Who we are & what we stand for
WHAT WE DO
To provide trusted solutions in horticulture & viticulture that drive the success of our clients, people & communities.
HOW WE DO IT
Optimising data and machinery to cultivate potential in people and land through sustainable, innovative and socially conscious practices.
Who We Are
Ukko is made up of genuine people united by our values and a drive to succeed. Our diverse backgrounds combine to create a unique and innovative team keen to deliver on our vision for the future. People and partnership form the core of our operations, and we seek out solutions that create long-term success for all. Our values are integrated across our entire business, and serving those values best enables us to deliver honest service with meaningful impact.
Our Values
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
We care about our people, the land, and building thriving communities. We work hard to create opportunities for all and encourage our people to have fun, love what they do, and achieve their success.
ALL TOGETHER BETTER
We shape our future by working together. Our team has different perspectives, backgrounds and beliefs. We listen and learn from each other because the only way to succeed is together.
PROUD OF WHAT WE DO
We stand for quality, reliability, and doing what we say we will do. We take ownership and we take pride. We are problem solvers and innovators, always looking for ways to do better and be better.
Our people make the difference.
VINEYARD MANAGER/ TRAINING LEAD
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 2005
Superpower: Transformative intuition
VINEYARD MANAGER
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 1999
Superpower: Strategic thinking
PEOPLE & CULTURE MANAGER
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 2001
Superpower: Multi-tasking
FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNER
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 1992
Superpower: Keeping calm & carrying on
REGIONAL MANAGER
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 2002
Superpower: Problem solving
GENERAL MANAGER
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 2001
Superpower: Multi-tasking
VINEYARD MANAGER
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 2000
Superpower: Attention to detail
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Based in Hawke’s Bay
Started in industry: 2000
Superpower: Keeping machinery moving
MANAGING DIRECTOR MONARCH PLATFORM
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 2001
Superpower: Uncovering opportunities for all
HEALTH & SAFETY
CO-ORDINATOR
Based in Marlborough
Started in industry: 2013
Superpower: Safety disrupter
Our Origin Story.
Our journey began over 15 years ago as Marlborough VineWorks, with just a few people, some tools, and a van. Building our expertise in the vineyards of Marlborough, our service offering has grown and changed over time, but our commitment to working hard and delivering great results for our clients has remained constant.
The business rebranded to Hortus in 2013, and we spent the next decade earning a strong reputation in vineyard management, cultivating an incredible team and meaningful client partnerships along the way. Through an emphasis on shared values and a clear vision for success, Hortus earned its place as an industry leader in vineyard management and machinery, contract labour supply, and seasonal worker accommodation.
In a strategic move in 2024, our team branched out under our own name, Ukko (you • ko)- the Finnish god of thunder and agriculture. This change has provided opportunities and resources to grow our property management and machinery services across new regions and crops. We remain closely integrated with our Hortus workforce partners through Monarch Platform, which houses our shared business support teams.
With established operations in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, Ukko continues to solidify our reputation as a valued partner delivering trusted solutions in viticulture and horticulture.