Diana and Lexi Complete a Supervisors Course
At Fairfield Orchards, we know that a well-supported team starts with strong leadership on the ground. That’s why we were pleased to send two of our team members, Diana Palei (our Head QC) and Lexi Firth (Hort Cadet), along to the Supervisors Course run by Effective Influence, held here in the Tasman region on 12 August.
Building confidence in the role
Both Diana and Lexi came away from the course with real value added to how they lead their teams. Diana said the course gave her the confidence to “set foundations, and reward and support her team,” a mindset she’s already putting into practice on the orchard.
The course is built around a simple, practical framework for supervisors: set clear expectations, support your team to meet them, measure progress, and celebrate the wins along the way. It’s the kind of approach that translates easily from a training room straight onto the orchard floor.
Confidence in action
For Lexi, the timing couldn’t be better. She’s now supervising small teams working through Canker treatment, with kiwifruit tying down just around the corner, both roles where clear communication and steady leadership make all the difference.
A well-regarded course across the region
The Tasman Supervisors Course was well received right across the region. Effective Influence’s own impact report on the workshop, drawn from ten participants across four employers, found that every participant said the training added real value, and nine out of ten reported increased confidence in their role. Setting expectations, motivating a team, and communicating across cultures all came through as standout takeaways.
Investing in our people
We’re proud to keep investing in the people who make Fairfield Orchards run, and we’re looking forward to seeing Diana and Lexi bring their new skills and confidence to the team over the coming season.