Director of Beer / GM

Our award-winning team leader comes from the bright lights of Inglewood. A discerning beer connoisseur, Jesse's no slouch on the tools, having won numerous NZ and international beer awards, including NZ’s Champion Small Brewery in 2023. But don’t be fooled, Jesse's talents aren't limited to brewing. He once skulled a 4-litre pitcher of iced water to win a $500 bet. Given that he's half Icelandic, we think it's no coincidence that Iceland legalised beer in 1989, the very year Jesse was born.

Executive Chef

Freddie Ponder is a passionate chef, husband, father and surfer. Great breweries need great food, and to get great food you need great chefs. Although we might be a bit biased here at Shining Peak, Freddie has the accolades and experience to match. From working at some of the world’s top restaurants to winning major awards including Silver Fern Farms awards and serving multiple tenures as a New Zealand Beef and Lamb Ambassador. There's a little irony here - at home, Freddie doesn’t eat meat, as his wife is vegetarian. Get ready to sit down, enjoy a brew and let Freddie take care of your appetite.

Director of Hospitality

Mention hospitality in New Plymouth and inevitably the name of Ajinkya - better known as "AJ" - pops up. Growing up in Mumbai, India, AJ made the daunting move to New Zealand in 2005 to study hospitality. He met a local Taranaki girl, fell in love, and the rest, as they say, is history. We’re all much better off for having him here. While he's an extremely nice guy, you'd be advised not to muck him around. AJ once fought and trained for a corporate boxing fight in front of 1500 people and he still likes to throw on the gloves.

Front of House Manager

Our Front of House Manager, Luke Anderson, is a bit of a legend in the New Zealand hospitality world. We think that's kind of fitting given he grew up in a small Scottish town called Forres, right next to the Loch Ness monster. Immersing himself in hospitality from a young age, Luke's worked all around the world, picking up numerous awards on his travels. All this recognition culminated in his current role as a national judge for the New Zealand Hospitality Awards. It's safe to say, Luke knows what he's doing. Better still, for a party trick that's on point with his profession, he can carry 25 glasses at once - just with his hands! Great for when we're busy at Shining Peak.

Sales Manager

Born in Gisborne, but the Australian Gisborne, Brendan would like to convince you that he’s actually a Kiwi. Living in New Zealand for over a decade now, Brendan has been working in the beer industry since his arrival in the good land. Tenures with Beer Without Borders and Beertique, Brendan’s known for his impeccable customer service and timely beer deliveries. What may be unknown however, is that he is the reigning Kaitake Golf Club Intermediate Champion. He also spent four years driving the humiliating Shining Peak Kia Sportage with racing stripes and flames, so we can all agree that he clearly has thick skin.

Head Brewer

Originally from Waverley, South Taranaki, Emma spent most of her formative years across the ditch, both in the Byron Bay area and then Sydney where she has worked for some highly reputed breweries. She brings with her a wealth of experience, along with her cat, Peach and has made New Plymouth her home. Along with Emma’s passion for brewing, she is highly determined - outlined when she once drove 1,850km from Brisbane to Bordertown - roughly the length of New Zealand, in only 24 hours. Side note - she also loves a good coffee.