Business North December / January 2021

10 | Far North - Kaitaia Tractors / Inti Construction REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Continuing company’s proud history T Sue Russell Through Covid-19 lockdown, Kaitaia Tractors remained open for business to essential services, keeping farmers and gardeners operating. R alph and Tina Garvin became directors of Kaitaia Tractors in January 2005. The history of the business, which Ralph describes as a major player in the Far North, extends back 65 years. “We are very proud of this long history and those who worked hard through successive decades contributing to what the company is today,” says Ralph. Evan Bird, Sales Manager, has been with the company 18 years and says core to its success is its service which is second to none. The company’s purpose-built facility is lo- cated at 169 North Road, Kaitaia. This base is home to an extensive workshop, parts division and the suite of new and used equipment for sale. “We have been a Case IH dealership right from Day 1 and then 13 years ago partnered with Kubota and later Husqvarna which extends the product offering to excavators, life-style and turf equipment,” says Evan. Asked whether they operate in a com- petitive environment both respond that the company is in a very strong position in the Far North but that this is based on constant- ly striving for excellence in both sales and service. “We have a really strong team of great local people. Jack Ward, the founding owner, originally worked for International Harvester, so our history with that iconic brand goes back a long way.” The Far North is home to a diverse array of farming types, with horticulture, sheep and beef and dairy farming all prominent activities. There has also been a flourish in life-style size properties and through these gradual changes Kaitaia Tractors has maintained a range of equipment to suit all. Their sales area extends from Kawakawa in the South to the Cape in the North. While it’s a big company in terms of offering, the teams are small and close-knit, with three involved in sales, two working in parts, one specialist petrol mechanic and six diesel mechanics. Alongside the two tractor brands, Kaitaia Tractors also supplies customers with CanAm and Kawasaki equipment. “I’m pleased with the size and capacity of the business at this time,” Ralph says. Through the Covid-19 lockdown, Kaitaia Tractors remained open for business to es- sential services, keeping farmers and garden- ers operating. Acknowledging it was a very restrictive and challenging time for everyone Ralph says the whole team were proud to play their part in helping other vital businesses operate. It’s important, Evan says, to maintain an absolutely up to the minute extensive parts facility and to have access nation-wide through their New Zealand based distributors has become a very important capability. “Having the key brands as we do, their parts supply is really strong.” The goal is to remain a one-stop machinery solution business for farmers and those on the land. See the full trailer range at compassgroup.co.nz Quality Doesn’t Cost, It Pays! BIG TOUGH In today’s world value is not all about price – it’s about quality, reliability, trust, safety and commitment.