Breaking Ground

Stories of the people and machines shaping New Zealand

"We talk to Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge about the Crusaders culture, partnerships, business synergies, and what makes them so successful as an organisation. And with the Super Rugby Pacific season underway we discuss some rugby of course.

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Stories of the people and machines shaping New Zealand

This month we get to know new Terra Cat CEO Chris Heaton. Chris first joined the dealership as a 15-year apprentice in Nelson, then rejoined us in 2018 after gaining 20 years’ experience in Caterpillar dealerships across the globe. Chris took over as CEO and Managing Director of Terra Cat in July and shares a few stories from all his years in the industry.

We've wanted to feature Murray Francis on our podcast since we started. He is the Managing Director of Road Metals Co Ltd and a South Island icon, with Road Metals being a longstanding Terra customer with a long history of operating Cat wheel loaders. Murray has been involved in many major projects from New Zealand history, including the Clyde Dam, and shares stories from the years gone by. Part 2 of 2.

We've wanted to feature Murray Francis on our podcast since we started. He is the Managing Director of Road Metals Co Ltd and a South Island icon, with Road Metals being a longstanding Terra customer with a long history of operating Cat wheel loaders. Murray has been involved in many major projects from New Zealand history, including the Clyde Dam, and shares stories from the years gone by. Part 1 of 2

This month we meet Ian Pendle, Asset Operations Manager at Terra Cat. We talk about the Terra Analytical laboratory celebrating 50 years of supporting industry, how the lab has grown to become the major equipment fluid test facility in New Zealand, and how it helps customers keep their equipment productive.

We catch up with Taupo-based Ron Thomassen who has been involved in the forestry industry since the early 1980s. He established Thomassen Logging in 2003 and has grown the business to be one of the largest forestry contractors in the country.

In the first episode for the year, we talk to Stuart Thornley, GM Product Support at Terra Cat. We discuss what machine owners and operators should consider for 2023 when it comes to servicing and supporting their equipment.

Bill Hurlstone is a very well-known figure in the New Zealand contracting industry. From his early beginnings as an apprentice mechanic in the late 1950s, to having Hurlstone Earthmoving acknowledged as having the largest Cat fleet in New Zealand, Bill has seen a lot in his time