Who we are
Our Story
At Tree King, our story is rooted in our commitment to both our employees and our clients. As a leading provider of arboriculture services, we stand out by placing a strong emphasis on creating a remarkable work environment. We firmly believe that by prioritising our employees’ well-being and professional growth, we empower them to deliver an exceptional level of service to our valued clients. With a dedicated and satisfied team, we are able to attract and retain top arborists, surpassing our competitors in both talent and capability. Our company is also actively engaged in the industry’s development, working towards addressing skill shortages and contributing to the advancement of arboriculture in New Zealand.
Our Mission
To lead the arboricultural industry through a people-centric approach that prioritises skilled arborists, and the exceptional client experience this allows.
OUR ROYAL FAMILY
MEET OUR TEAM OF
TREE EXPERTS
Director
National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4 – Advanced)
Workplace assessor in Arboriculture
Luke started his arboricultural career straight out of school nearly 20 years ago in the UK where he made a name for himself as the youngest ever crew leader at First Call Trees. In 2008 he brought his skills and experience to New Zealand to broaden his career as an arborist.
Joining Tree King in 2010, he worked tirelessly to help establish the operation as one of Auckland’s most well-known and respected arboricultural firms, becoming the proud owner in 2017. When Luke is not quoting or working hard on the business he enjoys getting amongst the team and spending time on site training and upskilling the crews, even making an appearance in his harness every now and again.
Tree King has now become one of the leaders in New Zealand arboriculture, specialising in residential and commercial tree care. Luke, with the help and support from his team, strives to create an employee and customer experience that is second to none.
Crew Coordination Manager
Jonathan has been working with trees for over 10 years, joining the Tree King team in 2019. He is part of the Auckland quoting team and one of our crew coordination managers. With qualifications in both gardening and arboriculture, Jon’s early career was spent providing maintenance services for high-end green spaces such as Government House and Ayrlies Garden. His attention to detail sets the bar high for all team members. He is also a great guy to have around when you need a large truck reversed down a tight driveway.
What do you like about working here?
I love how you get to give every aspect of the job a go. I’ve had so many opportunities to grow in what I want to do. When I started I was mostly trimming hedges but these days I’m mainly out scoping work and organising the crews.
What do you like most about arb?
Definitely the sound of a chainsaw! I like having the power to completely transform someone’s garden. It’s such a rewarding job.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
It all started one Friday when my gardening boss asked me what I wanted to do for the arvo. At the time the arb crew were ringing up a big tree trunk so I asked if I could have a go on the chainsaw. Fell In love and never looked back.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
My gardening qualifications definitely play a huge part in being able to offer the full package to clients. When I’m out quoting I often get asked about what should be done in a particular area and I can give them good information about what plant will work well in different surroundings. I’ve also been a truck driver for a landscaping company so driving arb trucks is a walk-in-the-park.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
There’s definitely too many great memories to choose from. Just been a part of building the company from the ground to what we have now is amazing.
What do you do outside of work? What is your passion/hobby?
Lawns! Love a great lawn! And I also play hockey and raise my three children alongside my partner Bonnie.
Crew Coordination Manager
While a great deal of his time is spent organising equipment, managing staff and monitoring our maintenance programmes, Andrew is not afraid to get his hands dirty and you’ll often find him on the crew “getting it done”.
When he’s not working he likes to spend time out on the water kayak-fishing with a few beers to keep him company. He is also a master of low and slow barbeque!
What made you choose Tree King?
I worked with Luke back when he was a contractor. I knew he was a great guy and figured his company would be a good place to work.
What do you like most about arb?
The variety of work, every day is different. There’s something very satisfying about a hard day’s work.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
On the morning of my 36th birthday I watched a helicopter lift out an entire pine tree I’d cut in a single piece, then spent the afternoon trimming a hedge.
