Hill Labs: Continuing to Support New Zealand

  ADVERTORIAL: HILL LABS  

Trying to decide on the best honey testing lab to support your business? Hill Labs explains how their expertise and customer service leads the way in the honey industry, built on a proud foundation of Kiwi, family ownership and management.

As many in the honey industry know, Hill Labs is a proudly New Zealand-owned and family-owned analytical testing laboratory and verification agency.

When Dr Roger and Anne Hill founded an agricultural laboratory in their garage in 1984, they simply wanted enough work to support two full-time technicians. More than 40 years later, that small family business has grown into New Zealand's largest privately owned analytical testing laboratory and verification agency, employing more than 500 people across six locations nationwide.

While much has changed over the past four decades, some things have remained constant. Roger Hill continues to be involved in the business as Executive Director, while his son, Dr Jonno Hill, leads the company as Managing Director. That continuity of family ownership has helped shape a culture focused on long-term relationships, looking after people, and investing in the future of New Zealand.

Customer Service – the NZ Way

New Zealand has a unique way of doing business. We value trust, relationships, and practical support. That's something we've always tried to reflect in how we work. Whether it's helping clients understand the science, assisting with sampling requirements, or answering questions when deadlines are tight, we believe customer service still matters.

For honey manufacturers, testing is an essential part of doing business. While laboratories may offer similar turnaround times, we believe the difference lies in reliability and the support behind the results. Our dedicated honey team works closely with clients throughout the testing process, providing responsive, reliable assistance when it's needed most. When you call Hill Labs, you'll speak with someone who understands your needs and can help find an answer.

Investing in NZ

As a New Zealand-owned business, we're also committed to supporting the industries that help drive our economy. We've worked alongside the primary sector for more than four decades, and we're proud to continue supporting the honey industry with trusted testing, verification services and local expertise.

We're equally committed to investing in the next generation. Through ongoing training, career development opportunities and clear progression pathways, we're focused on building and retaining highly skilled people who can continue delivering the service and technical expertise our clients rely on.

Our history may have started in a garage, but our purpose remains the same today as it was in 1984: supporting New Zealand businesses with reliable testing, trusted expertise and people who genuinely care about helping our clients succeed.

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Joe Varey, Senior Client Services Manager - Technical Support

Joe works closely with honey producers to deliver tailored testing solutions that support quality, compliance, and market access. As part of the food testing client services team, he is the link between customers and the laboratory, liaising with operations to ensure testing runs smoothly and results are delivered accurately and efficiently. With a longstanding interest in science and innovation, Joe helps customers navigate industry requirements and evolving market demands with confidence. Outside of work, the former festival DJ spends his time running, keeping fit and looking after his three cats at home.

Pramit Patel, Section Manager - Honey

Armed with a master's degree in Virology, Pramit brought his scientific expertise into the world of honey testing. He now leads Hill Labs’ honey testing team, overseeing the testing process from sample registration through to final reporting. Combining strong technical knowledge with a focus on continuous improvement, he works closely with his team to deliver high-quality, trusted results that help honey producers meet regulatory requirements, support market access, and maintain consumer confidence.

Matt Lewis, Business Development Manager

Raised in the small Waikato town of Ōtorohanga, Matt was eager to explore opportunities beyond his hometown. He moved to Hamilton to study Biology at the University of Waikato and, like many science graduates, began his career in a laboratory. With six years of experience in the laboratory testing industry, Matt’s role is to support clients to produce high-quality New Zealand products. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, trying new cuisines, and making the most of new experiences with friends.

Paul Sweetman, Senior Verifier

As a Senior Verifier at Hill Labs, Paul is carrying out audits and assessments to help confirm that food businesses are meeting regulatory and market requirements. His role involves reviewing documented systems, assessing on-site practices, identifying areas for improvement, and helping ensure operators are producing safe and compliant products. A key part of the job is working with clients in a practical way, so they understand both the requirements and how to meet them effectively.