Otago man wins National Excavator Operator Competition
Otago’s Troy Calteaux won the recent Civil Contractors New Zealand National Excavator Competition
On 17 March, after an intense two-day competition, Otago excavator operator, Troy Calteaux, was named the country’s best excavator operator.
The competition, which was held at the Central Districts Field Days in Fielding, saw operators from around New Zealand battle it out for the prestigious title. Entrants were judged on numerous tasks including using an excavator to peel a watermelon and paint a number.
Troy was representing Otago for the second time in this competition. He has been with Balclutha-based Andrew Haulage 2011 for eight years and manages the forestry roading for Rayonier in the Otago region.
Second place went to Jim Beamsley of Palmerston North, who also received the Humes ‘Good Bastard’ award for having the right attitude, while third place went to defending 2017 and 2016 champion Steve Galbraith of Napier. The ‘One Day Job’ award went to Dan Mepham, also of Napier.
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