site Canary laboratory and coordinates with various other laboratories around New Zealand to ensure we’re always up to date and competitive.
Bridgette enjoys working at Canary because of the team atmosphere – things go much smoother when everyone is working together to get things done.
When she’s not at work, Bridgette enjoys spending time with her two cats, reading voraciously and playing the odd videogame or two.