JAG Farms Ltd – People & Capability

Leadership & Advisory Profiles

JAG Farms Lodge is supported by a practical, experienced leadership group with deep roots in land, agriculture, finance, systems development, and cross-cultural operations.

Profile Purpose: These profiles identify the stewards, advisors, operators, and systems builders helping connect land, family, agriculture, hospitality, and future opportunity.

John Gardiner

Operations Lead — Whenua Stewardship

Raised in Bethlehem, Tauranga, John carries practical, generational knowledge of land, stock, horticulture, machinery, and island community operations.

  • Farm Management: Dairy, beef, orchard, and mixed horticulture systems.
  • Land Leadership: Tracks, boundaries, machinery, infrastructure, and logistics.
  • Community Integration: Long-term relationships across island whānau and operators.
  • Hands-On Expertise: Farm work, stock care, seasonal cycles, and orchard operations.
  • Strategic Role: Anchor point for JAG Farms operations and partner programmes.

John embodies “He tangata, he whenua.” His role grounds the system in place, practice, and whakapapa.

Ave Gardiner

Agricultural Science Lead — A.I. Specialist

Ave brings more than 20 years of professional experience in artificial insemination, herd reproductive management, and agricultural genetics.

  • A.I. Specialist: Extensive field experience across dairy and beef operations.
  • International Consultant: Reproductive services and training overseas.
  • Fonterra Contracted Expert: Selected for international assignments through proven capability.
  • Cross-Cultural Capability: Works across New Zealand and China agricultural contexts.
  • NZ Police Background: Disciplined, analytical, and calm under pressure.

Ave anchors the scientific and technical credibility of JAG Farms — field-proven practice, not theory.

Maria Gardiner

Chartered Accountant — Administration & Financial Continuity

Maria was raised on JAG Farms and carries a lived understanding of the land, the family, and the operating reality behind the business.

  • Chartered Accountant: Financial structure, reporting discipline, and commercial oversight.
  • Farm-Raised Perspective: Understands JAG Farms as home, legacy, and responsibility.
  • Administrative Lead: Supports records, compliance, documentation, and systems.
  • Expansion Experience: Worked on the farm with her husband during a key growth period.
  • Continuity Role: Helps connect current operations with future family stewardship.

Maria understands both the numbers and the place behind them.

David Rolleston

Japan Director & Systems Architect — MACH BASE

David is a Japan-based operator with more than 32 years of experience across Japanese corporate culture, machinery, logistics, export, farming, greenhouse construction, and international relationship building.

  • Japan Liaison: Connects New Zealand capability with Japanese industry and buyers.
  • Systems Builder: Designs frameworks including Kikai Seri and MACH BASE OS.
  • Cross-Cultural Strategist: Bridges New Zealand and Japan decision-making environments.
  • Machinery Background: Cranes, logistics, export, and yard systems.
  • Delegation Oversight: Japan-side planning, hosting, interpretation, and workflow execution.

David acts as the bridge between worlds.

Together, this leadership group gives JAG Farms Lodge land-based knowledge, agricultural science, financial discipline, family continuity, and international systems capability.

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