Nine of NZ's top John Deere technicians have been selected as finalists in the fourth John Deere Technician of the Year Awards
Established in 2021, these awards recognise and celebrate the essential role technicians play in keeping the brand’s customers operating to support New Zealand’s agricultural, construction, and forestry industries.
The finalists will travel to Brisbane in early September for a final round of judging where they will be tested on their ability to perform hands-on diagnostics and troubleshoot and solve technical issues.
“Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology and advanced problem-solving skills to support customers’ operations, helping them to increase uptime, enhance productivity and promote sustainable practices across their business,” says John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director, Luke Chandler.
“We look forward to welcoming the finalists to our headquarters at Crestmead, where their diagnostic and problem-solving skills will be put to the test in a series of complex real-life scenarios.”
“All the finalists should be extremely proud that their dedication, hard work and commitment to excellent customer service was recognised by their dealerships, and congratulated on passing the first round of internal judging.
“We look forward to welcoming the finalists to our headquarters at Crestmead, where their diagnostic and problem-solving skills will be put to the test in a series of complex real-life scenarios.”
The nine New Zealand finalists include a returning winner, a returning finalist, and seven new entrants.
“Some have come from traditional farming backgrounds and always had an interest in pursuing a career in agriculture or heavy machinery, whereas other finalists have made this career choice later in life,” says John Deere Australia and New Zealand director of aftermath and customer support, Emma Ford.
“Regardless of their pathway to their current role, they are all deeply committed to delivering exceptional service for customers, and to making the most of all the opportunities they have to grow their career and excel in their field.”
The Award winners will be announced at the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards event on 5 September 2024.
2024 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards New Zealand finalists
Agriculture & Turf Service Technician of the Year (will compete for a New Zealand-only Award)
- Bryce Dickson, Brandt, Whangarei, North Island
- Marcus Vine, Brandt, Feilding, North Island
Parts Technician of the Year (will compete for a New Zealand-only Award)
- Mollie Clarke, Brandt, Gisborne, North Island
- Abigail Mann, Drummond & Etheridge, Nelson, South Island
- Daniel Stoneley, Brandt, Masterson, North Island
Construction & Forestry Technician of the Year (will compete for a New Zealand-only Award)
- Liam Gee, Drummond & Etheridge, Blenheim, South Island
- Alvin Gounder, Brandt, Whangarei, North Island
Service Apprentice of the Year (will compete against five Australian finalists for a combined Australian/New Zealand Award)
- Deon Joubert, Drummond & Etheridge, Nelson, South Island
- Matthew O’Rorke, Brandt, Stratford, North Island