Our People
Marianne Wright - General Manager Finance
Angus Petrie - General Manager Operations
Scott Kaynes - Transport Operations Manager
Craig Potter - Distribution Operations Manager
Angus Pene - Auckland Operations Manager
Grant Hamilton - Fleet Supervisor
Geoff Summerhayes - Transport Operations Supervisor - Interisland
Kevin Norton - Transport Operations Supervisor - South Island
Alex Adriaens - Transport Operations Supervisor - Christchurch Metro
Merv Taylor - Distribution Supervisor
Leeanne Anderson - Administration Supervisor
ManagerJohn van Opzeeland John began working fulltime for Opzeeland at the age of 16 driving and operating trucks around Christchurch. After putting in the hard yards on the front line he took over the management of the business several years ago from his father Cor. John has seen substantial growth of the business amidst significant change in the industry over the last 42 years and while he enjoys all aspects of the business and getting out amongst the trucks and stores his current focus is responsibility for 65 staff and the day to day running of Opzeeland Transport. Outside work John enjoys cycling, multisport, water sports and almost anything else outdoors. He lives in Christchurch with his wife Cheryl and has three adult children. |
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General Manager FinanceMarianne Wright As a van Opzeeland, Marianne has been involved in the business for most of her life and full time since 1980. In the early days her role was often sole charge at the depot, multitasking at administration, operations and forklift driving. These days Marianne is one of the two working directors contributing to the running of the business including overseeing Finance and Administration. Marianne regularly works out at a gym, tries to fit in a little cycling, likes to travel and shares an interest with her husband, Warwick, in classic and special cars. |
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General Manager OperationsAngus Petrie Bio coming soon. . |
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Transport Operations ManagerScott Kaynes Scott came to Opzeeland in 1991 after many years' experience in the transport industry. He started as a driver and moved on to South Island Operations Supervisor and then to the company's Transport Operations Manager in 2004. Scott has a vast knowledge of our customers operations and needs and strives to provide them with the ‘Opzeeland' quality service they have grown to expect. Outside work Scott's interests are his family and sports and living on a lifestyle block means there is always work to do at the weekends. |
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Distribution Operations ManagerCraig Potter In 2012 Craig moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, where he had over 11 years' experience in the warehousing and transport industries. On arriving in New Zealand he worked for Fonterra, managing their Distribution Centres in Hamilton. Craig joined Opzeeland in 2014 as the Distribution Operations Manager where he manages the day to day running of the warehouse team on-site, manages customer relationships and works closely with the Opzeeland team to ensure that everything is done to be the best at what they do. Outside of work Craig enjoys playing football and golf, enjoys travelling and with his wife Camilla and family, and enjoys the amazing lifestyle that New Zealand offers. |
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Auckland Operations Manager
Angus Pene Angus started in the transport industry at the age of 14 as a forklift driver and by age 18 was driving an eight wheeler truck. His ambition to drive truck and trailer combinations soon got the better of him and this led to taking up an opportunity with Opzeeland Transport in 2008. After several years as a metro truck and trailer driver, improving his skills in the Auckland traffic, a further opportunity arose within the company to take over managing the operations in our Auckland depot which he was keen to take on. When not at work Angus enjoys spending time with his wife and loves helping his children with their homework and what ever they are keen to build. As well as time for with his wider family, he likes to fit in some fishing, free diving, and golf. |
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Fleet Supervisor
Grant Hamilton Grant joined Opzeeland Transport in 2012, bringing 26 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in the Transport Industry, from metro driver through to Operations Manager. Grant's role is to keep the fleet the best it can be, helping to keep the drivers and all road users as safe as possible. Outside of work Grant is restoring a classic car, and he and his partner are both keen gardeners. |
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Transport Operations Supervisor - Interisland
Geoff Summerhayes Photo and bio coming soon. . |
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Transport Operations Supervisor - South IslandKevin Norton With a rural back ground Kevin came to Opzeeland after 10 years in the rural transport sector. He has been part of the Opzeeland team since 1993, initially as a heavy vehicle driver for 12 years travelling the South Island roads. These initial years equipped him with the knowledge and experience to move into his current role of Transport Operations Supervisor organising and controlling our South Island team. Outside work Kevin enjoys his lifestyle farm, playing golden oldies rugby and supporting his three children. |
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Transport Operations Supervisor - Christchurch MetroAlex Adriaens Alex commenced his career in the transport industry in 2008 with us as a metro driver. He spent six years as a linehaul driver covering both the North and South islands. An opportunity arose in 2017 for him to move into our transport operations where he is now enjoying the challenge of delivering our promise to customers. Activities outside of work for Alex include enjoying the outdoors, running, mountain biking and snowboarding in the winter time. He enjoys travelling the globe and looks forward to planning future trips. |
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Site Supervisor
Rob Apiti Rob joined Opzeeland Transport in 2006 as a metro driver. While he has enjoyed the time being on the road, Rob has now taken on the position of Site Operations Supervisor, and is enjoying the challenges this position offers. In his spare time he likes spending time with his wife and two children, is a keen mountain biker and enjoys a range of outdoor activities. Rob is an avid league supporter of the local Hornby Panthers and New Zealand Warriors. |
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Distribution SupervisorMerv Taylor Merv came from a Dairy Company background to join Opzeeland Transport over 30 years ago. He has a keen interest in regulations and audit processes and he enjoys the interaction between the office and the warehouse floor. Merv has a sporting background in cricket and rugby, and enjoys the competitive nature of these sports. A very active Indoor cricketer he also has a heart for those less fortunate, having spent time in Africa and also doing ongoing work within the Mental Health field. |
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Administration SupervisorLeeanne Anderson Transport seems to be in Leeanne's blood, she grew up around it and all her employment has had an involvement in the industry. Leeanne has been with Opzeeland since 2004 in various administration roles and now oversees the day to day running of the administration team. Human Resource Management is of particular interest to Leeanne and she hopes to complete further studies in this area. Involvement and providing support to her two children in their many sporting activities keeps her busy when not at work and one day she hopes to travel!
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We have new vehicle combinations in operation. These take advantage of the new HPMV rules ('H') providing our customers with extra capacity whilst effectively running less vehicles and less kilometres.
These units incorporate the latest safety features and are Euro 5 emission compliant.
Together these aspects continue our tradition of care and respect for people we operate amongst and the environment we all live in.
Look out for them as they travel the country. You will identify them in the fleet by the 'H' they display front and rear.