I’m Greer Manderson, 23 years young.

I was born and raised in Whangarei, Northland. I’m not from a farming background as such, however my Grandpa founded Avoca in 1947 – a company that provides lime, slow release fertilisers, and biological products throughout Northland and the Northern Waikato. My Dad took over 12 years ago and is now steering the company in a direction to further support regenerative ways of farming. So, it’s this family business that has been my access to the agricultural scene.

I completed my BSc (Biological and Environmental Sciences) in 2020 at the University of Canterbury, focusing largely on ecology, microbiology, and soil science. During this time I also dove deeper into my passion for health/wellbeing, co-founding a university wellbeing club, and becoming a Group Fitness instructor.

Early on in my final year my Dad took me to a Dr. Christine Jones seminar in Darfield. It was actually at this seminar that I came across Jono for the first time – loud, enthusiastic, and causing a few heads to turn; one to watch I thought, and now we’re working together!

Christine’s words “it all starts in the soil” really hit home for me that day, and solidified the direction of my contribution to the world: to shift the current paradigm of food production to one that regenerates both the health of our environment and the wellbeing of our people - combining my two great passions.

The following year I completed my Bsc(First Class Honours) at Lincoln University. My year consisted of a whole lot of self-directed research within the realm of ‘regenerative agriculture’.

I investigated a few different topics; the effect of plant diversity on encouraging natural enemies of pests in horticultural systems (my project being based in an organic apple orchard), and the benefits of liming, due to my background exposure and the underutilisation of this natural compound.

Though, my favourite project was looking into the ecosystem functions and services of diverse pastures, and the influence of grazing management on their persistence and economic viability in New Zealand. I felt that there was a lot of ‘nay saying’ around; people commenting that there’s “no research” to support the “claims” of ‘regenerative agriculture’. Whilst, yes, there are still missing pockets, there is plenty of supporting evidence that I found of which I wish to translate and contribute - and I will continue to do so!

I am beyond excited to be joining Jono and Jake as part of the Natural Performance Ltd. team!

Bringing inspiration, leadership, and connection, I am committed to being a ‘bridge’ of communication between urban & rural, academic & public spheres, and transforming current agricultural systems into regenerating agroecosystems.

I look forward to working together, and making a real difference.