With Caterpillar celebrating 100 years in 2025, this edition of our digital magazine takes a look at some of the big moments that shaped our year. You’ll get to read about our progress rebuilding OceanaGold’s 789 fleet, how KiwiRail is shaping a new era of rail, and Keith Bullock Contracting’s 65-year milestone. We also spotlight some standout achievements by Terra Cat team members, showcase the Weiler S340 skidder, and much more!
SUMMER 2025/2026
WHAT’S INSIDE
TERRA TECH BRENTON AMONG WORLD'S BEST Page 3
BULLOCKS' CAT MILESTONE Page 4-5
A NEW ERA FOR RAIL Page 12-13
NEW WEILER S340 WHEEL SKIDDER Page 16
CEO REPORT
TERRA’S BRENTON PAGE HEADING TO GLOBAL DEALER TECHNICIAN CHALLENGE GRAND FINAL
Tauranga lead hand Brenton Page is officially one of the best Caterpillar technicians on the planet after qualifying for the grand final of Cat’s Global Dealer Technician Challenge in the States next March. In November the 36-year-old pitted his skills against 10 of the best techs from Africa, Asia and Australasia in the semi-finals at Málaga, Spain, finishing an impressive fourth against some fierce competition. “It was full-on and the old brain was pretty tired by the end,” says Brenton. “We had to be switched-on for four full days, trying to solve each of the challenges they threw at us.” “Caterpillar did a really good job setting up the stations, where there’d be faults on top of faults. So you’d fix one issue, only to discover another one, then another one,” he recalls. “I don’t think anyone was able to completely resolve a challenge before it was time to move on to the next station." As for qualifying for the grand final, Brenton says he was shocked when his name was called out. “I couldn’t believe it, to be honest,” he says. “Of course the goal was to finish in the top five, but we were up against the best from half the world.” The top five from the two semis progress to the final in Las Vegas next year, with the winners announced at CONEXPO.
more new models still coming. The one release that stood out for me this year is the 982 XE wheel loader that delivers a 45 per cent reduction in fuel burn and therefore dramatically reduces CO 2 emissions. Another big milestone this year was the move to, and opening of, our new Christchurch premises. The all-new parts and service branch, state- of-the-art Terra Analytical laboratory and new support office building have been a significant commitment, and one that demonstrates Sime’s dedication to the New Zealand market. Last but certainly not least, 2025 has seen us make some huge improvements in our health and safety performance. We’ve placed significant emphasis on our safety culture this calendar year, and this has helped reduce workplace injuries by more than 65 per cent and seen our TRIFR (total recorded injury frequency rate) drop to one of the lowest in the Sime group of businesses. The Terra team has faced a lot of challenges this year and we’ll continue to work hard every day to stay safe and deliver great outcomes for our customers; I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their commitment in 2025. Have a safe and enjoyable summer break, and I look forward to working closely with you all again in 2026.
I’m sure many of you will feel that 2025 has been a challenging year and the upcoming summer holiday break has been especially hard-earned. This has certainly been the case for Terra Cat, but it feels like the worst of the economic downturn is behind us – now it’s not a matter of ‘when’, but ‘how quickly’ activity levels will return to a relatively normal state. 2025 has also been a year of significant change for our business, as we moved to a new operating model to improve the efficiency of the business. While many elements of these changes have played out well and have improved our way of working behind the scenes, we’re very aware there are aspects that haven’t quite hit the mark. We have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to improving our communication with our customers and streamlining our processes when you’re dealing with us for parts and service. We’re working hard to get this right; our absolute aim is to be easier to deal with, so we’re working with urgency to improve the areas where we are currently falling short of our customers’ expectations. There have also been some real highlights for the business over the past year that are worth sharing. 2025 marked Caterpillar’s centenary anniversary, and to celebrate 100 years of Caterpillar at the final – and largest ever – Wheels at Wa - naka event was a real thrill. We also delivered some large, complex electric power projects this year, which have set us up well to compete for further large projects in the future. At the same time, we’ve seen Caterpillar release some outstanding new products in 2025, with
“We couldn’t be prouder or more excited for Brenton,” says Terra Cat CEO Chris Heaton. “This is a huge achievement, not only for him, but for Terra Cat as a whole. We pride ourselves on training and developing world-class technicians who are skilled, customer-focused, adaptable, and able to solve issues quickly and effectively. Brenton’s a testament to that, and a great representative of the quality of technicians we have working for us.” For Brenton, the opportunity to make the grand final is rewarding enough, and he’s got no expectations heading to the States. “Even qualifying for the finals feels like I’ve succeeded. It’s not really something you can practice and prepare for, as I don’t know what the challenges will be. I’ve got no goals for Vegas and I’m just going to enjoy the experience.” Australasian techs smashed
it at the Spain semi-final, claiming three of the top four places. Leon Archibald from WesTrac won the competition, while Rhys
Bishop from Hastings Deering placed third.
