Canterbury Farmer Builds on 160 Years of Dairy Legacy
Gareth Hale is the current custodian of a 160-year legacy that saw his great grandfather dairying in Taranaki since the mid-1850s and grandfather dairying in the Waikato from the early 1900s.
The awards, now in their third year, were established to acknowledge the important contribution John Deere technicians make to the New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries and to applaud excellence in the provision of service and support to customers.
John Deere ANZ managing director Luke Chandler says there are more than 100 award nominations from 62 dealerships across New Zealand and Australia.
“Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology and advanced problem-solving skills. Becoming a finalist in the annual awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication our technicians inject into their roles."
Seven titles will be awarded across five categories, including individual country awards for both the Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year and Parts Technician of the Year. One award winner from either New Zealand or Australia will be announced as the Service Apprentice of the Year, Parts Apprentice of the Year and the Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year.
The NZ finalists come from a wide range of backgrounds, such as last year’s NZ Technician of the Year winner Greg Bishop, based at Otago Farm Machinery in Mosgiel. He has spent a life in agriculture – including dairy farming and tractor driving in the region’s high country.
Likewise, Bryce Dickson from Brandt, Whangarei, claims to be a self-confessed “petrol head”. He started his working life in the automotive industry but changed paths to agriculture at the start of the global financial crisis. His technical skills and outstanding customer service saw him awarded the inaugural recipient of John Deere’s Technician of the Year award in 2021.
Mollie Clarke, of Brandt, Gisborne, is chasing the Parts Technician of the Year Award. She has deep roots in the agricultural industry, having grown up on her family’s farm. After leaving school, Clarke stumbled upon a parts technician position at her local John Deere dealership and, after her first few days at work, says she knew she had found the industry she wanted to not only be part of, but to excel in.
John Deere ANZ director of aftermarket and customer support Emma Ford says this year’s NZ finalists include a wide range of contestants.
“This includes a mature age apprentice who has transferred from parts to a career as a service technician, a young technician whose mentor helped forge his path, and a female rugby player who grew up on dairy farm.”
The finalists will travel to JD’s Australian headquarters in Brisbane later this month for a second round of judging, where they will be tested on their ability to perform hands-on tasks and troubleshoot technical issues, followed by an awards gala evening.