Arborist Crew Leader
Marvin has been with us since leaving school in 2017. Over that time he has completed the level 4 certificate in arboriculture, becoming one of our top climbers and crew leaders. Aside from his work on-the-tools Marvin is heavily involved in our training and recruitment efforts. He has represented the company at national career events such as Tertiary Education Commission’s Inspiring the Future and the Auckland Business Chamber’s Career-a-thon where he was voted “Best Role Model”. In his spare time he enjoys writing music and spending time with his family.
What made you choose Tree King?
My mum just randomly found Luke’s number and I called up asking for a job. Turns out I was in the right place at the right time and I am still here today. The company has a great culture and I love the variety of different jobs. The teams always have good morale and it’s a great place to work.
What do you like most about arb?
Too much to pinpoint as it’s overall a sick and underrated industry, great for adrenaline junkies.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
Just fell into it. Started learning from the first day I started and continue to this date.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
Too much to choose from. Probably the company’s first Helicopter job, that was pretty sick.
What do you do outside of work?
I enjoy making music and spending time with my wife and children.
Arborist
John has over 9 years experience and currently holds his Level 3 and is working towards his Level 4.
He is incredibly patient and hardworking, is passionate about tree preservation and has been a great asset and addition to the Tree King team.
Arborist Crew Leader
Jack joined Tree King late 2020 as one of our ground crew and truck drivers. Since then he’s developed excellent climbing skills, becoming an important member of the team. His high level of organisation has seen him running crews and helping out on some of our biggest projects.
When not at work he’s a keen gamer and full time joker.
What made you choose Tree King? What do you like about working here?
The team at Tree King is something special, not just for an arb company but in general, like a second family and the boys I work with are like my brothers, couldn’t see myself anywhere else at this point.
What do you like most about arb?
The variety of work. Working alongside a team of interesting guys doing fun jobs…Sometimes.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
I was offered a job as a groundsman and enjoyed the hard graft working with trees.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
Absolute shitter of a day, pissing down and cold, steep terraced garden that was slippery all the way downhill about 100m, poorly stacked piles of branches scattered around the property, with a tight little stairwell to get to the chipper, Six of us lads, two chipping and four dragging the whole day. Easily the worst job ever but we kept up the morale playing around, making jokes and singing the whole day, all trying to match each other in energy. The day of the great white ape IYKYK.
What’s your favourite tree and why?
Pohutukawa, New Zealand’s Christmas tree, one of the most fun to climb among many other reasons.
What are some of your goals?
To become a professional climbing arborist and take that skill around the world.
Arborist
Alex joined Tree King at the beginning of 2023. Originally from the UK with several years experience in the New Zealand arboriculture industry, Alex joins the team as one of our climbing arborists.
What made you choose Tree King? What do you like about working here?
I love the ethos and principles Luke has set. Great place to work and an amazing team.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
I was looking for a job that reflected my lifestyle, I came to it from rock climbing.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
I am a multi genre DJ/Producer, mountain biker and rock climber with a long background in new business sales and hospitality. These skills have served me well in Arb for planning, attention to detail, high standards of quality, teamwork and physical stamina.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
First day I think, getting a good result from pruning a vulnerable kowhai.
What do you do outside of work? What is your passion/hobby?
I’m nuts about music production and rock climbing whenever the opportunity allows. I love getting deep with philosophical thought. I also spend a great deal of time researching various industrial disasters, there’s a lot of insight to be gained from reviewing what went wrong and what was missed or overlooked.
DOUG MCIlWAIN
Arborist
Doug joined the Tree King team early 2022 after moving over from Australia. He brought with him a real passion for arboriculture. Highly organised with a wide range of knowledge and experience, Doug runs one of our Auckland crews.
What made you choose Tree King? What do you like about working here?
I chose Tree King because they actually care about trees, their employees and their equipment. They give you opportunities to grow and develop your skills. I also love the vibe of the whole team.
What do you like most about arb?
