Richard Gribble - Technical Manager  

 

PMANZ Certificate

Professional background

 

I have a rural background and spent 13 years as a farm, consultant and 9 years as a Biosecurity Officer for Auckland Regional Council which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have always liked working in people focused jobs and particularly enjoy the conservation aspect of my work.

 

Hobbies

 

I spend a lot of time travelling around New Zealand tramping. I love getting into the mountains and bush and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.

 

Ambitions for the future

 

To be successful in my role and to help Flybusters Antiants be the leader in the New Zealand pest control industry.

 

Likes/dislikes

 

I like everything especially spending time with my wife and three teenage children.

 

 

 

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 Alex Cook - Technician

 

  
PMANZ Certificate

 

Professional background

 

I’ve spent most of my working life involved with the service industry in one way or another. I did time working in bars & restaurants in Auckland and Australia, and then spent 4 years in Ohakune managing a backpacker’s hostel, then moved back to Auckland which is when I first became entangled in the web Flybusters weaves. I busted flies for one summer then became a one hour courier, a job I held for several years.  I then spent two years on two remote rural properties, doing forestry work and shooting possums…and loved it. Circumstances sent me back to Auckland where Flybusters readily employed me, and I’ve been here ever since. I’m now a registered PMANZ (Pest Management Association of New Zealand) pest control technician, specialising in ants, but capable of dealing with most pest problems you might have.

 

Hobbies

 

I like taking photos and have recently started the long process of understanding Photoshop. I have a sea kayak and am a member of the Yakity Yak kayak club. The club runs trips to all sorts of interesting places, and a sub group regularly goes kayak fishing. I dabble in growing vegetables, with varying degrees of success.

 

Ambitions for the future

 

Professionally: Keep the customers satisfied; contribute to the development of the company where I can; learn more about my trade.

Personally: master Photoshop; maintain a reasonable degree of fitness; catch plenty of fish.

 

Likes/Dislikes

 

I like cats, which is a good thing because a few years ago I was adopted by a fluffy white Chinchilla called Petal. I probably wouldn’t have chosen a long haired cat, and I certainly wouldn’t have named her Petal, but she chose me and came with a name firmly attached.

  

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                    Brennan Harley - Technician             

Before working for Flybusters Antiants I worked as a bricklayer for 12 years.

 

Hobbies

 

I like watching and playing sport. Currently I play indoor netball several times a week and have been playing for the last 4 years.

 

Ambitions for the future

 

I plan to be working for Flybusters Antiants for many years so am keen to further my education within the pest control industry.

On a personal matter I would like to buy a bach at a beach and just to be happy and healthy.

 

Likes/dislikes

 

I enjoy hanging out with friends and socialising.

 

I dislike pasta and pre-pay petrol!

 

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Chris Hall - Technician

PMANZ Certificate

I have had a varied professional background. I spent 20 years with New Zealand Couriers before working for Flybusters Antiants. Before that I spent 3 years as a steelmaking operator at Glenbrook steel mill. Working with molten steel is exciting and hot as steel does not turn into liquid until 1570 degrees Celsius! Prior to that I spent 13 years working at Westfield freezing works. I began as a labourer in the mutton and beef departments then went on to butchering. After that I was a meat grader and a foreman on these floors.

 

Hobbies

 

If the weather is fine on a Sunday morning I like to go fishing. A feed of snapper is pretty tasty.

For exercise I do martial arts. For 15 years I have been a member of the Chidokan Karate Club where I train and assist with teaching.

I also referee in karate tournaments in New Zealand and overseas.

 

Ambitions for the future

 

My professional ambition is to remain at Flybusters Antiants until I retire. The management is great, my work colleagues are friendly guys and gals and work with insect problems is always interesting.

 

Personal ambition is to qualify as an Oceania A level referee.

   

Likes/dislikes

 

Mallow puff biscuits are absolutely fabulous and I hate Brussels sprouts!

 

 

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Lance Barrow - Technician

After I left school I became a cabinet maker but I was getting bored with working in the same place every day. I then became a plasterer and builder which remained my trade until 2001 when I started working as a technician for Flybusters Antiants. It’s a really great job. I work all over Auckland and really enjoy meeting people.

 

Hobbies

 

I enjoy fishing although I don’t get to do it as often as I would like. I have five children and one grandchild so I fill most of my free time doing things with my family.

 

Ambitions for the future

 

My ambition is to keep working for Flybusters Antiants and to learn more about my profession so that I can do my best to help my customers.

I would also like to travel around New Zealand in a camper van when I retire.

 

Likes/dislikes

 

I like chocolate, sunny days and going to Church on Sundays.

I dislike busy traffic and rainy days.