Decades of combined marine and aviation safety experience
Joanne McMahon - Managing Director
"I've been Managing Director of RFD New Zealand since November
2008, having previously worked at RFD Beaufort Limited in Belfast
for 14 years. Starting in Marketing, I then moved into the
Aerospace Sales Department, before transferring to Marin-Ark Sales,
then general marine sales. In the end, I was Sales Director Marine
and Aerospace.
With my OEM background and well-established relationships with
all sister companies, I've concentrated on growing our range of
Survitec Group products and enhancing our customer service. My main
areas of expertise are in Marine Evacuation Systems, the cruise
business and of course, marketing and aviation."
> Email Joanne
John Roberts - Project Manager
"I've been with RFD for 14 years. Today I'm the point of contact
for government agencies including the Royal New Zealand Navy and
Royal New Zealand Airforce, as well as distributors and service
stations throughout the Pacific.
RFD stocks a large, sophisticated range that requires
professional consultation and presentation to ensure products are
correctly specified and meet various regulatory requirements (such
as those of New Zealand Maritime Authority, Yachting New Zealand,
MCA, ISAF and CAA).
Most of my experience revolves around work with commercial
shipping, the fishing industry, passenger vessels and super yachts.
If you need complete safety packages for motor yachts and mega
yachts ranging from the MCA compliant to the high tech, come talk
to me."
> Email John
Dave Chapman - Southern Region Manager
"I've been with RFD since 2003. After two years as a Liferaft
Service Technician, I progressed to first become the Nelson Branch
Manager, and then Regional Manager, in 2006. In this role I look
after the day-to-day running of the three branches outside Auckland
and associated sales area from Napier/New Plymouth to Bluff.
I'm also the Quality Manager, with responsibility for ensuring
we meet all audit requirements. By strange coincidence my
association with the group dates back to 1977 when, during
submarine escape training, I got to try one of the escape suits
made by our sister company RFD Beaufort. Outside of work I enjoy
diving, fishing and water-skiing."
> Email Dave
Jason Oxley - National Service Manager
"I've been with RFD for ten years: four years as a Service
Technician, three years as Service Manager and another three years
as the National Service Manager. In my job I oversee the servicing
departments of all four RFD branches, plus five service stations
scattered throughout the Pacific.
I have close working relations with New Zealand shipping agents,
organizing port time frames and logistics. This also includes
liaison with the masters of ships, large ocean going super yachts,
fishing vessels, local and foreign leisure crafts.
I hold 18 different servicing tickets that cover a wide range of
marine and aviation liferafts and associated equipment. My
interests outside work include hunting, fishing and restoring old
American V8s."
> Email Jason
Wayne van Wyngaard - Northern Region Sales Manager
"I've been with RFD since January 2008, having previously worked
as Assistant Manager for one of the largest marine chandlery groups
in New Zealand. During my time in marine chandlery I dealt with all
aspects of the marine industry, from customer service to product
advice. As a Sales Manager at RFD my key responsibility is building
solid relationships with our retail customers, ensuring we stay up
to date with their entire customer needs.
My family and I immigrated to New Zealand from South Africa in
2006. In my spare time I often go fishing or sailing. I will also
be competing in my second Coastal Classic this year."
> Email Wayne
Jilanne Hunt - Sales Support
"I started at RFD in May 2011 in the Sales Support role which is
very customer service oriented including greeting customers,
quoting and invoicing. I returned home to NZ after 7 years abroad.
5 of those years were spending working on Luxury Super yachts
ranging from 120 ft. up to more than 160 ft. I saw a good
chunk of the world cruising areas such as the Mediterranean,
Caribbean, The Bahamas, East Coast of the United States and
Dubai/Persian Gulf. I love meeting boaties from all walks of life
and working at RFD has eased the transition from sea to land. I
love the outdoors especially the sea so spend my spare time
fishing, diving and going to the beach."
> Email
Jilanne
Olivia Harding - Wellington Branch Manager
"I've been with RFD since 2009 having previously been on the
other side of the fence, working for a major client in the marine
industry. Before that I was involved with ferries operating out of
Wellington harbour. I live on a yacht in the marina at Mana and
enjoy diving, fishing and sailing in my spare time. My role
involves looking after all of our clients in the area from Napier
and New Plymouth down to Wellington."
> Email Olivia
Paul Scholfield - Nelson Branch Manager
"I've been with RFD since 2006, having previously managed a boat
shop in Richmond. I have worked in the marine industry in Nelson
for more than 19 years and particularly enjoy our interaction with
the fishing fleet in Nelson. My area of responsibility for sales is
Nelson, Marlborough, Golden Bay and the West Coast down to Haast. I
spend a lot of my spare time either mountain biking or
water-skiing."
> Email Paul
Jamin Parker - Christchurch Branch Manager
"I've been the Christchurch Branch Manager with RFD since 2008
and look after our clients from Kaikoura to Bluff, including
Fiordland, Queenstown and Te Anau, as well as the Chathams. I enjoy
the challenges that the marine industry throws at me on a regular
basis, and also the constant learning process that goes with them.
I used to race V8 superboats and jetskis competitively, but I've
given that up for the more sedate pace of diving and salmon
fishing. Let me know if you recommend any hot spots!"
> Email Jamin