I enjoy the physical aspect of the work and being outside. The scenery changes every day which keeps things interesting. Working with chainsaws on and in trees is great fun.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
I used chainsaws a lot cutting up firewood and would see arborists climbing trees while out and about. I thought it looked like a pretty damn cool job, so I trialled with a tree company in Sydney and the rest is history.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? E.g. Have you worked in other industries? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
I’m a qualified Mechanic so my mechanical knowledge is handy given we are working around machinery all day.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
I’ve had a few big climbs go really smoothly. Also felling a large silky oak spar right between two trees on a hill after I climbed and dismantled it.
What do you do outside of work? What is your passion/hobby?
I’ve got a variety of interests outside of work depending on the season. Hiking, mountaineering, kayak fishing, D.I.Y. projects tinkering on old chainsaws, music and having a wee dram at the end of day.
Arborist
Yeshe joined Tree King at the beginning of 2023 as one of our lead climbers. With several years’ arboricultural experience he is a valuable member of the team. Outside of work he has a keen interest in photographing, the creative arts and musicians. He also loves a good rock climbing session and is keen to learn alpine and mountaineering skills for future adventures.
What made you choose Tree King?
I was looking for an opportunity to round off my skill set in arboriculture, and was recommended by a number of arborist in the community to get in touch with Tree King.
What do you like most about arboriculture?
The wide array of skills and knowledge applicable on any given day, as well as hanging out with a diverse range of arborists.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
I studied a bachelor of science with an interest in ecological and environmental sciences, the biological side has been helpful in understanding and thinking deeper about what processes are going on in an arboriculture setting.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King so far?
Working on a storm-damaged, scheduled oak in Mt. Eden with the aim of retention has been the most interesting. I look forward to seeing how this tree fares in the future in reaction to the measures taken.
What’s your favourite tree?
Pohutukawa, for their strength and sometimes bizarre form.
Arborist
Ryan joined Tree King late 2020 as a member of our ground crew. Since then he’s developed excellent climbing skills completing his Level 3 Certificate and working toward his Level 4. Ryan is extremely passionate about his job and this shows with his work. In his down time he enjoys anything with an engine whether this be rebuilding motorbikes or helping out with the family speedway car.
General Manager
Nicky has played an integral role in the administrative functions of Tree King since the company’s inception. Appointed General Manager at the beginning of 2023, she comes from a corporate background spanning industries such as security, health insurance, banking, in-home childcare, and building supplies.
With a diploma in management, Nicky is passionate about making Tree King a great place to work and the positive effect this has on customer experience.
When she’s not at work Nicky enjoys bushwalking with her dog, watching her son play sport, and exploring new places.
What do you like about the arboriculture industry?
I like the way arborists and others in the industry are passionate about what they do, it’s not just a job.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
I’ve enjoyed helping to develop process improvements and watching the business grow.
Admin Assitant
Bonnie has worked in the early childhood sector, car sales and most recently ventured overseas as a Northern Lights tour guide in Canada!
Bonnie will be working alongside Nicky to help look after your customer needs from booking quotes to fixing issues that may arise, Bonnie looks forward to talking to you when we next hear from you!
Arborist Crew Leader
Alistair joined the Warkworth team early 2020 from a background in stage rigging and events. His interest in the outdoors brought him to arboriculture after completing a 3 month internship in forest gardening and nursery production at the Koanga Institute, Hawkes Bay.
Previously employed as part of the gardening team at the Sculptureum in Matakana, Alistair has a great eye-for-detail and can prune a tree to a standard which is second-to-none. Despite a relatively short time working in arboriculture, Ally has progressed very quickly, becoming one of our top climbers.
What made you choose Tree King?
Funny story, I was initially rejected as the position in which I applied for was an experienced climber. Fast-track several months later, I got my foot in the door via a mutual friend of James and I. Needless to say, I never let Luke forget that he rejected me at first. The thing I like most about working for Tree King is the comradery. We are all like family to each other and it’s a great feeling knowing that even our grumpy Uncle Andrew will go out his way to help a brother or sister out.
