58 | Clear understanding of farming and forestry The family-owned business provides agricultural earthworks, forestry roading, digger and dozer work, and general truck cartage. Kelly Deeks Braddick Contracting has built a strong reputation across the Tararua and Wairarapa for practical, reliable earthworks that reflect a clear understanding of farming and forestry. Demand for its services continues to grow as confidence returns to the rural sector. Based in Eketahuna, the family-owned business provides agricultural earthworks, forestry roading, digger and dozer work, and general truck cartage. Founder and director Brendon Braddick says recent months have been particularly busy, with a new forestry contract creating opportunities to expand the team. “We’ve been working with local forestry companies to install roading and that has meant expansion of our team,” Brendon says. “They’re big contracts and it’s great to see new work coming in, especially through word of mouth.” Established in 2015 by Brendon and his wife Josie after returning from mining work in Australia, the business initially focused on agricultural contracting. Over the past five years, forestry has increasingly supplemented that base, helping provide year-round work and balance fluctuations in farm spending. “Farm work has been pretty tight the last couple of years, but it’s coming back around now,” Brendon says. “Maintenance and development were put on hold, and now those jobs are back on the priority list. Farmers are looking at tracks, development work, and tidying things that haven’t been touched for a while.” The company has grown steadily from a single digger to a fleet of machinery and a crew of 16. Business partner Marshall Kjestrup bought into the business in 2021 after working alongside Brendon in both New Zealand and the Australian mining sector. “Growing like this is exciting, but it’s also been a learning curve,” Brendon says. “I have stepped back from the tools a bit. These days I’m focused on operations and making sure everything’s running smoothly and the boys are happy.” Diversification has become a key strength. Alongside farm and forestry work, the business also supports Higgins with rural road shoulder clearing, work that can continue even in wet conditions. “That mix is important for us,” Brendon says. “It means we can keep the crew working all year round and offer stability.” Brendon says the business is comfortable with its current size and focused on maintaining quality rather than rapid growth. “We’re probably at a sweet spot now. Maybe one or two more people, but we don’t want to get too big. We want to keep standards high and keep that family vibe.” That culture is deliberate, from recruitment through to how the team works with clients. RURAL SERVICES » Braddick Contracting Ltd “We try to be approachable and easy to deal with. Every farm and every client is different, so we adapt to what they’re trying to achieve. We’re farmers ourselves, so we get it.” The Braddicks continue to run their family farm in Mauriceville, keeping the business closely connected to the sector it serves. “It’s been a sharp learning curve, but we’ve enjoyed it,” Brendon says. “We’ve got good work in front of us, a good crew, and we’re proud of what we do. If we keep delivering quality work and supporting farmers the way they need, that’s what matters.” • Bulldozer • Excavators Forestry roading • Transporter • Tractor & trailer • Cartage • General farm earth works • Truck & trailer • Land clearing • Metal supply FOR ALL BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Marshall Kjestrup 027 438 0340 Brendon Braddick 027 421 7818 WE MOVE THE EARTH FOR YOU Your local earthmoving contractors covering the Wairarapa and Tararua Districts • Bulldozer • Excavators • Forestry roading • Transporter • Tractor & Trailer • Cartage • General Farm earth works • Truck & Trailer • Land clearing • Metal supply Your local earthmoving contractors covering the Wairarapa and Tararua Districts FOR ALL BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Marshall Kjestrup Brendon Braddick 027 438 0340 027 421 7818 0800 111 247 06 370 3818 02 130 8101 SERVICES & REPAIRERS OF: • Trucks • Diggers • Campers • Trailers • Dozers • Generators • Forestry Equipment • Tractors • 4 x 4 and side by side • All agricultural machinery tyres • WOF • Repairs • Servicing • Fleet/On farm service Visit our 6 bay workshop for expert advice and great deals Your One Stop Shop 207 CHAPEL STREET MASTERTON (NEXT TO FARMLANDS) 06 378 6140 Kevin 0274 319 367 A/H Fleet 0274 993 310 sales@tunnells.co.nz
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