Breaking Ground Podcast

Episode 16

Chris Heaton

Hear Chris Heaton’s remarkable journey from young apprentice to Chief Executive Officer in the latest episode of Breaking Ground! From New Zealand orchards to Saudi Arabian oil rigs, he shares pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style and customer-centric vision for Terra's future.

Episode 15

Murray Francis (Part Two)

In this episode hear about his favourite Road Metals machines over the years (like their Cat 988 wheel loader dubbed "The Grunter" which has 110,000 logged hours), some memorable moments from industry shows, the expansion of the business, and the reasons for Road Metals’ ongoing success.

Episode 14

Murray Francis (Part One)

We've wanted to feature Murray Francis on our Breaking Ground podcast since we first started, he is the Managing Director of Road Metals Co Ltd and a South Island icon. Road Metals is 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 in the latest 30-minute episode of our podcast. We had so much to talk about with Murray that we've broken the podcast into two episodes, with the second part to follow next month.

Episode 13

Ian Pendle

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.

Episode 12

Ron Thomassen

Ron established Thomassen Logging in 2003 and has grown the business into one of the largest forestry contractors in the country. In this 30-minute episode, Ron shares his views on industry issues, including the discussion about forestry after Cyclone Gabrielle.

Episode 11

Stuart Thornley

We discuss what machine owners and operators should consider for 2023 when it comes to servicing and supporting their equipment, as well as hearing about Stuart's experience in the industry.

Episode 10

Tony Brand

Our September episode of Breaking Ground 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.

Episode 9

Bill Hurlstone

In this episode of our Breaking Ground Podcast we hear from Bill Hurlstone, 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.

Episode 8

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, Scott talks about success on and off the field and the outstanding culture that makes the Crusaders a champion team.

Episode 7

Graham Walker

Graham 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.

Episode 6

Brad Olsen

Brad Olsen is Principal Economist and Director at economic consultancy Infometrics. He's great at explaining the economy in everyday language which has made him one of New Zealand's leading economic commentators. In the latest episode of Terra Cat's Breaking Ground podcast we hear Brad's perspective on the key industries that we work with every day within New Zealand.

Episode 5

Stan Goodman

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.

Episode 4

Allan Dippie

The April episode of Breaking Ground features Wanaka's Allan Dippie. He’s the owner of a successful family business operation spanning multiple enterprises throughout Otago and Southland, including Central Machine Hire. Allan's also the founder of the Wheels at Wanaka show, a vintage machinery enthusiast and has a passion for car racing.

Episode 3

Olivia Thomson

A self-described machinery fan, Olivia’s earthmoving career started as a little girl on the floor of her dad’s grader with a blanket and a packet of biscuits. Fast forward 22 years and she is now operating machines herself, loving life in the industry and keen to encourage more women to consider a career in earthmoving.

Episode 2

Martin Hewitt

An expert in positioning systems, including those in Cat machines, Martin’s been involved in many big New Zealand projects over the years and has eye-witnessed many technology firsts in this country. He’s got no shortage of stories to share, having surveyed bombsites, shipwrecks and earthquake zones. Martin started as a survey technician in London, then moved into senior roles with GeoSystems and more recently Sitech.

Episode 1

Steve Templer

We’ve launched Breaking Ground, a new podcast about earthmoving machinery and characters in the industry. If you’re in the earthmoving industry, a machine owner, a classic machinery lover or anyone interested in this side of New Zealand life, then this is the show for you. First up, Steve Templer, a veteran Terra Cat employee who’s now retired but will be well known to many, looks back on 40 years in the industry.