Special haka send-off blows away boss retiring after 49 years

Gavin Patton started with the firm, then owned by his father, when he left school at 17, before taking over with his brother. Photo / Paul Taylor.

After almost half a century working and then co-owning Patton Engineering in Whakatu, Gavin Patton was given a rousing surprise send-off by staff, friends and family to mark the first day of his retirement.

Mr Patton started with the firm, then owned by his father, when he left school at 17, before taking over with his brother.

"My father started the business back in 1952-53. I went there when I was 17 years old. I served my time, did an apprenticeship and then took over from Dad with my brother Mike in 1980," he said.

"Things are very good at the moment, Hawke's Bay is booming as everybody's aware, so it's really great. It's a good way to leave it."

Gavin Patton says goodbye after 49 years working at Whakatu's Patton Engineering. Photo / Paul Taylor

Mr Patton said he was "blown away" after staff performed a specially-designed haka to bid him an emotional farewell.

"It was very much a surprise and I was very much impressed with it to be honest. It was a very nice send-off.

"The guys had been training for quite a few weeks apparently, it blew me away to be honest. That doesn't happen very often - it's the first one I've ever had in my honour, it was very special."

He said his fondest memories of the past 49 years were of the people he has worked with.

"We've achieved a lot of things but we have guys that have been there nearly 30 years with me. That's pretty brilliant if you have guys that work with you that long, and we've also got a lot of guys on 20-years plus.

"I've been really lucky to work with such a good bunch of people - customers and staff alike. It makes your job a lot easier when you have good people around you and I've been very lucky in my career that we have had those sort of people."

A new era has begun with the company now in the hands of two new directors, Johno Williams and Andrew Burn, both whom have been involved in Pattons for the past 18 years.

"We are looking forward to the challenge ahead and to continue the legacy started by the Patton family and to ensure that Patton Engineering continues to be the leader in engineering excellence," said Johno Williams.

"We are proud of the brand and what it stands for, we are obsessive about quality and strive for superiority.

"We care about the people that make the business what it is and we aim to be the best, and won't settle for anything less."

Mr Patton would still be involved with the company, but only at board level.