Business Mentors New Zealand
2026
Appointed as a Business Mentor, Northland region, to assist SME businesses with specific training requirements across a range of business competencies.
About
With 40 years of experience spanning agriculture, horticulture, seafood, meat, apiculture, food processing, retail, regional development, industry associations and business mentoring, Jon has consulted and led teams in NZ corporates, SMEs, startups and turnaround organisations. His senior roles have covered Operations, Sales & Marketing, Finance, Strategic Planning, General Management and CEO. As Managing Director of his own contractmanagement company for 20 years, he has delivered measurable results in diverse settings.
Jon holds a BSc (Hons) and an MBA from the University of Otago. He has lived and worked in eight countries, bringing a global perspective to local challenges. His philosophy is simple: “People and teams are the foundation, backed by robust systems and clear communication. When a company master’s its financial data and processes, sound decisions follow and both owners and leaders achieve a healthy life balance.”
Jon wants to meet with you to deeply understand your business and your personal goals, and offer his time to coach you and enhance your skill levels in areas where you acknowledge you need some assistance. See it as a hand up so that you develop a heightened skill base to manage your own business to achieve your chosen goals.
Business Details
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Experience Providing Training
- Kereru Development
- Kerikeri Plumbing
- Advanced Wastewater Systems
- Bang on Roofing
- Safe Access Scaffolding
- Taste That!!
- Northland Underground Drilling
- Morgan Fencing
- Biochar Energy & Environment
Endorsements From Previous Customers
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Professional Experience
Business Advisory Partner – Strategize Limited
2024 – 2025
Advises clients across a range of sectors, applying proven frameworks and my own experience, for strategic planning, business management, financial structure, cash flow management, risk analysis, sales & marketing, process improvement, margin analysis and growth, team development and operations optimisation.
Managing Director – Middle Earth Foods Limited
2003 – 2024
My own Business Consultancy company focussed on 12 – 18-month contractual roles in significant re-construction of medium sized business entities. A strong emphasis on developing capability for growth into domestic and export markets.
Senior Executive Roles – Various Companies and Corporations
1990 – 2003
Held CEO, General Management, Strategic Planning, Operations, Finance, and Sales & Marketing positions across a range of New Zealand businesses.
Education
BSc (Hons) – University of Otago
1991
Marine Biology
MBA – University of Otago
1995
Specialisation: Finance & Strategic Management
Core Competencies
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Operations & Process Optimisation
- Financial Modelling & Performance Analysis
- Change Management & Team Development
- Supply Chain & Procurement
- Regulatory & Compliance (Food Safety)
- Data Analytics
- International Business Development
Services
Jon partners with businesses to:
- Understand the personal goals of the owners – “why we are here, what do we want to achieve, what capabilities do we need to have to achieve this”
- Diagnose operational bottlenecks and design efficient workflows and training needs.
- Implement robust financial reporting and KPIs that inform decisionmaking.
- Cocreate a strategy roadmap that aligns with your vision and resources.
- Build highperformance teams through coaching and structured development.
- Integrate technology solutions (ERP, data dashboards, automation) that enhance agility.
Contact
Email: jon@middleearthfoods.co.nz
Phone: +64 27 648 2479