Chris Heaton CEO & Managing Director
Click here to learn more about Brenton's challenge.
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KEITH BULLOCK CONTRACTING MARKS A MILESTONE WITH CAT
The earth of the Greater Wellington region holds the history of Keith Bullock Contracting, a multi-generational business that has shaped the landscape for over 65 years.
measurement – you’re not having to rely on years of experience chasing pegs and lasers.” Mark says Cat software like VisionLink has also proven to be a must-have. “We use VisionLink to track all the machines in our fleet – from anywhere in the country, and straight off our phones. With that we get fuel burn, hours used, service codes and more coming straight through to us. A major advantage of that is we can monitor in real time where our machines are, what they’re doing and how they’re performing.” “It’s been exciting to add the D6 XE to the fleet,” says Mark. “Being the only centennial dozer in New Zealand, sort of marking 65 years of Bullocks and obviously, 100 years of Caterpillar, it’s awesome having that in our fleet.” “We’re proud of the 65-year relationship we’ve had with Caterpillar and with Terra Cat, and we’re looking forward to continuing that relationship into the future.”
improve productivity and efficiency. That started in 1960 with Keith and the D4 that started the company,” says Terra Cat industry manager Tim O’Meara. The D6 XE represents the Next Generation of dozing technology. The world’s first high drive electric drive dozer, there are no gears to shift, so operators experience constant power to the ground, greater agility and faster cycle times. Its advanced systems deliver up to 35 per cent greater fuel efficiency than its predecessors while reducing CO 2 emissions by up to 20 per cent. The dozer is also engineered to lower service and maintenance costs, with updated components, a simplified design, and fewer scheduled maintenance tasks. “Paired with Cat Assist technology and factory- integrated Cat Grade with 3D, the D6 XE can deliver a 45 per cent increase in productivity,” says Tim. It’s a future-focused investment for the near-fourth generation family business that is always looking to stay at the forefront of technology. “Today, we’re running full GPS on every single bit of plant we have,” says Mark. “It means you can put anyone in an excavator and trim to an exact
It all began in 1960, when Keith Bullock purchased his first machine – a Cat D4 7U track-type tractor. That D4, which clocked more than 30,000 hours on local farm work and roading projects, has been carefully restored and now holds pride of place in their Porirua yard. The work they undertake looks a bit different these days. The team delivers a wide range of general contracting services across Greater Wellington and beyond, from large-scale subdivisions, roading, and landfill maintenance to detailed landscaping and local council projects. Carried forward by Keith and Betty’s son Glenn and wife Linda, before their sons Mark and Dean took the reins, Cat machines have remained a constant for Bullocks. “Over the years it’s just gotten bigger,” says Mark. “Today we run 25 to 30 items of Cat plant, ranging from 50 tonne diggers right down to 1.5 tonne diggers and everything that goes with them.”
