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.
Dickson took home the trophy in the New Zealand Agriculture & Turf Service Technician Award category.
He says he was thrilled and surprised to win again at the fifth annual awards program.
“Every time it’s a different experience,” Dickson says.
“It’s really mind blowing and exciting, and I love it. It’s a great competition to be involved in.
“One of my colleagues from Brandt in Australia has won two times back-to-back, and, to come here and be able to win it three times, you know, that's a good title to have.”
It’s a significant achievement for someone whose high school career advisor said he wouldn’t succeed as a mechanic. Fortunately, Bryce ignored that advice and worked in the automotive industry before transitioning to ag machinery during the global financial crisis.
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While he wishes he had started in the agriculture industry straight from school, his commitment to continuous learning, keeping up with the latest technologies and his contact with customers is what makes him standout as an excellent technician.
“Getting out in the field and working on machines interacting with customers is much better than being stuck in a workshop,” he said.
“We’ve now got integrated displays and autonomy is coming out now. It's awesome to see and learn about and, and I really love it when the new tech comes out.
“It’s just learning about it that keeps you interested and focused.”
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, said the annual awards program was an important recognition of technicians’ skills and their vital contribution in the industries they serve.
“Once again, Bryce has shown exceptional technical knowledge, customer focus and ability to solve problems under pressure,” Mr Chandler said.
“He’s keeping our customers moving every day and it’s fantastic to see his talent and hard work acknowledged.
“I also want to recognise the New Zealand finalists who competed this week across several categories. The finals process is rigorous and designed to test even the most experienced technicians.”
“To reach the finals is a huge achievement and speaks volumes about the capability and commitment of each participant.”
