Brendon Ferguson Represents Southland at National Excavator Operator Competition

Brendon Ferguson, a skilled excavator operator from Invercargill, was getting ready to compete in the Civil Contractors NZ CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition for the third time. With over 20 years of experience in his field, Brendon was confident in his abilities and hoped to secure one of the top spots.

The competition, which took place at Manfeild Park in Feilding during the Central Districts Field Days, was a high-stakes event where the defending champion and 12 regional winners maneuvered their 13-tonne Hitachi excavators through a series of challenges. From traditional tasks such as trenching and operating around underground services to more unusual tests of skill like pouring the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea, the competitors had to showcase their exceptional skills.

Among the participants was Dan Mepham, the winner of the Hawke’s Bay’s Regional Excavator Operator Competition, who had been hard at work building stop banks alongside the Tutaikuri River in Taradale after Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region.

Defending champion Troy Calteaux from Andrew Haulage 2011 Ltd in Otago was aiming for his third national title at the event, but the competition was tough, and the unknown challenges made it a mental challenge.

CCNZ Chief Executive Alan Pollard emphasized that the competition was not only about celebrating the exceptional skills of New Zealand’s top excavator operators but also inspiring the next generation to enter the industry. He highlighted the critical role excavator operators play in nearly all of the country’s biggest projects, from transforming the terrain for roading and water projects to building stop banks to defend against flooding.

The event also featured an EPIC Careers Hub, where job seekers could learn about and apply for civil infrastructure construction jobs. With more demand than ever for civil construction workers, Pollard emphasized that there had never been a better time to enter the industry and make a real difference to communities in need.

Despite a break last year due to Covid-19, the captivating event was still going strong, and the competition continued to showcase the skills and talents of New Zealand’s elite excavator operators.