Twenty-three of the country’s best machine operators competed in three different challenges using three different Cat machines–a 325 excavator, a 962M wheel loader and a 255 compact track loader– with the six best-scoring operators moving through to Saturday’s final. After a nail-biting finish, Mark Morley from Greymouth-based MBD Contracting was crowned the New Zealand champion. Read more about his win on page 7. Completing the Caterpillar-based festivities in Wa- naka was a world record-breaking parade of Cat machines that spanned the generations. A total of 242 machines – many of them vintage and masterfully restored – rolled through the event grounds, creating a perfect celebration of Caterpillar and everything the business has achieved over the years. “Despite the gloomy weather at the start of the weekend, the final Wheels at Wa - naka was a resounding success for us,” says Chris. “Seeing the passion for the Caterpillar brand, the huge turnout of
machines from across the country, and the outpouring of enthusiasm from everyone who attended this final event was both inspiring and humbling.” “I like to think that Wheels at Wa- naka attracts the equipment, the equipment attracts the people, and the people make the event. The conversations we enjoyed with visitors, customers, former employees and friends this year certainly reinforced the idea that the brand remains a true benchmark in the industry.”
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