General Manger

Ashley Shadbolt

Born and raised in Sheffield, Canterbury, Ashley’s passion for the natural environment has been a defining aspect of his life and career. After attending Darfield High School, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Ecology at Lincoln University, where he graduated with First-Class Honours.

With extensive experience in land restoration and vegetation establishment, Ashley’s career spans multiple roles that highlight his expertise in environmental management. His previous experience includes overseeing large-scale landsacping projects in the South Island and hydroseeding and sediment and erosion control.

Throughout his career, Ashley has demonstrated a strong ability to understand clients’ needs and deliver innovative, solutions-based outcomes. His focus on sustainability, along with his collaborative approach, aligns perfectly with Southern Woods’ commitment to environmental stewardship and customer service.

Director, Business Development & Marketing Manager

Rico Mannall

Rico is a Director at Southern Woods and our Business Development and Marketing Manager. With over a decade in the nursery industry, he has worked across many parts of the business, building a practical understanding of how to grow and care for both plants and projects.

In his current role, Rico manages business development and marketing for the nursery. He works with clients, stakeholders, and industry partners on plant supply solutions across the South Island.

Way back in 2019, Rico won the NZPPI Young Plant Producer of the Year. He went on to place 2nd in the NZ Young Horticulturist competition.

Outside work, he’s often dreaming up his next national park adventure, tending (or attempting to tend) to his overgrown section, or throwing himself into social sport with way more enthusiasm than skill…

Plant Centre Manager

Alex Dowie

Alex joined Southern Woods as a Plant Centre Assistant in 2019. With six years of experience in the retail plant centre, he takes pride in offering expert advice and helping customers find the perfect plant for their space.

As Plant Centre Manager, Alex now plays a key role in staffing, sales, purchasing, and cultivating a positive team culture. His deep knowledge of plants, particularly native species, drives his commitment to supporting biodiversity and a thriving ecosystem.

Outside of work, Alex channels his competitive energy into kickboxing and social pool competitions. He’s also an avid reader and nature lover, often exploring the stunning landscapes of the South Island. Alex lives in Doyleston with his beautiful Rottweiler, Freya, who’s been known to make the occasional guest appearance at the plant centre.

Production Manager

Emma Jarvis

Emma is our Production Manager.  She started here after completing a Bachelor of Horticultural Science at Lincoln University in 2005, and after working in a range of departments over the years, she has settled in her current role.

Her main role involves looking after the inventory in the nursery, ensuring stock numbers are perfect for the sales team. This is becoming a full-time job as the nursery grows larger each year!

She also looks after the Health and Safety of the team and the company and is often out on her red bike with a red helmet surveying the site ensuring everyone is behaving and working safely.

Emma loves baking, and we tend to love her baking too! When she’s not busy at work you’ll find her relaxing with her husband and Otis the cat.

Propagation Manager

Lydia ODowd

Lydia is our Propagation Manager. With eight years of experience in nursery production and a lifelong passion for plants, Lydia is committed to regenerating Aotearoa’s natural landscapes, through the propagation of native plants.

Her role involves managing the propagation of all species grown at Southern Woods, the production of our environmentally-friendly Ellepot lines and our 1L grades. She’s especially interested in using biological control to improve IPM strategies, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Having completed a horticulture apprenticeship, she’s currently studying towards a Diploma in Horticultural Business at Lincoln University – because apparently, sleep is optional when you love horticulture this much.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find her halfway up a mountain or deep in yarn – literally. She’s completed 10 of the 11 Great Walks of NZ and trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp. When she’s not hiking, she’s crocheting everything from jewellery to winter woollies to life-sized greenhouses.

In 2023, Lydia took out 1st Place in the NZ Young Plant Producer competition and went on to place 3rd in the NZ Young Horticulturist competition, where she also achieved 1st place in Countdown’s Innovation Project and 1st place in RNZIH’s Best Speech Category.