Gair Contracting machine operator Dan Mepham has scooped up the 2016 Hawke's Bay Regional Excavator Operator competition.
He will represent the Bay in the New Zealand finals at the Central Districts Field Days in Feilding next March, hoping to crack the big title.
It is the third year, Mr Mepham has been involved in the competition, after securing a second place in 2015.
"It means a lot to have the title as Hawke's Bay number one."
Twelve people throughout Hawke's Bay took part in the competition, which comprised both a theoretical and timed practical element.