Our People
At Aerowork, our strength is in our people. From our skilled pilots and engineers to our dedicated ground crews and support teams, every member of our organisation plays a part in keeping New Zealand’s rural communities thriving. We’re proud of the expertise, passion, and commitment our team brings to every job — and we’re even prouder of the relationships they build with the farmers and families we serve.
Meet the people who keep Aerowork flying.
Management Team
Harald Hendel
Chief Executive
Harald Hendel brings over 30 years of international aviation experience to Aerowork, including senior leadership roles at Airbus and serving as Chief Accident Investigator for the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission.
As CEO, he leads Aerowork’s pilots, engineers, and ground crews with a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. Harald is committed to ensuring Aerowork delivers reliable, high-quality aerial application services that support farmers and rural communities across New Zealand.
Peter Blake
Chief Pilot
Peter Blake brings extensive aviation experience to Aerowork, with more than 13,700 flying hours, including over 7,000 hours in agricultural topdressing.
His career spans agricultural aviation, commercial flying, flight operations and aviation safety. Having previously worked as a senior agricultural pilot and regional manager, as well as an aviation safety inspector with the Civil Aviation Authority, Peter brings a strong understanding of both the operational and regulatory requirements of the industry.
As Aerowork’s Chief Pilot, Peter is responsible for overseeing flight operations, supporting our pilots and maintaining high safety standards across the business. His practical experience, strong leadership and commitment to safe, efficient operations help ensure Aerowork delivers a reliable service to New Zealand farmers.
Matthew Andrews
Aircraft Engineering & Maintenance Manager
Matthew Andrews leads Aerowork’s aircraft engineering and maintenance team, bringing a strong Air Force background and more than seven years’ experience in his current role. He is responsible for all scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance across the fleet, operating under Aerowork’s CAA Part 145 certified capability.
Matthew also oversees the supply of aircraft parts and Aerowork’s unique in-house manufacturing capability under CAA Part 148, giving the business flexibility and speed in maintaining aircraft availability. Working alongside a highly skilled team of engineers, Matthew ensures aircraft are returned to service safely, efficiently, and reliably—keeping Aerowork flying and supporting farmers when it matters most.
Amy Hackett- Constable
Safety & Wellbeing Manager
Glen Russell
Operations Manager
Glen Russell brings extensive aviation engineering and leadership experience from his senior roles in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
As Aerowork’s Operations Manager, he oversees day-to-day operations across all bases, ensuring loader trucks, vehicles, facilities, and ground assets are ready to support flying safely and efficiently. Glen works closely with the Chief Pilot and engineering teams to coordinate aircraft movements and maintain high operational standards.
Emma Rowe
Finance Business Manager
Geraint Williams
Sales Manager
Emma Rowe brings over 20 years of financial leadership and management accounting experience to Aerowork, following senior roles across WPI’s sawmill and pulp mill operations. She leads Aerowork’s financial accounting and reporting, providing clear, timely insights that support strong commercial decision-making and long-term business performance.
Emma works closely with the CEO, and operational staff, turning complex information into practical guidance that strengthens both governance and day-to-day operations.
Emma and her husband Peter also farm in the Waimarino, giving her a genuine understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the rural communities.
Geraint Williams brings extensive sales leadership and commercial management experience to Aerowork, having held senior roles across New Zealand and internationally.
With a strong background in the agricultural machinery and equipment sectors, including leadership roles with CNH Industrial and Norwood, Geraint has considerable experience in developing sales strategies, managing dealer networks, building customer relationships and growing market share.
As Aerowork’s Sales Manager, Geraint is focused on strengthening relationships with farmers, identifying opportunities for growth and working closely with our regional teams and Ravensdown to deliver practical, customer-focused solutions. His strategic approach, commercial experience and understanding of the rural sector will help ensure Aerowork continues to meet the changing needs of New Zealand farmers.