What do you like most about arb?
For me it’s the whole package. I’m really interested in the way trees behave and communicate as social creatures within an ecosystem, utilising the microbes in the soil to connect and support each other. I also love the adrenaline of swinging around in trees with a chainsaw at hand. I find nothing more satisfying than fine pruning a tree or shrub to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
I spent most of my life working in the events industry in London. I’ve also done garden work and have a passion for permaculture. I hold a permaculture design certification. I definitely draw on both of these in my work. In events I did a lot of work-at-height and rigging which are also a big part of arb, helping me progress quickly. My passion for permaculture has given me a solid knowledge of how ecosystems work and the important role trees play in binding the elements of these systems together.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
Definitely the first hiab job where I was the climber hanging off the end of the crane hook.
What do you do outside of work? What is your passion/hobby?
My garden is where you’ll most likely find me after hours. I love experimenting with espalier fruit trees, air layering cuttings and sometimes just sitting and observing my garden while pondering on improvements I can make in it. I also enjoy sitting with a good permaculture book and spending time with my wife and two little monkeys.
Business Support Manager
National Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 4)
Workplace assessor in Arboriculture
Bachelor of Business Studies – Enterprise Developement
Master of Business Studies with Distinction in Management
James is a qualified arborist with over 15 years experience in the industry. He lives in Warkworth and enjoys working locally in the community. He is in charge of the day to day running of our Warkworth branch. James also runs our heavy machinery such as the Terex scrub mulcher and grapple digger. James is not afraid to get his hands dirty and you will often find him getting stuck in working alongside the crew on your job.
Additionally, James has a keen academic interest in the business side of the industry. In 2021 he completed his thesis Skill Mismatches and Labour Shortages in the New Zealand Arboriculture Industry and has presented on this topic at the national conferences and the International society of Arboriculture (ISA). He is part of the Careers working group at the New Zealand Arboriculture Association (NZArb) and contributes to the development of our business and people processes here at Tree King.
Arborist
Joe joined the team mid 2021 as one of our lead climbers. He is well-known throughout the arboriculture industry, having presented at the National Arboriculture Conference and competing in numerous climbing competitions throughout New Zealand. There is no tree that Joe can’t handle and you will generally find him on our most difficult climbing jobs.
His motto is work harder, play harder.
What made you choose Tree King/What do you like about working here?
Luke reached out and asked if I wanted some contracting work after bumping into each other on the street one day. He asked me what my future plans were. I was freshly back in the country after being stuck outside due to covid and hadn’t given it much thought. He said he wanted to offer me a full-time job so I said, “you have yourself a full-time employee!”
What do you like most about arb?
What’s not to like?!
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
My dad was an Arborist so that kickstarted things. After a stint in the health and fitness industry I realised how much I hated working under a roof so returned to arb and never looked back.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
My health and fitness background has been incredibly useful for working in arb. With arboriculture being such a labour-intensive job, being a qualified personal trainer and sports rehab therapist has been awesome for my own wellbeing, that of my workmates, as well as other climbers in the industry.
Before Tree King I ran the arb department of a contracting company for six years before getting itchy feet and going travelling.
What has been your most memorable job/project/experience at Tree King?
Beach Haven helicopter job!
What do you do outside of work? What is your passion/hobby?
What don’t I do outside of work?
Work’s pretty busy, then in my spare time I get busier!
Exploring, hiking, scrambling over mountains, swimming in lakes, weight training, running, trail-running, pole-dancing/performing, partying, travelling/holidaying (I take that many holidays I’m pretty much part time) though unpaid holidays is hard (budgeting) paddle boarding, snorkeling, paragliding, watching anime, camping, Jenga!
Arborist
Joe came to the arb industry and joined the Tree King team early 2022. He is a fast learner and is progressing quickly through his arboricultural training. When he’s not at work he enjoys surfing and working on his bike and car.
What made you choose Tree King? What do you like about working here?