“The reason why we love Cat – it’s the product itself. The machines, from excavators right through to the dump trucks all perform above their weight class. And the product support is the next step. The backup we get from Terra Cat is second to none.” Fittingly, Bullocks is now marking its 65-year milestone in much the same way the business began – with a new Cat dozer. This D6 XE, finished in a limited-edition ‘Centennial Grey’ paint scheme, is one of just 60 worldwide. It’s also the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Celebrating Caterpillar’s 100-year anniversary in 2025, the custom colour is a nod to the battleship grey worn by the very first Cat machines. Each model also features special markings denoting the centennial milestone and a commemorative interior plate. But it wasn’t only about the paint. “Bullocks has always been an early adopter of the latest Caterpillar products and technologies that
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TERRA NEARS HALFWAY MARK OF HUGE 789 CONVERSION TASK Terra Cat technicians are almost halfway through the mammoth job of rebuilding this round of OceanaGold’s mining trucks and converting them from 789Cs to the more fuel efficient 789Ds.
WORK UNDER WAY TO REVAMP PUBLIC SPACES AT TERRA SERVICE CENTRES
The first of the huge machines was delivered back to Macraes Mine in August, with the third leaving the Christchurch branch at the end of November. Terra’s 789 rebuild project manager, James Westerman, said the entire rebuild process – from receiving the trucks to putting them back on the road – has gone smoothly since approvals were confirmed in March. “It’s been a real team effort,” he says. “We have eight techs, two apprentices, two welders, one part-time welder, a leading hand, service advisor and a project manager all working on this project, and we’ve been able to turn them around ahead of schedule.” “The great cross-team collaboration between the project, parts, distribution, and the Component Rebuild Centre all contributed to the success of the first three rebuilds. It really has been a ‘win together’ project.” Terra Cat has a fourth 789 under rebuild currently, with more expected next year. OceanaGold Macraes Operation General Manager, James Isles, said choosing to rebuild the trucks rather than purchase new machinery was a “no-brainer”. “Rebuilding these hard-working trucks with Terra Cat rather than buying new machines from Australia or the US not only saves us over $1.5 million, but it also helps to keep heavy machinery expertise and jobs here in New Zealand,” Mr Isles said. “It’s a smart decision for our regional and national economy, for our communities, and for sustainability.” As part of the rebuild, Terra is converting the trucks from 789C powertrains to 789D powertrains to improve the uniformity of OGL’s fleet and improve fuel efficiency.
In the South Island, our Dunedin branch has been listed for lease, but Terra Cat CEO Chris Heaton says Terra has no intention of leaving the city. “The Teviot Street site currently houses both Terra Cat and TWL, and the aim is to relocate to two separate fit-for-purpose sites within Dunedin,” he says. “We’re gauging if there is any interest in the market to take over the lease, so we can then relocate elsewhere if required. Regardless of the outcome, our Dunedin team will continue to be available to deliver the high-quality service you expect from Terra Cat.” In Palmerston North, the landowner of the Terra Cat property has listed the site for sale. However, this has no implications for our operations as Terra will continue to hold the lease for the foreseeable future. “We’re proud of the strategically placed presence that Terra Cat has across the country so that we can best support our customers,” says Mr Heaton. “We remain committed to maintaining our presence in each location and providing our customers with the high quality customer experience that they expect and deserve.”
Over the coming months the lobbies of all Terra Cat’s service centres will be refurbished to make them more appealing when people visit. Terra's Napier service centre (pictured) was the first cab off the rank to receive an upgrade, and it’s expected that all locations will have their facelifts completed by the end of March. At the same time, Terra’s Auckland branch at Wiri is currently undergoing a large renovation project to improve both the public area and staff workspaces. The extent of the work means all staff except parts, distribution and service have temporarily relocated off-site, as contractors make a raft of upgrades to the office, showroom, lunchroom and toilets. This project will also be completed by the end of February. Terra Cat is currently undertaking a project to ensure all its locations around the country are welcoming for customers.
Initially, each of the trucks arrived in a different state for rebuild. For the first two trucks, many parts had already been removed and used on OceanaGold's production fleet. “There was no engine in the first rebuild. As part of the work, the chassis was fully stripped and crack- tested, and the torque tube was replaced, the front of the frame was extended to convert the truck from a 789C cooling package to 789D,” Mr Westerman said. The second truck arrived with an engine, which was replaced as part of the rebuild and conversion, and was returned to Macraes in its reconditioned state at the end of September. The third and fourth machines arrived as fully running and driving trucks making the process much easier to manage. Truck four is expected to be returned to site at the end of January. Underpinning these rebuilds is Terra Cat's relationship with OceanaGold. It takes a strong partnership with trust and common goals to make a project of this scale successful.
