Excavator operator scoops award in Bay competition

Paul Laird (left) Cable Price sponsor with Dan Mepham, Gair Contracting, Napier, Hawke's Bay regional winner of the National Excavator Operator Competition.

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.

Mr Mepham will go head to head with 2015 New Zealand excavating champion and Gair Contracting project manager, Steve Galbraith.

"I drive a digger every day, so I am familiar with the machinery but new to the task."

The machine operator, who has been working for the company for five years, hopes to improve his work and keep going in the industry.

"I want to work on what I'm doing and move into a more managerial position."

In second place was Bart Mulder, owner of Pro Arbore and third place was given to Adam Saunders from Downers NZ.

Gair Contracting general manager Richard Jardine was proud of the achievement.

"It is real important to lift the image of our business. We get to show people that we have got the top operators working for our company."

The earthworks company also won the Image award.