Kings Seeds - providing seed to home gardeners and commercial growers since 1978!
How did the Kings Seeds story begin?
Click here to read our history!
Still helping gardeners of all descriptions from all over New Zealand and at all levels of growing ability to experience the joys of growing from seed.
Gerard and Barbara Martin have owned the company since February 1999 and came from a background in flower growing, supplying NZ markets with lilies, sunflowers and many other varieties for more than 10 years.
Gerard has a horticultural background and has always had a greenfingered interest in growing things.
A stint as a flower auctioneeer also gave him a feel for the other side of the fence. Gerard takes responsibility for the commercial side of the operation and, in particular, the sourcing, ordering and stocktake of all seed. He enjoys walking the many trails through the Kaimais with friends and, of course, time spent in the garden to clear the cobwebs after a busy week indoors.
Barbara has a BA degree and a secondary teaching qualification. Having worked in that industry part time as she raised three daughters and ran the flower business with Gerard, she doesn't envy the role of teachers today. Thrown in at the deep end at the beginning of their time with Kings Seeds, she has learnt it all from scratch and is now responsible for the financial and administrative side of the business. She enjoys walking with CEO Max (pictured here), every day if at all possible, with a longer jaunt into the Kaimais at weekends. Cycling is a more recent interest and a nice change from walking.
THE TEAM @ KINGS:
Liz joined us in March 2004 originally to help maintain the display garden and assist with propagation. This has developed into a key position in our Production area. She holds a Diploma of Horticulture and Nursery Management and adds a great deal of experience and knowledge to our team at Kings. Liz lives in a wonderful villa in Katikati which was the original homestead of Rugby Legend, Dave Gallaher and a new mural to celebrate in the Gallaher Family was launched in November 2010.
Deb joined the team in September 2007 and enjoys working in a friendly atmosphere with Gerard, Liz and Jude in the Production area where they fill the seed packets which come neatly packed and labelled to your door. She treasures the time spent with her family outdoors, also patchworking and pottering in the garden.
Since August 2008, Karen has spent a lot of her time helping with your queries on the phone, after moving to the district in search of a sunny lifestyle. She has been inspired to try growing lots in her garden but her creative skills are more often spent cooking the garden produce and dabbling in mosaics for the garden.
Camilla has been with Kings Seeds for over 8 years. She lives locally and really enjoys the variety she gets working at Kings. Camilla enjoys walking and is keen to take up the challenge of any walking events offered in the Tauranga region. She's currently working towards her Certificate in Business with the Open Polytechnic.
Jen first came to us in 2000. We were running a stand at a local festival at the time and she was keen for a job. She has a Diploma in Horticulture and is a keen gardener. Jen is also a qualified Medical Herbalist and is passionate about good health and nutrition. She enjoys bush walking and cycling.
Carolyn was part of our Spring Team in 2009 and 2010 and has now joined our staff, after being one of our mail order customers in the past. She is a keen amateur gardener. Carolyn was an outdoor instructor B.C. (before children) and enjoys kayaking and tramping with her family. She also has a very cute dog!
Jude recently moved from Lower Hutt to a lifestyle block in Katikati with husband, Ash, and two teenage children. They are loving the country life. Having a number of pets and other animals, cooking and walking are amongst her interests and working at Kings Seeds complements her love of gardening. She looks forward to the weekly game of golf and, due to the varied nature of her job at Kings, looks forward to going to work.
Our team look forward to helping you to succeed in your garden for this season and many more.