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CAT OPERATOR MARK MORLEY TAKES ON THE WORLD’S BEST IN JAPAN MBD Contracting’s Mark Morley has wrapped up a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” competing at the Asia-Pacific round of the Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge in Japan.
“To even get to that stage of the global competition is pretty mind-blowing. It was a wicked experience; I’m really grateful to Terra Cat for being so supportive and for providing this opportunity. It’s something I’ll never forget.” Local Japanese operator Norio Miyajima (NCD Japan) won the Asia-Pacific round, and he’ll be joined by Shane Poole (Hastings Deering) and Tim Lamb (WesTrac) at the grand final at CONEXPO in Las Vegas in March.
Across the challenges, competitors were judged on consistency, accuracy, safety and speed, but in hindsight, Mark says he sacrificed speed by focusing on making sure he’d done a good job. “In the real world, you always focus on doing the best job possible, otherwise you’re coming back the next day to fix it,” he explains. “Looking back on it, this is a competition where you had to balance all four factors. I would’ve got a better score if I’d completed each of the challenges quicker, at the expense of doing the job perfectly.” Despite missing out on qualifying for the world finals in Las Vegas, Mark says he’s proud of the job he did.
The Greymouth-based contractor pitted his skills against 19 of the best operators from Asia and Australasia across a range of demanding challenges in dozers, wheel loaders and excavators, ultimately finishing seventh. “I absolutely loved the opportunity to get involved with the competition this year, and it was definitely a step up from the Wheels at Wa- naka competition where I’d qualified for Japan,” Mark reflects. “It was a bit overwhelming at the start with so many people and lots of cameras chasing us around, but spending time with the Terra Cat team, and getting an idea of the machines we’d be using helped settle the nerves. That allowed me to concentrate on the job at hand.”
Click to learn more about Mark's Challenge.
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CUSTOMER STORIES 100 YEARS OF CATERPILLAR
His path to an apprenticeship started in 2021, when he completed his pre-trade at UCOL in light automotive engineering. By April that year, he’d secured some work experience at Terra. “I did it for pretty much the whole year, right through to the recruitment process for the apprenticeship. It all kind of just fell into place,” Jaxon says. “I loved working with the guys there, and I guess I did something right because they ended up offering me the apprenticeship. It’s been awesome.” Terra Cat technical training manager Dylan Cairns says all three technicians showed impressive skill and dedication throughout this year’s competition. “Watching Jaxon grow from his first day doing work experience to where he is now has been rewarding. His first day was spent with me out in my old service ute, so it feels only fitting I was there throughout his transformation from apprentice to technician and ultimately onto Terra’s top apprentice. He’s got a great career ahead of him.” Now a qualified heavy diesel technician at our Palmerston North Branch, Jaxon’s looking forward to prepping for the Melbourne competition. “It’ll be pretty crazy, to be completely honest. Just to think that a Palmy North tech gets to go over there and take on the fellas from across Australasia. It’s a pretty cool feeling.” JAXON BAGRIE IS TERRA CAT’S TOP APPRENTICE
As Caterpillar celebrates 100 years, we honour the people who’ve made it possible. Your trust in Caterpillar and Terra Cat drives us to keep innovating, improving, and delivering machines and solutions that meet the demands of your work. Your partnership is the foundation of our success, and we’re proud to stand with you as we take on the next 100 years.
