64 | CONTRACTING I & D George Contracting T T Bernadette Cooney Moving heaven and earth part of the job The family owned business has completed large-scale earthworks for civil construction, forestry and farming. I & D George Contracting of New Plymouth is a reputable, experienced excavation company with a tonne of expertise and achievement across Taranaki and the North Island’s civil construction sector. Founded over two decades ago by Ian and Debra George, this family owned and operated business have completed significant, largescale earthworks for civil construction, forestry and farming. Moving heaven and earth to make a way is all in a day’s work for Ian who has 40 years of relentless dedication to excavation excellence. Starting his journey with Hurlstone Earthmoving upon leaving school, back in the days when shorts and singlets were common PPE gear, Ian soon conquered his craft and went out on his own within a few years. “Bill Hurlstone was instrumental in developing Ian’s skills and work ethic,” says Debra. Today, Ian who will turn 63 this year, is still on the diggers most days says Debra. “He takes a hands-on approach, and you lead from the front as far as Ian’s concerned, so yes it’s hard to keep him off them,” she quips. I & D George Contracting now includes the second generation in Ian and Debra’s daughter, Mikayla, who obtained her wheels, tracks and rollers licence and is studying health and safety part-time through the Southern Institute of Technology. “There’s no special treatment for Mikayla,” says Debra, “You’ll find her working the rollers or the hydrema dump truck whenever we’re short staffed.” The team at I & D George Contracting boast exceptional talent with individuals like Shaun Curtis, whose dedication and expertise earned him first place in the 2022/23 regional digger championships and second in the 2023/24 season. Officially known as the Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) CablePrice National Excavator Operator Competition, it’s held annually at Central Districts Field Days in March. Shaun represented Taranaki at the nationals – testing his skills and his mettle against 13 top operators from across the country. Each contender was tested on a series of tricky, real-world, earthmoving challenges such as traversing a trench, digging around pipelines, navigating a slalom course and completing a full site plan and layout. “’We’ve entered the comp for the past two years, just for the enjoyment of it and to do new things,” says Debra, “Shaun did very well, and he’s been with us a while now and its much appreciated as it can be very hard to find experienced, capable and committed excavator operators.” I & D George Contracting team are currently working on the Mt Messenger Bypass in north Taranaki. This six-year project will construct a new six-kilometre bypass between Ureti and Ahititi, complete with two bridges and a 235m tunnel. This eventually will eliminate use of the current winding, narrow SH3 route. A 1.1km Mt Messenger cable gondola has been erected for the duration, as a means of transporting machinery, materials and workers into the heart of the 6km project. The project is being delivered by the Mt Messenger Alliance comprising Waka Kotahi, Downer and HEB Construction in consultation with mana whenua of the area. When completed the new bypass will improve the reliability of journeys in and out of North Taranaki, reduce the likelihood of crashes and restore the local ecology through an extensive riparian and wetlands planting scheme. Ian and Debra also have staff working on a forestry project for NZ Forestry making the roads into the forest and skid sites so that the wood can be harvested and sent overseas. With a legacy of expertise, a commitment to excellence and a portfolio of successful projects, I & D George Contracting continue to set the standard for quality and innovation in the industry. For those seeking earthmoving services characterised by professionalism and proficiency, the team at I & D George Contracting stands ready to deliver unparalleled excavation services for civil, forestry, oil and gas and the farming industry. “’We’ve entered the comp for the past two years, just for the enjoyment of it and to do new things.” Proudly Supporting IW & DL George Contracting 06 764 8205 info@uhlenbergs.co.nz www.uhlenbergs.co.nz
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