I came here to work with friends and learn about arb. I like the family environment.
What do you like most about arb?
I like climbing and the problem-solving aspect of it. There’s a new challenge every day.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
Dan would always talk about how fun it was.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
I was a gasfitter before Tree King. A bit of mechanical knowledge seems to go a long way with all the equipment we use.
What’s your favourite tree and why?
Phoenix palms, I like the spikes.
Arborist
Joel joined the Tree King team mid 2022 as one of our climbing arborists. He is highly qualified with the Level 6 Certificate in Arboriculture. When he’s not at work, Joel enjoys slacklining and getting out into nature.
What made you choose Tree King? What do you like about working here?
Love the brand and the big yellow trucks. I like the lads and the challenges of the jobs, being part of a team.
What do you like most about arb?
It’s good when it’s good. I love all the tree tools and gadgets.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
I saw some arborists working on the side of the road and asked them, “How do I do what you do?”
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
In a past life I was an activity instructor, travelling and working around the world. I like to use my experience to try to perfect my technique, maximising my efficiency and safety.
What has been your most memorable job/project/experience at Tree King?
I’d have to say my first hiab job. seeing half a tree get plucked off right it front of me was pretty cool.
Arborist
Quinn moved up to Auckland from the South island at the beginning of 2023 to join the Tree King team. He is an experienced climber always keen further to develop his skill-set. When he’s not up a tree he enjoys longboarding and snowboarding, as well as camping and exploring the great outdoors.
What made you choose Tree King? What do you like about working here?
Great work environment, good group of lads and mean gear.
What do you like most about arb?
I love being outside, swinging from trees and constantly learning new skills. Every job is different!
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
I had friends who were arborists and loved it so I decided to give it ago and never looked back.
What has been your most memorable experience at Tree King?
Smashing big pines with James and Marv. Climbing big washingtonia palms with Ally and Logan in Matakana – I had never climbed a palm before, being from the South Island.
Arborist
Luca came to New Zealand from Italy in late 2019. Joining the Tree King team in early 2023, he has a strong background in arboriculture and large-scale garden maintenance, previously holding responsibility for numerous sites across Auckland. When he’s not out working with trees he likes reading, surfing or playing football.
What made you choose Tree King?
Good reputation and a great team.
What do you like most about arb?
Everything. What’s not to like?.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
In Italy my old boss asked me if I was keen to climb some trees. I choose this career because it’s a cool job and I like being outside.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
I was a project manager for a landscaping company where I would quote and schedule work for several teams, before that I worked for Treescape.
Climber
Daniel was an amazing climber, surfer and adventurer who unfortunately was taken from us too soon in a non work related accident. Daniel will be forever part of our Tree King family and we miss him alot. Daniels dog Lucy still comes to work with us every now and again so please come and say hi if you see her on site.
Arborist
Logan has several years of arboricultural experience, joining the Tree King team mid 2022 as one of our climbing arborists.. He is extremely passionate about trees and the industry.
When he’s not at work, Logan enjoys skating around on his longboard and riding motorbikes.
What made you choose Tree King?
The company culture and reputation.
What do you like most about arb?
Working outdoors with the birds and the bees, I also enjoy the adrenaline rush, the problem-solving and the satisfaction you get at the end of a hard day.
How did you find out about arb as a career and why did you choose it?
Basically ‘fell into it’ when a family friend needed a groundsman. I was completely unaware of the trade up until this point and I’m thankful that I found an industry that I am passionate about.
What did you do before you were at Tree King? Do you ever draw on any of these skills for your arb work?
Serving a few years in the Navy has given me many core values and life experience that influence how I conduct myself everyday.
What has been your most memorable job/project/experience at Tree King?
My “redemption” gum tree. Huge climb!
What do you do outside of work?
I like skating around on my longboard, or riding motorbikes.
Do you have a favourite tree?
One of my favourite trees is the Puriri (Vitex lucens) which attracts a plethora of native birds with its flowers and berries
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