The Peterson Team

The Peterson Team are experienced professionals who care immensley about the success of our company and customers.

We all come from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Put a face to the name by reading our short profiles below.

PETERSONS GLOBAL SALES LTD

Kerris Peterson (Browne) – Owner/CEO

With qualifications in Management, Accounting, and Computing, and having helped her father build Peterson’s for more than 10 years, Kerris knows what works for customers and what doesn’t. Spending her younger years in the jungles of Fiji, the family was eventually forced to flee to New Zealand in 1987 due to a Military Coup. Marrying a local “kiwi” boy Chris Browne they have successfully built both a business and a family with two young children. When she can find the time, Kerris enjoys farming, landscaping, renovating and designing.

Aaron Kalan – International Distribution and Training

Aaron is the Mill Consultant to all new enquiries. Aaron has worked in the timber industry for 15 years and brings a wealth of industry knowledge to Peterson’s. Previous positions include timber machinist, grinding room technician, and Manufacturing Coordinator. In his spare time Aaron enjoys spending it with his family, and when not working around the house, Aaron will be out hunting, fishing, camping, trail riding – or anything to do with the outdoors! Aaron has recently been nicknamed ‘Mad Mountain Man’ by CEO Kerris Browne, after she bore witness to his outstanding mountain biking skills on one of Rotorua’s Redwood Forest’s top trails.

Marama Christie – Purchasing Manager

Once you’ve purchased your mill Marama takes over and makes sure it gets to you in good time, and in good condition. She’s been with Peterson’s five years now and works tirelessly, always willing to help others, and always wearing a smile. Marama happily juggles her job with three teenage daughters, a son, a husband, and a dog that needs walking twice a day! If she’s lucky enough to find any spare time she’ll usually snuggle up with a good book. Her name means ‘moon’ in her native New Zealand and if you were wondering how to pronounce it, she says, “How does a lamb go? Baa, baa. Well, for me, it’s Maa-ra-maa!”.

Veronica Doidge – Senior Marketing Coordinator

Veronica is from Bariloche, Patagonia – Argentina. During a holiday she fell for a kiwi boy and has been living in Rotorua for almost eight years now. Busy with three kids she is trying to complete a Bachelor degree in International Business & Marketing as well as managing part –time her latest entrepreneurial adventure. As our in-house South American expert, Veronica researches new markets as well as creating and maintaining relationships with our international customers. Veronica enjoys spending her spare time with her family.

Holly Davenport – Operations Administrator

Holly was born in Rotorua, but spent her early years in Murupara, then gradually came full circle back to Rotorua. Holly has recently completed four-years of study at the University of Canterbury, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Holly brings her skills gained as a student to her job, learning what is involved in running a rapidly growing export business. When she’s not learning, Holly can be found running in the Redwood Forest, biking about town, Scottish Country dancing the night away, or indulging in her love for good food, books and movies.

Alan Wright – Stores Manager

Alan joined the company to take control of the purchasing of parts, and also finding the best suppliers. He is new to this type of industry, having previously worked in the freight and courier sector most of his life. He feels that since he has survived living with three women (a wife and two teenage daughters) for the last 20 years, then he can adjust to any challenge that is given to him. If he’s able to find any spare time he’ll use it doing a computer course, or be out there on a boat fishing.