WINSTONE AGGREGATES NZ
Palmerston North’s Jaxon Bagrie has taken home the title of Terra’s Top Apprentice for 2025. This year’s internal top apprentice competition was one of the closest yet, with Jaxon facing off against Auckland’s Josh Partridge and Dunedin-based Blain Mann for a spot at the Asia-Pacific finals in Melbourne in 2026. “I’m really glad I decided to have a crack at it,” says Jaxon. “I wasn’t even expecting to make the final three, so just to be competing felt like a huge achievement already. It was even more of a shock to win the thing.” The technicians were first tested on their public speaking, delivering short presentations to a panel of assessors before tackling the practical stations. “Diagnosing an engine knock without Electronic Technician (ET) was a decent challenge. You were being tested purely on what you knew about engines, no technology. And working on the turbocharger, it was a good chance to go through the reuse and salvage guidelines.” “The presentation though... I thought my run was over from the moment I started,” he laughs. “But it turned out to be a good experience and we got some useful feedback.” Having wrapped up his apprenticeship in September 2025, Jaxon said he went into the competition hoping to hone his skills further. “The main takeaway for me was really just how important it is to take your time, and to always keep taking in all the knowledge you can. I know I’ve definitely still got a hell of a lot to learn,” he says. “But that’s all good. There are a lot of really experienced guys at Terra, and that’s because they’re still learning to this day.” A Levin local, Jaxon says that growing up surrounded by earthmoving machines made this career path an easy decision. Choosing Terra Cat was similarly simple. “Every Cat machine I’d either operated or worked on – it was just fantastic. And then doing a bit of research and talking to people, I was told you don’t get the level of training anywhere else like you get it here.”
View the video here.
Winstone Aggregates has come a long way in 160 years. Originally running operations with horse and cart, they now produce roading products, concrete and asphalt while operating over 30 pieces of Cat equipment. Quarry Supervisor Whio Hutchinson and his team have been busy completing projects like the Waterview Tunnel, the Eastern Busway Alliance and a new airport runway. And with help from the Terra Cat team and technology like VisionLink, there isn’t a job they can’t do.
SUMMIT CIVIL & MAUNGATUA CONTRACTING
View the video here.
For Blair and Kane Duncan, earthmoving is in their blood. Growing up in the family construction business, they were just 14 when they first sat in a Cat machine. Founded by their grandfather in 1958, Maungatua Contracting has been building communities across Otago for over 65 years. In the 1970s, their father took over the company, shifting its focus toward civil construction and larger projects. Today, Maungatua remains family-owned, with Kane serving as general manager and Blair as the owner of Summit Civil. While Cat machines remain the pick of the machinery with their heated seats in Otago’s winters, it’s Trimble GPS, VisionLink, and support from the Terra team that help the Duncan brothers get the job done.
Find more Caterpillar customer stories here.
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KIWIRAIL’S DM CLASS LOCOMOTIVES: A NEW ERA FOR RAIL
EXTRA NEWS SPOTLIGHT
ENGINE AUDIT TESTING COMPLETED FOR PLASSER AUSTRALIA Terra Cat played a key role in completing engine audit testing for Plasser Australia, marking a major milestone in the commissioning of the first of four new Cat C13B- powered Plasser track maintenance regulator units. As the official supplier of the Cat C13B engine, Terra partnered with Energy Power Systems Australia (EPSA) to provide onsite technical expertise and specialised testing equipment. This collaborative effort was essential in securing final engine installation signoff, a critical step in the rollout of these advanced maintenance machines.
KiwiRail has recently celebrated the arrival of two additional DM class locomotives at Lyttelton Port, doubling the South Island fleet from two to four. Manufactured by Swiss rollingstock company Stadler at its Valencia, Spain facility, these locomotives are part of a major order of 66 units. Over the coming years, 47 will be deployed across the South Island and 19 in the North Island, strengthening KiwiRail’s network nationwide.
