About
Our History
ABC Software was founded by Sharon Chapman in 1996. Sharon was joined by co-owner Julie Gillies in 2002. Originally a provider of custom software solutions ABC now focuses on its three comprehensive and specialised software packages for horticulture – ABCpacker, ABCgrower and ABCspray.
Our Goal
Our goal is to let you focus on your produce while our software takes care of the detail. We provide simple, user-friendly solutions with comprehensive real-time reporting to help you with decision making. We aim to save you time and money by reducing admin and increasing efficiencies.
Our Partner
ABC partnered with the Jenkins Group in 2022. A New Zealand family-owned business since 1883, the Jenkins Group provide solutions and servicing to the horticulture industry, with a business network throughout New Zealand and Australia. The group comprises:
Jenkins Freshpac Systems – providing innovative end-to-end packaging solutions for New Zealand’s fresh produce industry.
J-tech Systems – Complete solutions for all packhouse requirements. Best packaging, labels, tags and automation solutions, machinery sales, installation, technical service and support.
Global Pac Technologies – delivering the best produce pack line technologies throughout the globe.
CR Automation – Automation, robotic & post-harvest solutions.
Partnered with Sinclair, Sorma Group, RGD Mape, and Sunkist.
Meet the Team
Sharon Chapman
Hawke's Bay born and bred, Sharon has been in IT since 1983. A keen traveller, she lived and worked overseas for 10 years before returning home to start ABC. Understanding a client’s business and designing solutions that deliver on their needs is what Sharon does best. Equally comfortable in an orchard as she is behind a computer, Sharon is often out and about in NZ and Australia and is always happy to swing by for a chat.
Julie Gillies
Julie’s IT career began in 1982. She has significant experience across a range of industries in Zimbabwe, the UK and New Zealand. Julie lives and breathes the discipline of good software design and development, and is passionate about ensuring ABC consistently delivers quality solutions that exceed their clients’ expectations. Julie loves holidaying, be it exploring faraway places or relaxing in Mahia.
Bevan Johnson
As Senior Systems Architect, Bevan comes armed with a degree in Information Engineering and has been in IT since 1996. Simply put, he writes the software that talks to your hardware. Whether it's at the desk or fishing and hunting in the back blocks, no challenge is too great for Bevan.
Brendan Biggs
With a degree in Computing Systems and broad knowledge and skills across IT, Brendan is a Senior Developer. Now focused on web and iOS development, Brendan started as an intern over ten years ago. He enjoys spending time with his young family and loves fishing - when he gets the chance.
Aidan Smith
Local lad and Senior Developer Aidan also joined ABC via the EIT internship programme while completing a Bachelor of Computing Systems. Aidan is ABCgrower guru. Kept busy with his young family Aidan still finds the time for a round or two of golf.
Mike Bennett
Hawkes Bay born and bred, Mike has been in IT since the eighties, and with ABC since 2005. He brings to the table over 30 years of software development experience across several industries. Mike loves his sport and is a bit of a cricket nut, these days more of an avid spectator!
Alison Palairet
Alison landed in software and the sunny Hawke’s Bay in 2015. She enjoys working with clients to map their needs with the functionality in ABCgrower and ABCspray and supporting their onboarding journey. On weekends she can often be found on the side of a sports field supporting her children.
Grant Apperley
Sales superstar Grant is a Brisbane-based New Zealander, and is fluent in both Aussie and Kiwi! A keen sportsman; Grant skis, runs (marathons even) and keeps people in line as a senior rugby referee. If you're in need of software, or just want to find out more, give Grant a call.
Paul Merson
With a background in the tech side of rural services and an all-round nice guy, Paul divides his time at ABC between supporting new and existing clients and developing his business analysis skills. Paul is proficient in Mandarin and is a crowned chili eating champion!
Brenna Vivian
Joining the real world after completing a degree in Psychology, Brenna has worked in a variety of industries. Expert in getting things done, Brenna supports the ABC team as well as supporting our clients in their journey with ABC.
Heather Coombe
Heather is ABC's finance and admin superstar who keeps the company ticking. Her unfailingly positive and friendly demeanour make her a well-liked team member, never more so than on pay day. Outside of the office Heather is a superstar Mum.
Travis Falkenberg
Another star EIT intern turned fully-fledged software developer, Travis focuses on ABCpacker. Having been based both in NZ and his native South Africa, we're lucky to have Travis and his young family bayside again.
Cory Evans
Proving himself in no time, Cory went from EIT intern to software developer overnight. Cory arrives at the office in a Holden SV6, but can also be spotted on two wheels - offsetting his carbon footprint on his mountain bike.
Stella Johnson
Stella has clocked up 13 years of service meeting and greeting visitors, and enjoys remuneration in back scratches and sausage roll crumbs. Outside of the office Stella loves anything really, so long as she's at Bevan’s side.
Our Values
Career Opportunities
She has gathered a diverse bunch of skilled individuals, all passionate about delivering superior solutions.
If you think you have what it takes to work at ABC, we want to hear from you.