Our Team

	Malcolm Little - B.Ag.Sc NZIV General Manager Agribusiness Malcolm commenced his career in rural finance in 1984 and has the responsibility of managing the ever-expanding Agribusiness operation. He brings his extensive knowledge and understanding of the rural sector combined with his own experience in livestock farming, horticulture and forestry. Malcolm prides himself on his ability to offer practical knowledge and advice to his SBS members on their individual endeavours. If not hard at work you'll find Malcolm with wife Sarndra and their 3 children, partaking in a range of water-sports activities.
	Sharron Cook Agribusiness Manager Central/Western/Northern Southland With 5 years of travel adventures Sharron returned home to Southland. Sharron brings an extensive knowledge of the banking industry combined with an understanding of the rural sector from her farming background. Sharron enjoys the stimulating environment agribusiness provides and having the ability to make local decisions for local people. If not in her gumboots in the garden, Sharron enjoys spending time wine tasting and travelling.
	MATTHEW SANDY Agribusiness Manager Eastern Southland/Western & South Otago Originating from a farming background at Gloucestershire in the West of England, Matthew has always been involved in the farming industry, having managed the family's mixed farming operation in the UK after completing a BSc Ag and graduating with honours from the Seale-Hayne faculty at the University of Plymouth in England. Matthew and his wife Claire have spent the last 8 years involved in the New Zealand dairy industry, managing and share-milking dairy operations of between 300-1000 cows in the Waikato They have now decided to settle in Central Southland and will no doubt be changing their alliances to the Southland Stags and Southern Steel.
	GARRY FRASER Agribusiness Manager NORTH ISLAND
	Sue MacKenzie SNR Agribusiness Consultant Southland / Otago With previous banking experience in Southland and Australia, Sue joined SBS in 2000 and has been part of the Rural team for the last 5 ½ years. Proud to be representing SBS, the best part of her job is getting out and about meeting and building solid relationships with members in the rural community. Sue along with husband Dave enjoy spending time supporting their 3 active children and any spare time for Sue is spent “trying to build” a garden or catching up with friends and family.
	Anne Ashby-Neilson - Dip. Ag Mgmt Agribusiness Manager Central Otago Anne has been involved in the banking industry since 1989 and is enthusiastic about the future of the rural sector with the diversity and opportunities it provides. She believes that banking isn't just about money, but about establishing long term relationships with customers and finding ways to meet their financial needs. Anne and her husband Steve enjoy many outdoor activities with their two sons, as well as having a special interest in Stewart Island and its associated fishing industry.
	Diane Bennett SNR Agribusiness Consultant Central Otago Diane joined SBS in 1998 and came from a diverse background ranging from Finance to the Aviation industry. Her commitment to help SBS members fulfill their dreams led Diane to this agribusiness role in which she thrives getting out in the community. Diane and her two children Tim and Sarah enjoy an active lifestyle of fishing, swimming and running.
	Ross Pyle - B.Com.Ag MNZIPIM Senior Agribusiness Manager Upper South Island Ross commenced his career in rural finance in 1982 and has gained a vast knowledge and understanding of Agribusiness customers needs. This experience is combined with a real drive to provide clients with personal finance options. Ross, his wife Chris and their two teenage children are relishing life living in Christchurch and he enjoys the challenge of forging new and strengthening existing relationships within the farming communities of the Upper South Island.
	Alison Whiteford Agribusiness Manager North Island Alison began her career working in the agriculture sector in as a rural finance manager in 1994. She has been a prominent figure in the community, being an active member of local monitor farms as well as a Northern Rep on the New Zealand Sheep Council. Alison values the importance of working alongside farmers, and understands it is very rarely a 'straight forward season' in the farming industry. Alison and Stewart are currently farming in Northland, along with their 2 teenagers.