Power Farming Launches Southland Joint Venture
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
The honour recognises more than six decades of service to New Zealand agribusiness, the rural sector and local communities.
It acknowledges Maber's pivotal role in transforming a small family-owned machinery dealership into Power Farming Group, one of the largest privately owned agricultural machinery businesses operating across New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
From Family Dealership to International Agribusiness
From joining Maber Motors soon after leaving school in the 1960s, Maber helped steer the company through decades of growth, innovation and expansion.
The big turning point came in the 1970s when Geoff recognised that farm mechanisation in New Zealand was changing rapidly and that importing and distributing agricultural machinery brands at scale could become far bigger than a local dealership business.
Today, Power Farming has grown into a major multinational operation across New Zealand, Australia and the USA, built on strong partnerships, local ownership models, long-term relationships and an unwavering focus on people.
Building Success Through People and Partnerships
Maber says one of the things he is most proud of is the people behind the business and the partnerships that have driven Power Farming’s success.
“Our business has always been about people, partnerships and backing local communities. We’ve built a model that empowers local people to invest in the business, grow alongside us and genuinely share in the success. If our joint venture partners are not succeeding, then we are not succeeding either," he says.
In New Zealand, Power Farming operates approximately 20 outlets, employs around 350 people and is approaching $300 million in annual turnover.
Despite challenging market conditions, the business has experienced strong growth over recent years, driven by its joint venture partners, long-standing relationships, customer support and investment in local teams.
Expanding Across Australia and the United States
The Australian business, established from the ground up more than 25 years ago, has grown into a business of similar scale to New Zealand and today supports more than 200 independent dealers through a nationwide distribution network.
Power Farming entered the US market in 2018 with the world renowned Deutz-Fahr tractors and recently celebrated achieving the milestone of 5,000 tractor sales. The business is now firmly focused on the path toward 10,000 sales by 2030.
Family Legacy Continues
Maber credits much of the company’s success to the strength of the people around him.
“I’ve been fortunate to be supported by outstanding board members, three world-class CEOs across our operations, incredible staff and some of the very best people in the industry.”
Family has also remained at the heart of the business, with Maber’s sons Craig and Brett Maber both holding leadership roles within the company today.
Maber says seeing the business continue into a third generation is one of his proudest achievements.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to have Craig and Brett involved in the business and helping lead the next chapter of Power Farming.”
Honouring the Foundations
Maber also acknowledged the support of his wife Linda, describing her as a constant source of support throughout the journey and someone who has helped bring balance, perspective and strength to a life heavily centred around business and agriculture.
Reflecting on the journey, Maber paid tribute to his father Laurie, describing him as a great teacher, mentor and role model whose values continue to shape the business today.
“This all started with my father Laurie. He was a self-made man, a great teacher and someone who instilled strong values, hard work and integrity into the business. Those values are still deeply embedded in Power Farming today.”
Industry colleagues describe Maber as a passionate, practical and forward-thinking businessman who has consistently stayed ahead of the curve while remaining grounded in the needs of rural communities.
His recognition in the King’s Honours reflects not only the remarkable growth of Power Farming, but also the lasting impact he has had on New Zealand’s rural economy and agricultural sector over more than six decades.
Maber is still very actively involved in all areas of the family business with no plans to retire and says his more than 60-year journey in the industry has been both humbling and immensely rewarding.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in business, it’s that you have to have the energy to win.”
