Jason Toomer-Reti has been named as Auckland region’s best excavator operator.
This follows the 25-year-old ICB Retaining & Construction excavator operator from Manurewa competing against 34 others in the three-day Civil Contractors New Zealand, Auckland regional excavator operator competition.
Sponsored by CablePrice, the competition aims to raise the profile of a growing industry that is increasingly embracing new technology. The construction and maintenance industry carries out $12 billion of work annually, employing 60,000 workers, including excavator operators.
Operators are involved in some of Auckland’s most significant projects including building multiple subdivisions, Wero Water Park, The Waterview tunnel and multiple motorway upgrades.
In front of enthusiastic audiences at Big Boys Toys the competitors had to impress judges by using their excavators to pour tea, move an uncooked egg, putt golf balls, open a beer bottle and slam dunk a basketball. They also had to demonstrate a good knowledge of health and safety precautions and planning.
The regional competition was one of 10 held around the country to find New Zealand’s best excavator operator.
Regional winners will compete at Central Districts Field Days (Manfeild Park, Feilding) in March 2017 to take out the ‘National Excavator Operator’ title.
Regan Burke from ICB says he was pleased with Toomer-Reti’s win based on his high level of skill, knowledge and professionalism and the fact that it was his fourth year attempting to reach first place.
“ICB has supported this competition for four years as we’ve seen that it helps foster enthusiasm for excellence amongst our operators,” he says.
Toomer-Reti’s prizes consist of food vouchers, Hirepool vouchers, a $250 Z Energy voucher, a Supercheap Auto voucher from Connexis, a Civilshare solar powered phone charger, an ICB BBQ set, a range of hats, mugs and cups, a Hitchi jacket and portable stereo, a rugby ball signed by Richie McCaw, an all expenses paid trip to the ‘nationals’ in the Manawatu next March, and a $1000 cheque donated by Cable Price, Enzed, Hirepool, CivilShare App, ICB Retaining & Construction, Humes, Z Energy, Stellar Workforce, Oil Intel, Unitech, Connexis, Tai Poutini digger school, Pilehire, BeforeUDig, and First Gas.
Second prize went to Brian Hoffman from Brian Hoffman (previous three times ‘national’ champion, and third prize to Keresoma Laeli from United Civil.
The non-CCNZ member prize went to Laine Christensen from LC Contractors, and the ‘Good Bugger’ prize went to Miles Dempsey from Opie Contractors for his general attitude.
