Ballance farewells Warwick de Vere after 45 years

Ballance farewells Warwick de Vere after 45 years

Fertiliser industry stalwart, Warwick de Vere will leave Ballance Agri-Nutrients Mount Maunganui site for the last time on today [29 May], closing the door on a 45-year career with the co-operative.

Known by colleagues as a legend who “lives, breathes and eats fertiliser”, he joined the industry as a laboratory technician in 1970 at New Zealand Farmers Fertiliser, Te Papapa, one of Ballance’s legacy companies. That was the start of a career which spanned a number of technical and management roles spanning manufacturing, safety, distribution, sales, human resources and IT, culminating in various General Manager roles with the co-operative in the last 15 years.

Ballance Chief Executive Mark Wynne said today that a piece of co-op history would leave the building with Warwick de Vere.

“He’s a legend, known for his vast technical and chemical knowledge, his plain speaking and a highly developed sense of mischief. Stories involving Warwick’s sense of humour are part of our history. He has made a huge contribution to our co-op and our leadership team and he has brought out the best in so many of our people over his long career.”

After 45 years of service, Mr de Vere’s comments on retirement reflect a leadership approach aimed at bringing out the best in his team.

“No matter how good you are at a job, there comes a time for a change. It’s part of your obligation, to move on and provide others with the opportunity to step up.”

His immediate retirement plans include making the most of the ski season.

ENDS

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