SWIFT Board

Stephen has executive management experience in commercial banking, commercial property and primary industries.  He currently splits his time leading Waikato Innovation Park as CEO, executive director and shareholder with Waimarino Farms Ltd and an advisory role with NZ Carbon farming.  Waimarino Farms Ltd is a dairy farming business based in the South Waikato between Whakamaru and Tokoroa, employing 14 staff.   

Stephen’s prior executive management experience has been with BNZ for 16 years, CEO of Ata Rangi Pastoral, Head of Farms and Forestry with Tainui Group Holdings before joining Waikato Innovation Park Ltd as CEO.   

The skills acquired through this period covered, strategic planning and leadership, staff management, cashflow and project financing, building and analysing project feasibilities with project planning and execution. 

Stephen remains an active member of New Zealand Institute of Directors and New Zealand Institute of Primary Management. 

Stephen grew up in an agricultural service town of Dannevirke, in Southern East Coast of the North Island. Stephen attended Massey University and gained a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Economics and Diploma Rural Studies majoring in farm management and valuation. 

Stephen lives in Hamilton with his wife and three children and enjoys outdoor activities including Hunting, mountain biking, squash, water & snow skiing in his spare time.