Rail account manager Brett Congalton said the project
At the heart of each locomotive is the Cat C175-16 diesel engine, engineered for strength, efficiency, and sustainability. Delivering 3,000 kW (4,023 hp) at 1,800 rpm, the C175-16 provides the kind of muscle needed to haul heavier loads and tackle New Zealand’s demanding terrain. Its broad operating speed range and high-power density mean fewer locomotives are required per train, giving KiwiRail greater reliability and flexibility in its operations. These engines are not just about raw power. They meet the stringent EU Stage V emissions standards, ensuring significantly lower exhaust emissions than the ageing DX fleet they're replacing. Combined with idle-reduction technology and an auto engine start stop (AESS) system, the locomotives conserve fuel whenever they're not in motion. A Driver Energy Reduction and Advisory System further enhance efficiency by guiding operators to achieve optimal energy performance. Together, these features make the DM locomotives both cleaner and smarter, setting a new benchmark for sustainable rail transport in New Zealand. For KiwiRail, the new locos will significantly improve efficiency. Not only do they have a cab at each end,
reducing some of the need to run two locos on freight trains, but they also have modern traction control, to better use the more powerful high-speed engine. Rail already produces approximately 70 per cent fewer emissions per tonne carried compared to heavy road freight, and KiwiRail expects the new DM locomotives to cut South Island fleet emissions by a further 20 to 25 per cent. For customers, this means more reliable freight services. For New Zealand it represents a significant step toward climate goals. The DM locomotives may be the face of KiwiRail’s future, but it is the Cat C175-16 diesel engine that provides the muscle, efficiency, and sustainability to carry the railway into a new era. Terra Cat is proud to support KiwiRail in the rollout of the new DM class locomotives, providing comprehensive technical expertise, warranty services, and parts support to ensure a seamless and successful introduction.
highlighted seamless teamwork between Terra Cat, EPSA, Plasser Australia, and KiwiRail. Testing was completed two days ahead of schedule, thanks to the dedication of all involved.
Photos: Glen Anthony
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MEET THE APPRENTICE CLASS OF 2025 From left to right: Ryan Walker, Jett Taylor, Angus Fleming, Toby Huston and Dominic Holmes.
ANGUS FLEMING – DUNEDIN Why an apprenticeship? I did some work experience with Terra Cat last year, and the first time I jumped on a bit of machinery I was like, ‘this is where I want to be’. Two years later here I am, starting my apprenticeship with Terra Cat. I’m stoked. Why Terra? I want to stay at Terra Cat and achieve Caterpillar’s standard as a qualified technician, then explore more opportunities within the company to expand my knowledge. First impressions? It’s been really good so far. We’ve learnt a lot and there’s plenty more to come, I’m sure. There’s been a lot of information given to us over the first week, but I’m excited to be part of the team. Hobbies? I have a 4WD and like to get out driving with my mates, a bit of camping and spending time with my family and my dogs. TOBY HUSTON – ROTORUA Why an apprenticeship? Just the wide variety of things you get to learn. You’ve got these machines that can take you anywhere in the world if you’re trained on them. And there’s such a huge range of Cat machines, and each of them has their own unique things to learn about. Why Terra? I feel like Terra Cat is pretty much the industry standard in the heavy machinery world. So where better to be learning than from the best. How’s the first week been? Oh, it’s been awesome. There are heaps of friendly faces; everyone’s just been super cool, super knowledgeable, and there’s heaps to learn.
TERRA CAT’S NEW INTAKE OF APPRENTICES HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING! The group of five from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Nelson and Dunedin is the first intake in 18 months for the business. As well as learning the ropes at their home service centre, they’ll also benefit from Terra’s continued partnership with Hastings Deering to provide hands-on training in Brisbane at different times through their apprenticeship.
Why this industry? I had a little yellow bulldozer like every other kid. I guess it started there. And then just growing up loving to fix stuff, it sort of just snowballed from there. Hobbies? Everything from mountain biking to skiing and surfing... anything that gets me outside really. DOMINIC HOLMES – AUCKLAND Why an apprenticeship? I’ve never really been much of a classroom person, and an apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn in a hands-on, practical way. Why Terra? When you think of an apprenticeship and heavy diesel, Cat is what you first think of. And when I went in for work experience in Auckland, I just knew this was the right place to be. The people around me, everyone was so nice. First impressions? It’s been quite interesting just to hear about all the stuff we will be learning over the next few years. And it’s a good group, everything about it has been good so far. We’re here to get the qualification, but also to get to know and learn from the people already working here. Why this industry? It’s a funny story actually. My first ever word was “digger”. So that was already a telltale sign. Every time we’d drive past one my parents would point it out and I’d say it. And then this apprenticeship was the best way to get into it. Hobbies? I do a lot of 4WDing, and watersports like wakeboarding.
