56 | Shaping the land Bonus Contractors is based in Paroa Bay, near Russell, in the Bay of Islands. CONTRACTING Bonus Contractors T T Sue Russell Ross and Debs Norman own Bonus Contractors, based in Paroa Bay, near Russell, in the Bay of Islands which began operating in the region in 2007. Prior to this Ross had worked in quarrying. Before moving to the Far North Ross and Debs had a contracting business in Auckland. Working with Ross on the day-to-day services in the business is a team of seven. “Staff can come and go but I usually have enough hands-on deck to complete clients’ projects that come in, and in good timeframes,” says Ross. He says there’s sufficient work to keep the team and gear occupied and apart from a sign on the Ferry, doesn’t advertise a great deal as there’s always someone wanting their services. He gets home from a day’s work and the phone rings so he’s pleased with where we are at, at my age.” “I mainly do house pads, section clearing, cutting in driveways, drainage work and the like as well as some civil jobs roading,” Ross says. He also leases a quarry at Elliot Bay which provides the business and clients in the surrounding area with a varied source of metals and aggregate including blue rock and brown rock. Maintenance of equipment is important to Ross and every four thousand hours Ross turns over a machine, so the fleet remains modern and not demanding in terms of maintenance or repair. “I place a priority on keeping it all running in good order. We live in a beautiful part of the country; however, it can feel very far away at times as it becomes quite challenging to get equipment repaired.” When asked about the name of the company, Ross shared his passion for old trucks. He owns a 1948 Ford Bonus F100, which he’s been slowly restoring, hence the name. When Business North spoke with Ross in June, the truck was scheduled to get a paint job. People move into the area wanting to buy their ideal home, or a parcel of land, and this is where Ross’ skills come in. He has vast experience in earth moving and meets the clients to discuss how to achieve their wants and needs. Ross says he takes great satisfaction from shaping the land and bringing clients’ vision into reality. He’s also been involved in some really crucial work such as creating sea walls to prevent coastal land from erosion, and major retaining walls in steep situations, to create access ways or level building sites. Bonus Contractors and the team have recently completed a significant sea wall at Waikere constructed of concrete block with a rock face. “We work a lot with local landscaping businesses using paddock rocks, creating dams and ponds. We take extra care with stormwater runoff and silt control. I have also moved a few Pohutukawa trees in my day.” 5262C State Highway 12 Phone: 09 430 0101 | After hours: 021 294 7293 Email: admin@totalmechanicalsolutions.co.nz Field Service Workshop and Onsite Servicing Diagnostic and Repair PROUD TO SUPPORT BONUS CONTRACTORS Heavy Machinery Specialists
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