2027 Applications Close 26th June 26

The Coleridge Downs team

Charlie Johns

Operations Manager

Charlie joined Coleridge Downs in 2023, starting as manager on the Big Ben block before stepping into the role of Operations Manager in late 2024. With a strong farming background and a deep passion for the agricultural industry, Charlie is committed to upholding and evolving the legacy of Coleridge Downs as a progressive farming operation and agricultural training provider in New Zealand.

Charlie convinced his partner Annie (originally from the UK) to swap Wales for the South Island High Country. When not supporting Charlie, Annie teaches at a local primary school in Methven. Their two children, Amelia and Arthur, attend Windwhistle Primary School.

Outside of work, Charlie makes the most of winter on the slopes and enjoys hands-on farming whenever his role permits.

Coleridge Downs

Block Manager

Gareth Mather

Gareth moved to Coleridge Downs in December 2025, following several years managing an intensive stud cattle and sheep business in the Hawkes Bay. Gareth and wife Shelley along with their triplet 11 year old's are excited to be back on the mainland after their North Island adventure.

Big Ben

Block Manager

Jack Ensor
Jack and his partner Grace moved to Coleridge Downs in January 2025, coming onboard at Big Ben following Charlie's move to the Operations Manager's role.With a background in extensive high country farming along with his time at Lincoln university, Jack is enjoying passing his knowledge to the next generation of farmers and is relishing the transition to a more intensive breeding and finishing operation.

Annavale

Block Manager

Tim Sowman

Tim has been with the Coleridge Downs group since 2021, initially as Block manager on the Coleridge Downs block. Tim and partner Lizzie moved over the hill to Annavale in 2022. Tim is a keen runner, hunter and is a successful dog trialist.

Training Manager

Kristen O'Callaghan

Kristen is primarily the training manager of the cadet program and also helps with general farm support. She works alongside Charlie and the boards cadet sub-committee. Kristen also provides pastoral care for each and every cadet.

Kristen has been involved in the development of the cadet training program since 2017.

She comes from a strong farming background and has a passion for seeing young people achieve and succeed in our industry.

Big Ben

Head Shepherd

Jakob Stachurski

Jakob Joined the team in June 2025 after the amalgamation of the Big Ben and Dry Acheron blocks. Having shepherded on several large scale South Island high country properties Jakob is enjoying the challenge of Big Ben, with its balance of hill country and intesive irrigated area.

Coleridge Downs

Head Shepherd

Angus Foster

Angus joined the team in July 2025 as Head Shepherd on the Coleridge Downs block

Having completed both a Diploma in Agriculture and Farm Management at Lincoln he spent several years working on High Country stations in the Omarama district

Along with his partner Alice, they are enjoying being back in the middle of the Island, closer to family and friends.

Administrator

Cindy Mackenzie

Cindy has served as the Administrator at Coleridge Downs for the past nine years. A vital part of the company, Cindy works both on-site and remotely, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes.

Her dedication and expertise have made her an integral member of the team. Outside of work, Cindy remains active in the community, contributing her time and energy to numerous local initiatives.

Senior Agricultural Operator

Richard Jones

Richard came aboard the team in March, 2026

Originally from South Canterbury, Richard has worked in and managed large scale cropping business's across both NZ and Australia. He is looking forward to sharing his extensive knowledge with the Cadet team and assisting Charlie and the Block Managers with the large agronomy program in place across the properties.

Annavale Shepherd