Angela Roy has spent her life helping things grow - whether caring for newborn babies, raising a family, or helping build Piopio Berry Orchard alongside Mike.

Raised on a farm near Whangārei as one of ten children, Angela learned early the values of resilience, hard work, and caring for others. At 17, she left home to pursue nursing and went on to build a successful career as a midwife and neonatal intensive care nurse in New Zealand and Australia.

Her life changed when she returned home for her sister's wedding and met the best man, Mike Roy. While Angela was building her future in healthcare, Mike was building his in horticulture. Together they chose a different path - one that combined family life, orchard life, and a shared belief in creating something of their own.

The years that followed demanded extraordinary commitment. Angela balanced nursing, motherhood, and the growing business, often moving between hospital shifts, family responsibilities, and orchard work. Like many young families starting out, there were long days, sleepless nights, and plenty of uncertainty. What kept her going was the belief that they were building a future for their children and creating a life centered around family.

Along the way, Angela became a driving force behind many of the decisions that shaped the orchard's future. Where Mike's passion is the fruit itself, Angela's strength lies in people, planning, and creating memorable experiences for customers. Her ability to combine compassion with practical business thinking has helped transform the orchard into a place families return to year after year.

Today, one of Angela's greatest joys is seeing the next generation become part of the story. With daughters Jessie and Maggie now helping shape the business and five grandchildren growing up among the berry rows, she takes immense pride in seeing the values that guided those early years continue into the future.