Feature: Tractor collector Paul Devcich

Collectors of ag machinery are most often true rural characters and Matamata farmer Paul Devcich is no exception to the rule

Sometimes in life, there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing. For Paul Devcich, who has lived on his Matamata farm for 45 years with wife Robyn, there’s a solid sense of pride in his extensive vintage John Deere collection – and justifiably so.

Paul’s love for John Deere started with a John Deere 40 Series that was passed down from his father Steve, who came to Walton in 1913 and farmed there for 37 years.

This remains Paul’s most treasured tractor and he has won several ploughing competitions with it.

“It means so much more to me – my love for John Deere was with my father and from there I’ve grown with John Deere.”

The love and care that Paul has poured into his collection is evident in every facet of his collection: all presented in immaculate, shiny condition, with each machine’s history and information carefully written out onto laminated card.

Much of the collection has been refurbished and rescued from being destroyed, with Paul doing most of the hard work himself, alongside running his dairy farm. Currently being refurbished is a 105-year-old grader, originally from Gisborne, its wheels beautifully rebuilt from macrocarpa wood and a fresh new coat of paint.

Paul doesn’t just have machinery.
His collection also includes many
different items, such as his vintage John Deere money bank and the only John Deere 150-year anniversary plaque in
New Zealand.

He has also been a part of the Waikato Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club for the past 25 years, around when he began his collection.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the tractor club,” says Paul who has driven his tractors right up north and down to Wellington on trips with the tractor club, often pulling his caravan behind him.

“Those were great days.”

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