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

Our September episode features Tony Brand from Brand Logging. He’s the owner of a successful forestry contracting operation in Canterbury that spans decades and he’s seen many changes in the industry over that time. Tony also has a passion for motorsport and enjoys competing in truck racing around New Zealand.

We meet Graham Walker who has been in the industry for over 50 years. He has a long association with the Ministry of Works, more latterly Works Infrastructure and Downer, and over that time he’s had a close relationship with Cat machines and the dealership here in New Zealand.

In the July episode of Breaking Ground we catch up with Crusaders captain and New Zealand All Black, Scott Barrett. We talk about his background from growing up farming in Taranaki, moving to Christchurch, becoming a Crusader, and then making the All Blacks. Now in his third season as captain he talks about success on and off the field and the outstanding culture that makes the Crusaders a champion team.

Brad Olsen is the Principal Economist and Director at Infometrics. Brad is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators and in this podcast episode he provides his perspective on the key industries that we work with every day within New Zealand.

We meet Stan Goodman from Goodman Contractors based at Waikanae, north of Wellington. Goodman’s has been shifting dirt since 1963 and since then they’ve been involved in many iconic projects to help shape New Zealand. There’s been plenty of big earthmoving machinery used along the way. Listen in as Stan looks back on memorable projects – including early wind farms and Transmission Gully - then discusses opportunities and challenges in the industry today.