| 59 A trusted, full-service contracting business Based at Kakahi, just 20 minutes south of Taumarunui, Harrison Contracting is owned by Ken and Pauline Harrison. Kelly Deeks Family values and a deep connection to the Ruapehu District have been at the heart of Harrison Contracting’s success for decades. What began as a small hay operation on the family farm has grown into a trusted, full-service agricultural contracting business, providing hay, silage, maize, and cultivation services across the region. Based at Kakahi, just 20 minutes south of Taumarunui, Harrison Contracting is owned by Ken and Pauline Harrison, who are gradually stepping back as their sons and families take on more responsibility. Their daughter-in-law Anna Harrison says the business structure today reflects both the family’s work ethic and their commitment to keeping things local. “Harrison Contracting is the parent business owned by Ken and Pauline,” Anna explains. “My brother-in-law Craig runs Harrison Harvesting, which subcontracts to Harrison Contracting, and my husband Paul and I have our own business, Harrison Brandl Partnership, which also subcontracts back. I do the administration for all three, and we’re working towards streamlining things in the next few years as part of succession planning.” Ken, now in his early 80s, started contracting as a sideline to the family’s calf-rearing business, which once raised up to 600 calves at a time. As the contracting arm steadily expanded, the farming side wound down. “It really took off especially when other local contractors passed away, leaving a gap in the local area for a self-propelled harvester,” Anna says. “Craig bought one about 10 years ago, and Ken and Pauline invested in the machinery required to support it, replacing the loader wagons they had previously used for bulk silage. From there, it’s just kept growing.” Today, Harrison Contracting and its associated businesses employ a team of eight, including Craig and Paul, who both drive and while Craig takes care of both staff and clients, Paul maintain all the machines. Between them, the sons own much of the gear, leasing it back to the main business to keep operations efficient. RURAL SERVICES » Harrison Contracting Anna’s own background in accounting has been a major advantage for the business as it grows. “I work at an accounting firm and I’m studying for my degree, so I’ve been able to run some of the numbers and help make informed decisions around purchases and planning,” she says. “Sometimes Paul jokes that if it weren’t for me, he wouldn’t have bought the baler or the tractor — but I can see the long-term benefits in those investments.” The Ruapehu region’s varied terrain means no two jobs are the same. From the free-draining pumice soils of Taumarunui that dry out quickly in summer, to the fertile volcanic soils around Ohakune, local knowledge makes all the difference. “It’s a pretty unique area,” Anna says. “The conditions change quickly between elevations, and that affects what farmers want to plant. Craig and Paul have both grown up here — they know the land, the weather, and how and when to get the best results.” CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 0800 858 803 | info@peakca.co.nz | peakca.co.nz Just call us your business GP! • Core Accounting & Compliance • Business Advisory & Growth • Rural & Specialist Services TD34546 LET US HELP YOU LOOKAFTERYOURTRUCK WAIKATO & KING COUNTRY 07 849 2943 AUCKLAND 09 558 3278 WESTERN BOP & COROMANDEL 07 574 3001 Delo® 400 SLK with ISOSYN® Advanced Technology Delo® 400 SLK with innovative ISOSYN® Advanced Technology is here. Delivering industry leading durability, reliability and efficiency. It works in synergy with the changing conditions in your engine to maximise protection, optimise performance and extend oil life. 17 Maui Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton Ph: 07 849 2943 hamilton@kandldistributors.co.nz 24 Eric Paton Way, St Johns, Auckland Ph: 09 558 3278 auckland@kandldistributors.co.nz 2 Curly McLeod Way, Mt Maunganui Ph: 07 574 3001 tauranga@kandldistributors.co.nz With a loyal client base that continues to expand each year, the Harrisons are taking a measured approach to future growth. “We’re holding off buying new gear this year and focusing on consolidating,” Anna says. “Ken and Pauline are looking at succession planning, and it’s great to see their hard work and dedication paying off through the next generation. This business has always been about family, and that’s what keeps it strong.” We provide expert solutions for a dry, healthy home.
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