Quarrying industry honours its best

Peter Ronald (right) accepting his award as the Quarry Operator of the Year from Craig Ormrod (Transdiesel).

Northland's quarrying industry got to together recently to recognise its workers from the ground floor to management.

The Northland Branch Institute of Quarrying Awards Night 2016 was held at Kamo Club on August 13.

The region's quarry sector covers the area from Cape Reinga to Wellsford.

More than 250 people attended, including workers, families, and members.

The MC for the evening was Neil Ritchie with guest speaker Northland rugby icon, Ian Jones.

Quarry Operator of the year was Peter Ronald (from Bellinghams Quarrys in Kaitaia). Kyle Osbourne (Prime Explosives) was second and third place went to Chas Taka (Clements Contractors) in Whangarei.

The Quarry Employee of the year title went to Sarra Ali (Clements Contractors). Second was John Batters (Puketona Quarry) Paihia and third was Jay Marsters (Winstones Quarry) Whangarei.

The Good Bugger Award went to (Fozz) Robert Foster (of Dicksons Quarry in Whangarei).
Spokesman Murray Smith says the awards night would have not been such a successful event without major sponsors Transdiesel, Quarry Mining Services, Advanced Engineering Group, Oil Intel, Cable Price and Prime Explosives. "Special thanks to hosts Kamo Club."