The inaugural RCNZ Trainee Contractor of the Year awards have been won by Mat Peart from Sims Contractors and Josh Chittock from Oxford Agricultural Services
The awards were segmented to recognise excellence in contracting in both the North and South Islands.
Both winners, chosen from eight finalists, receive a trophy to keep and a training bursary of $3000 to be used to advance their careers.
 |
|
Mat Peart from Sims Contractors
|
Mat Peart says he was quite nervous going into the Zoom call where the judging took place but was soon put at ease by the judges: Peter Ettema, MPI’s director of regional economic development; Kyle Baxter, Norwood’s professional lead tractors and machinery and president of TAMA (Tractor and Machinery Association); and Emily Hawker, HR and H&S manager, Waipounamu Contracting in Southland.
“The judges helped heaps to just make it more of a casual conversation than me talking to a panel of judges,” says Mat. “I loved every minute of it.”
Josh Chittock says being a finalist allowed him to extend himself and his interview skills.
 |
|
Josh Chittock, RCNZ trainee awards winner
|
“It also made me realise the opportunities in the contracting sector are endless. The Hanzon app is a great way of recording all your skills in one place for future personal development. Get among it!”
Andrew Olsen, CEO of Rural Contractors NZ, says the awards could not have come together without the support of the judges and MPI, which provided sponsorship.
“We also acknowledge the fundamental role of the HanzonJobs programme, which allowed trainees to record all the work they were doing, and RCNZ members, who supported the programme and the need to get young Kiwis into the industry.”
Find new and used farm machinery for sale in NZ