Our people

Hugh Martyn, Chairman

Hugh is an experienced professional Director having started his career as a solicitor before moving into corporate management roles. He has had substantial experience in senior management roles across a number of major companies including as Chief Executive of PGG, Chief Operating Office of PGG Wrightson, Managing Director of Australasia Invacare Corporation Ltd as well as a number of other senior appointments. His past governance positions included Chairman of City Care Limited, having been a Director since 2005, a Director of the New Zealand Merino Company Limited and a Trustee of St Margaret’s College. In addition to a Law degree, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Canterbury University.

Gill Cox, Director

Gill is an experienced company director with an auditing and consulting services background. He was a partner at Deloitte’s Christchurch office until 1996. His Board appointments have included Transwaste Canterbury Ltd, Ngai Tahu Farming Ltd, NZ Transport Agency, MainPower NZ Ltd and Vbase Ltd, along with various private sector organisations.

Gill is passionate about Canterbury’s future and its unique attributes of fertile land, temperate climate, availability of water, and a highly skilled workforce. These factors led to his interest in being involved in the future of Waimakariri Irrigation Ltd.

Richard Stalker, Director

The importance of water to our farms, the necessity of farmer control of our primary industries combined with the benefit of collective capital is what attracts me to the role as director on WIL.

Our family are sixth generation farmers in the Waimakariri District and as custodians of the use of water, it is imperative that we have strong governance, direction, and stewardship of water, and use water wisely over many current and future land use options.

I am a director of Veterinary Enterprises Group NZ, which operates 20 veterinary clinics throughout New Zealand. I have completed the Fonterra Governance Development course, and I am an elected member to the Fonterra Director Remuneration Committee. I was one of 3 farmer representatives on the group that redesigned the Fonterra Purpose over a period of 2 years.

As well as operational excellence, my vision for WIL is to make sure we support those that use the water now and in the future, empower our employees and engage positively with all stakeholders.

Victoria Trayner, Director, BFA, DipT&L, B.com(Ag), DipM.A.N.H.D

Victoria and her husband farm in Oxford. For the past 6 years Victoria has been a Lecturer in Agribusiness and Production Management for the Primary ITO. Victoria is experienced individual with a strong foundation of skills in all areas of agriculture, including managing a successful business within the Waimakariri District. Significant governance exposure in a variety of senior positions across the farming and education sectors. Motivated, with an open communication style that encourages honesty and respect. A background working on complex and sensitive projects that require a high degree of flexibility, time management and perseverance. Victoria has completed, Fonterra Governance Development Programme, MBA, 2020, B.CAg 2012, BFA 2008, Diploma in Teaching and Learning 2009 , NZHND 2003 .

Victoria is a descendant of Waitaha and Ngati Mamoe , both of which are represented by the Ngai Tahu Iwi and has a strong affiliation to her land as her whakapapa did before. The knowledge Victoria has of her land and farming is comprehensive across the different primary sectors from both a farm gate and corporate perspective.

Tim Wells, Director B Com (Ag) PGCert Lincoln University

Tim is from a farming family near Oxford that has been irrigating since the 1960’s. While remaining actively involved in his family dairy farming business he has pursued a career in financial services.

Tim is currently employed by ANZ as a relationship manager for agribusiness clients in the Canterbury region and was previously employed by ASB Bank in a role focused on corporate agricultural clients and financing irrigation schemes. Tim spent over five years living abroad in London and Melbourne where he was employed by Standard & Poor’s . Tim has been an active member of the Oxford community playing both rugby and cricket for the local clubs and has represented North Canterbury at rugby.

Brent Walton, CEO, BBS Economics and Management

Brent joined Waimakariri Irrigation Limited in 2011 after leaving his position as GM at Plains Irrigators Ltd. Prior to entering the irrigation industry he held the General Manager roles at Cardrona Ski Resort and Treble Cone, and Operation and Project Manager roles at Whakapapa ski area.

He grew up on a family hill country farm in the back of Wanganui and recently owned and operated a cherry orchard in Central Otago.

Ben Howden, Environmental Manager

Ben joined WIL in early 2024 as the first internal environmental manager to be employed by the cooperative. Prior to joining WIL, Ben held a principal consultant role with Ravensdown which involved leading a team of consultants to support farmers to meet their regulatory requirements and environmental goals. He also worked as an environmental consultant for Irricon and for Rangitata Dairies where he provided on-farm and consent support for the company’s farming operations.

Ben enjoys helping shareholders meet their environmental requirements while responding to current and future environmental challenges. His rural background allows him to connect with farmers and provide practical advice that meets farming and regulatory needs.

When he is not working, Ben loves spending time outdoors with friends and family. He enjoys hunting, fishing, diving, and cricket.

Jamie Hamilton, Operations Manager - Dip Marketing, Dip Farm Management, PEPM11 Project Management, NZS3910:2003 NZ Construction

Jamie joined WIL in 2015. Before joining the team Jamie spent 10 years as a Construction Manager for Water Infrastructure Group managing large scale design and build civil construction projects throughout the South Island. Most recently he was managing an $85 Million civil construction project in Mid-Canterbury. Prior to this Jamie spent 7 years as an Irrigation Sales and Design Engineer and in management positions on several large scale sheep and beef farming properties in New Zealand and overseas.

Having grown up on a high-country station in Marlborough Jamie has current investment interests in a high-country station and this makes him appreciate the value of water. “The Marlborough high country has hot dry summers with cold dry winters and is a unique environment that tests your skills as a farmer on a daily basis. This is why I chose Irrigation, Civil Construction and Farming as career paths. This experience gives me a good understanding of what is required to be a successful and sustainable primary producer.”