RYAN WALKER – HAMILTON Why an apprenticeship? I want to become a qualified Caterpillar technician and uphold Terra’s values and safety standards. A Caterpillar qualification is known and recognised around the world, which is pretty awesome. Why Terra? I’ve always liked working on vehicles, but I’ve got more interested in working on big vehicles and heavy machinery. So who better to go to than Caterpillar? First impressions? I love the emphasis there is on safety. Terra really upholds the emphasis on its values of keeping us safe, and expects us to live them every day. I’ve done six months of work experience with the Terra team in Hamilton, and after that I knew I wanted to progress with an apprenticeship. Hobbies? Working on cars and gaming.
JETT TAYLOR – NELSON Why an apprenticeship? I’ve been into cars and trucks ever since I was little. The old man kind of put that into me. I was interested in an apprenticeship and figured that bigger was better. Why Terra? I always wanted to do it here, but I honestly thought I would never get in... and then it all worked out. It was the name that appealed at first, the Cat product really is the best of the best. First impressions? It’s been great, maybe except for the paperwork. The guys are great, this place is great, the machines, the equipment, everything. Working on these kinds of machines, it’s been an interest of mine as long as I can remember. Hobbies? Tinkering with my cars, driving them, spending time with my mates, and I do a bit of biking too.
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FRASER EMBRACES THE NEW SALES CHALLENGE
“There’ve already been a few curveballs thrown my way and it’s been a steep learning curve, but I tend to thrive in those sorts of situations,” he says. “It’s been interesting seeing the bigger picture of how all the moving parts of the business come together, and to be involved in some of those strategic decisions.” Based north of Auckland, Fraser joined Terra exactly five years ago, but was no stranger to Caterpillar machinery before coming on board. He’d started out at his parents’ engine reconditioning business, then spent the next eight years working on Caterpillar engines on oil and gas fields 100km north of Roma, central Queensland. Fraser and his wife moved back to NZ in 2015 and he commuted to Roma for work for five years before the COVID pandemic ground all international travel to a halt. Six months into the lockdown, and with no end in sight, Fraser decided it was time to look locally for a job, and Terra was at the top of his hit-list. It turned out to be one of those cases of being in the right place at the right time: Terra was on the hunt for a commercial engine support representative and Fraser ticked all the boxes. The role would evolve over the ensuing five years, but Fraser continued to make his mark on the business, then when the construction product support manager position arose earlier this year, he decided it was time to take on a new challenge. “This feels like the next step that’s again come at the right time; the construction focus is new territory for me, but I’m really enjoying the more commercial focus and a different challenge of managing a team of customer support account managers.” “Over the next 12 months I want to continue the momentum and mould the team so that everyone succeeds and collectively we meet our dealership goals,” he explains. “The market’s been slow for a while, but there are signs of growth and I want to ensure we use this time wisely to get prepared and well-positioned for when things pick up.” Outside of work, Fraser enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons aged nine and six, hanging out at their local beach, bush-walks and walking the dog. He might only be two months into his new role as the construction product support manager, but Fraser Griffiths is relishing the challenge of stepping up to his new position.
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READY FOR NEW ZEALAND’S FORESTRY DEMANDS WEILER S340 WHEEL SKIDDER Terra Cat has partnered with Weiler Forestry to offer Kiwi customers the new Weiler S340 wheel skidder – a next-generation machine that’s designed to hold up to the demands of New Zealand’s rugged terrain, conditions and forestry operations.
The partnership with Weiler means Terra can now offer customers in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific local access to the first true hydrostatic skidder in this class, backed by Terra Cat’s nationwide service network and deep forestry knowledge and support. Tokoroa-based forestry company Brown Logging has picked up the first S340 in the country, and wasted no time putting the mid-sized wheel skidder through its paces. The S340 sets a new benchmark by combining the power of a Cat C7.1 Tier 3 engine with a continuously variable (hydrostatic) ground drive. This ensures a smooth power delivery with instant torque and precise control over a wide speed range. To give operators confidence when working on challenging ground and slopes, the S340’s robust design includes front and rear differential locks, heavy-duty axles, and wide support for large tyre or chain configurations.
