Richard Lenton

Biography

Richard Lenton – Avocado Heaven / Aeneid Seventeen

I have been involved in Horticulture since 1991, initially with Kiwifruit, then moving into Citrus when I joined Kerifresh in 1998.

After trying to secure labour from the Pacific via PAQ and then AIP, Kerifresh were granted RSE status in 2007 and I’ve been involved in the scheme ever since (post Kerifresh with firstly T&G, and then with Avocado Heaven / Aeneid Seventeen, who I joined in 2021).

For me, there are two important reasons for being in the RSE Scheme; firstly because from a business perspective it makes sense and secondly, because I get a huge kick from giving people the opportunity to make positive changes to their lives and those of their families and wider communities.

I live with my wife Sarah on the Northern side of the Hokianga, where we have been for the last 16 years. We have a daughter who is currently in her second year at Victoria University.