Dion Forrest

Managing Director

Dion Forrest opens the line of communication between clients, customers and businesses to get projects done. With over 10 years in the food service trade and retail industry along with over 20 years in the military, Dion has experience in management consultation, team building, professional development, strategic implementation and company collaboration. Dion has a strong background in sales and customer service which he sees as an integral part of the business along with supporting his staff. Dion is a typical New Zealander with strong family ethics while maintaining a work/life balance. You will find Dion most weekends coaching or supporting his kids sports or spending time at the lakes with family and friends. He is also heavily involved with the Greerton Marist Premier rugby team.
Contact Dion on dion@smithsmeat.nz or 021 503 784

Grant Mortensen

QC Manager

In 2020 Grant joined our team bringing with him valuable experience from one of our VIP customers, Maketu Pies. He recently accepted the role of QC Manager, and we look forward to working with Grant and his experience, knowledge, and bringing another perspective to the business. Grant is focused on ensuring Simply Meats culture is centered around continuous improvement and importantly continues to provide an exceptional customer service. Growing up close by in Te Puke, Grant has a sense of belonging to the area, and with his 3 kids, he is kept very busy with the sports they’re involved in. Grant himself has a passion for all sports New Zealand are playing in, but nothing beats a game of rugby.

Contact Grant on grant@smithsmeat.nz

Graeme Owen

Operations Manager

Born and bred in Tauranga, our Operations Manager Graeme comes with a wealth of experience expanding over an impressive 40 years in the wholesale meat industry, thirty-six of those years spent at Simply Meats. Graeme specialises in the development of small goods, bakery products and hospitality meat supply. He is an exceptionally competent and reliable butcher who has superb knife skills, and a proven record of success, including awards at the New Zealand Bacon and Ham annual awards, and the Devro New Zealand Sausage competition while at Simply Meats. You won’t find a more loyal supporter to the Greerton Marist Rugby club than Graeme. In between work, rugby and family, Graeme makes the most of what Tauranga’s outdoors has to offer, either hunting in our forests or fishing nearby.

Contact Graeme on graeme@smithsmeat.nz

Joss Larsen

Production Manager

On the back of consistent growth experienced over the last few years, a corporate restructure saw the addition of a Production Manager. Joss is another of our long-standing staff members who’s been a part of the Simply Meats team since 2011, starting out as an apprentice butcher. In 2019, Joss spread his wings and ventured off to see the world. On his return, he settled down with his wife and slotted straight back into the team as the Production Manager. He ensures smooth running from start to end as well as making sure the team feel supported and well informed. Joss keeps himself busy with a multitude of hobbies such as mountain biking, keeping his fitness in top form and he’s also a dab hand at gaming.

Contact Joss on joss@smithsmeat.nz

Jeze Kingi

Dispatch Manager

Jeze has worked in all production departments within Simply Meats and was promoted into the role of Dispatch Manager in 2021. Jeze provides effective & efficient leadership and direction in accordance with the values, policies, goals, and objectives of the Simply Meats Company, to achieve all operational objectives, ensuring production requirements are completed with maximum safety and efficiency. Jeze is a Warriors supporter through and through, staunchly backing them through thick and thin, Go the Warriors! If Jeze isn’t watching the Warriors, she’ll be at the Rangataua softball tee or the cricket pitch.

Contact Jeze on jeze@smithsmeat.nz