PRINTED PACKAGING
SPECIALISTS

Team

We are a close-knit team with a wide range of skills and backgrounds, each playing a key role in delivering on our family values and value to our clients. Often promoting from within we have built a generational and responsible team with a passion for what they do.


DIRECTOR

Martin Farrand

Martin began his career as an apprentice lithographer (offset printer) at the Herald, completing his apprenticeship in 1973. That year, he embarked on an overseas journey around the Pacific where he met Colin Forbes, the previous owner of Forbes, while delivering Colin’s yacht, Rainbird, from Fort Lauderdale to New Zealand. This connection led Martin to join Forbes as a sales representative in 1977. In 1987, Martin acquired the company and has since played a pivotal role in its growth and development.

Outside of work, Martin is a passionate sailor and enjoys flying light aircraft, along with a variety of other leisure activities. 

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Eva Farrand

Eva joined Forbes in late 2010 after completing her postgraduate degree at Auckland University. Since then, she has held various roles within the company, with a current focus on business strategy and strategic projects. 

Outside of work, Eva is an avid equestrian and spends much of her spare time with her horses and chasing after her daughter. She also enjoys playing indoor netball whenever she can fit in a game or two. 

09 414 6690 Ext: 701 

SPECIAL PROJECTS LEAD & QUALITY REPORTING MANAGER 

Earle Farrand

Earle joined Forbes in 2014 after qualifying as a commercial and industrial electrician. Over the years, he has held various roles within the organization, with a particular focus on production and operations. 

A passionate sportsman, Earle enjoys rugby, boxing, tennis, and squash, and has recently achieved his pilot’s license. Outside of work, sports, and flying, he spends quality time with his family and rescue greyhound, Billy, while also exploring both New Zealand and international destinations. 

09 414 6690 Ext: 709


Management Team 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

John Leite

John joined Forbes in 2019, bringing a wealth of financial expertise and strategic insight to the close-knit family business. A qualified Chartered Accountant, John has extensive experience in manufacturing, with a focus on FMCG, dairy, and packaging industries. 

Known for his ability to inspire and mobilise teams toward common goals, John’s strategic mindset is a key driver of positive, long-term change within the company. 

Beyond the spreadsheets and his family, John is passionate about sport and travel. When he’s not playing football, he’s busy supporting his three young children in their various sporting activities. 

9 414 6690 | 027 704 8116  

PRODUCTION OPERATIONS MANAGER 

Clinton Sampson

Clinton immigrated to New Zealand with his family in 2007 and joined Forbes Packaging in 2019, bringing with him valuable experience from a previous role in another packaging company. He has successfully led teams in fibreboard packaging, corrugated materials, and injection moulding, with a particular passion for the challenges of the packaging industry. 

A strong advocate for continuous improvement and project excellence, Clinton dedicates himself fully to every project, always striving to exceed expectations. 

Outside of work, Clinton enjoys fishing on the water and spending time with his dogs. He believes that physical health is key to a sharp mind and staying fit as an integral part of his lifestyle. 

09 414 6690 | 021 766 549

SALES MANAGER

Jonathon Botting

Jono was introduced to the packaging and printing industry at an early age through his father’s packaging business, gaining invaluable hands-on experience from operating flexo presses and slit rewinders to managing the warehouse. 

After briefly working on a farm in Germany, earning a degree at Otago University, and working four years in account management in the pressure-sensitive flexo label industry, Jono joined Forbes in 2014 as a Business Development Manager. In early 2023, he transitioned into the role of Sales Manager. 

Jono takes pride in delivering project and supply chain excellence, working directly with clients and stakeholders. He values fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, a principle that has contributed to Forbes' continued success for over 65 years. 

09 414 6690 | 022 123 4680 


Sales Team 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 

Jared Guy 

Jared joined Forbes in 2020 as a printing press operator and has since progressed to a sales representative role. With a career in the packaging industry that began in 2015, Jared has hands-on experience across all aspects of packaging, from printing to order fulfilment and delivery. 

Outside of work, Jared is passionate about health and fitness, specialising in helping busy professionals improve their well-being. He also enjoys spending time with his two small dogs. 

09 414 6690 | 022 486 4296 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER – CHRISTCHURCH BASED 

Nathan Vigenser

Nathan joined Forbes in 2025 as Business Development Manager for the South Island, bringing over 20 years of FMCG Sales and Marketing experience. He has worked with leading brands across Australia and New Zealand and recently transitioned into the packaging industry. His background in FMCG and pharmaceutical marketing provides a unique perspective on branding. 

Nathan excels in driving projects from ideation to completion, focusing on growth and innovation to deliver products that resonate with both customers and consumers.  

Outside of work, Nathan is an avid sportsman while actively involved in growing baseball in New Zealand, a father of two teenage daughters, and enjoys golfing in Christchurch and exploring fishing spots across the South Island. 

09 414 6690 | 022 467 2488 


Sales Team 

ACCOUNT MANAGER 

Grace Solon 

Grace joined Forbes in 2015, starting in Line Production and Quality Assurance. Her experience has since led her to a Customer Service Representative and, more recently, Team Lead, where she has become a key member of the Sales Team. 

Grace is committed to delivering exceptional customer service while ensuring the highest standards of product quality. Her focus on client satisfaction and operational excellence has been a driving force behind her success. 

Outside of work, Grace enjoys watching documentaries and preparing meals for her family and friends. 

09 414 6690 Ext: 748 

CUSTOMER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE 

Teresa Joe 

Teresa joined Forbes in 2019, bringing with her a strong background in customer service, with over 15 years of experience in the events and conference industry. Prior to joining Forbes, she spent a year in the printing industry, gaining valuable exposure to the field. Since then, Teresa has expanded her knowledge of the printing and packaging industry, gaining a deeper understanding of the sector. This enables her to effectively address customer inquiries and meet their product needs. 

Outside of work, Teresa enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves going on spontaneous travel adventures. 

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Sasha Lam

Sasha joined Forbes Packaging in 2017 as a Customer Service Representative, bringing valuable experience from the label industry and a strong understanding of print.  

With a background in graphic design, Sasha has worked across multiple departments within Forbes, gaining valuable insights from a design perspective. She has since transitioned into an Account Manager role, continuing to develop her customer service and design expertise. 

Outside of work, Sasha enjoys spending time with her two energetic boys and husband, as well as beach outings and shopping during the warmer months. 

09 414 6690 Ext: 714 

09 414 6690 Ext: 704 

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Mellisa Jonas

Mellisa joined Forbes in 2023, initially working in the Quality Control department, before briefly transitioning to production and then moving into customer service. 

Mellisa brings over a decade of customer service experience having previously worked for The Foschini Group, a leading fashion retailer, and a courier company, both in customer and sales support roles. 

A proud South African, Mellisa has a strong interest in history and politics and enjoys spending quality time with her family.

09 414 6690 Ext: 711