Meet Rich: Canyon’s New North Island Rep

Say hello to Rich - our new North Island Sales Rep and your go-to guy for all things Canyon up north.

Born in Napier, raised in West Auckland, and seasoned by the London beer scene, Rich brings nearly 15 years of beer-slinging, sales-talking, lager-loving experience to the team. He’s the kind of guy who’ll walk into a room with a chilled Canyon Gold and leave with a few new mates and a fresh tap line installed.

From beach bars to back bars, Rich knows his way around a good venue, and even better beer. Keep an eye out for him (and his dangerously persuasive sample case) in a city near you.

Q&A with Rich:

1. Tell us a little about you.
   Born in Napier, grew up in West Auckland. I got into the industry while living in London—was working in a health and safety role, but needed a change. Someone told me I’d be good at sales, so I gave it a crack. Saw a job ad for a beer I liked, landed the gig, and haven’t looked back. Nearly 15 years deep in the beer game now.
   
2. First beer you ever loved?
   
   Doom Bar by Sharp’s Brewery in Cornwall, UK.
   
   
3. Your personality as a Canyon beer and why?
   Definitely a blend. Canyon Gold for the classic charm, Vacation for laid-back good vibes, and a splash of Wild Thing when it’s time to let loose. Basically, the beer equivalent of a good time (with a twist).
   
   
4. What’s your pitch in one sentence?
   Part beer slinger, part hype machine — I show up with the goods, the charm, and a dangerously persuasive sample case.
   
5. Best spot in the North Island for a cold one?
   So hard to name just one, but Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu in the Coromandel would have to be right up there. Awesome beach bar vibes, great pizzas and live music throughout the summer.
   
   
6. How do you spot a good venue for Canyon beer?
   A place with good vibes, great food and a passion for promoting quality beers.
   
   
7. Describe your job in three beers.
   IPA – Always hopping into new opportunities with bold energy.
   Lager – Staying cool and crisp while keeping customers satisfied.
   Stout – Standing tall and strong when the going gets tough.
   
   
8. You’ve got a sales meeting and one beer to take—what are you bringing?
   Canyon Gold for sure. I’m a big lager fan and this is a great example of a clean, easy-going everyday lager. Plus the fact that it’s made with our own home grown barley, really shows our commitment to sustainability and a point of difference from other breweries.
   
   
9. What excites you most about joining the Canyon team?
   To join a young and vibrant team that is quickly making waves and to have the opportunity to put my stamp on things here in the North Island.
   

Drop Rich a line at rich@canyonbrewing.co.nz and say g'day!