The same build quality extends to the spacious, comfortable cab interior. Operators will enjoy the super-wide field of view due to the sloping hood and the expansive glass both front and rear, while the ergonomic joystick controls with customisable mapping and optional rotating seat will play a big role in reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. Downtime is the enemy of profitability, and Weiler has poured significant attention into the S340’s serviceability design. You’ll find 50 per cent fewer hoses across the centre section, while key service points (DEF tank, battery and hydraulic fill) can all be accessed from ground level. A tilting cab and a forward-mounted, variable-speed reversing fan also ensures fast, easy access and efficient maintenance. With the Weiler S340 now available on these shores, New Zealand forestry operators gain a powerful new next-gen tool that’s fully backed with our quality parts and service offering across the country.
Click to learn more about Weiler Skidders.
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TERRA POWER SYSTEMS: YOUR PARTNER FOR RELIABLE POWER SOLUTIONS
TERRA CAT’S 2025 TOP PICKS
Thank you to everyone who has shared terrific photos and videos of our machines out and about in 2025. Here are a few of our top picks.
Some of our storm troopers: Gavin Hoyland, Jennie McMath, Trevor Simpson, Sisila Jayasinghe, Callum Murray, Cassie Baxter, Alex Coker, Natasha Fergus, Richard Crampton, Dave Harrison, Eric Audibert. Not pictured: David Prime
@EARTHMOVERS_MEDIA
It’s been a busy few weeks for our Terra Power Systems customers, following the record strong windstorm that swept through much of New Zealand in late October.
“How do Kiwis spec their Cat 395 for quarry application?”
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Fuelled by a high–low pressure system clash, wind gusts reached over 140km/h across the country, and up to 170km/h along Otago’s exposed peninsula. States of emergency were declared in Canterbury, Southland, and the Clutha District as the storm took hold, with trees uprooted, rivers rising above flood thresholds, and power lines and cell towers toppled. Those in Southland were perhaps the hardest hit, with an estimated 50,000 properties losing power on 23 October after winds damaged three major circuits. For Terra Power Systems, this meant a surge in demand for temporary power solutions. “During those last two weeks of October, our rental and sales teams received hundreds of phone calls,” says Terra Power Systems territory rental manager Dave Harrison. “It didn’t take long before every rental generator was accounted for. It was great to receive so many calls from people planning ahead.” When the worst of the winds hit, travel and communication became challenging. Some rural residents made hour-long treks to high ground to find cell reception, while others drove hundreds of kilometres to pick up their generators. “There was a lot of pressure on farmers, particularly those on dairy farms with sheds full of cows needing to be milked and no power to keep milk refrigerated,” says territory sales manager Trevor Simpson.
“It’s been a reminder of the importance of having reliable backup power – some of the generators we supplied went straight into service, then operated non-stop for over a week.” Over the course of the storm, and in the month that followed, Terra's entire rental fleet was allocated out and four months’ worth of quotes generated. This response, Trevor says, wouldn’t have been possible without real collaboration. “Everyone who helped get the generators prepped, tested, and out the door to waiting clients proved just how effectively a team can operate under pressure. They had a real can-do attitude.” Under the guidance of Christchurch service supervisor Gavin Hoyland, the team ensured each generator was ready for collection. Those who had travelled to pick up units were offered clear instructions on operating them, and each load was carefully checked to ensure safe transport back to their farms and buildings. “We greatly appreciate our team who put their long weekend plans on hold to offer assistance,” said segment manager Richard Crampton. “And to everyone who reached out during this time, thank you for trusting us to keep you up and running.” If you’d like advice on finding temporary or backup power that’s right for you, contact Terra Power Systems. With nationwide delivery and expert support always available, you can count on us to provide reliable solutions tailored to your specific needs.
“Meet the latest addition to our fleet! The Cat Next Gen D3 Bulldozer – compact, powerful, and ready to push some serious dirt!” @BENDEV_LTD
“Check out this line up. Two of our favourite machines onsite wrapping up an epic drainage job. The operators aren’t bad either .” @TILYARDS
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WHEELS AT WA -
NAKA
“A birds-eye-view of the best dirt pit in all the land.”
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