About: History

Our Business

History

Terra Cat is a business built on solid ground, with 90 years of experience as Gough Group, we continue to create strong relationships and close links to the people we work with.
Our History

Terra Cat is New Zealand's Caterpillar dealer

Terra Cat is a business built on solid ground, with 90 years of experience as Gough Group, we continue to create strong relationships and close links to the people we work with. We have a national network of 18 facilities from Whangarei to Invercargill.

The name Terra Cat comes from the Latin words terra firma (meaning ‘firm earth or solid ground’) and captures how we deliver power on the ground in people, place, product and services. Cat brings the power of unparalleled world-class products and systems you know and rely on. The new name also reflects our connection to the land and to the grounded nature of our people and our relationships. Our logo combines our grounded approach with the fern device, representing new hope and new beginnings. It shows our pride in being more than 90 years strong in Aotearoa, and is locked up to the Cat logo - our uniquely powerful product and brand. We supply a full range of Cat equipment, services and technology solutions, powered by people to drive tailored business solutions, enabling our customers to be safe, sustainable, productive and profitable.

We call it Power On The Ground.

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Over 90 years on the ground in New Zealand

We began in 1929 as Gough, Gough & Hamer Ltd. In 1932 we secured the Caterpillar franchise, and by 1938 were leading the world in sales outside the United States. With an incredible reputation, we grew and acquired while expanding our local operations. In the 1960's we developed the first computerised distribution network in Australasia. With technology at our heart, we could tackle any project, supporting New Zealand's infrastructure, constantly adapting, innovating and ensuring further success.

In 1999 Gough, Gough & Hamer was simplified to Goughs, then later Gough. Our name may have shortened, but our customers and projects grew. We developed critical relationships and diversified our offering, launching Goughs Power Systems in 2006.

In 2007 we proudly celebrated a milestone, 75 years as the New Zealand Cat dealer, but still remained focused on supporting the backbone of New Zealand. In 2011 we became the exclusive global sponsor of the Crusaders, increasing our visibility while passionately supporting New Zealand rugby. In 2013 we invested in Christchurch by opening a $10 million world-class Component Rebuild Centre.

Our new name was launched in December 2019, and signals the start of a new era. New owners Sime Darby Berhad agreed to rebrand over time and replace the Gough Cat name when they bought the business in October 2019.

With a passion and expertise that's recognised globally, we have now entered a new chapter of our story as Terra Cat.

Gough, Gough & Hamer
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