72 | Safety, precision and results the motto Andy Groome onsite, carrying out his helicopter pre-flight inspections before starting the job. Karen Phelps Relationships and people are at the forefront of everything that agricultural helicopter company Eastern Airwork does: “We really like to build relationships with our customers. We take on things we see our customers need. If we can offer a service and help them out a bit more it’s a win-win for everybody,” says company owner Sarah Groome. “At the end of the day we want to do a good job and do it safely. Our company values are safety, precision and results,” adds Andy Groome, the company’s other owner and director. Evidence of the company’s high standards of workmanship was seen recently as it was nominated by some of its customers for the 2023 Central North Island Wood Council Forestry Awards in the Outstanding Health & Safety Management (Crew Award) and Silvacultural Excellence categories. Based in the Bay of Plenty, Eastern Airwork was founded by third generation pilot Andy who comes from a multi generation farming family. The company builds on three generations of commercial experience across various industries within New Zealand. Based in Opotiki with a helicopter base in Rotorua, Eastern Airwork is able to service an extensive area of the Central North Island. From the Waikato, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, East Cape, King Country, Taupo and through to Hawkes Bay. The company started in 2020 and its customer base spans farmers, forestry, Regional Councils and Government Agencies. “We specialise in all types of aerial applications such as spraying, fertiliser, aerial surveys, precision lifting as well as fire fighting,” explains Andy. “Our effectiveness is based on the importance we place on precision; a cornerstone of safety and results. Our goal is to maximise the impact and minimise the time and effort required to agribusiness by providing access to safe, professional, costeffective aerial services.” “We pride ourselves on offering a high level of customer service and place a lot of weight on that,” adds Sarah. “We try to respond to our customers’ needs as quickly as possible and make sure things are done in a timely manner to meet their deadlines.” She says adding additional services as they have seen customers’ needs is part of this and ground spraying is a good example. This service is offered to both forestry and farming clients for sensitive areas that it may not be appropriate to aerial spray. Application of solid and liquid fertiliser is a growing area of business for rural clients. Climate change is meaning more unusual weather patterns making the ground too wet for farmers to apply from ground level. RURAL SERVICES » Eastern Airwork Eastern Airwork offers a personal service. The company employs up to 12 staff at peak times, with a mix of full time and casual crew. There are two contract pilots who work alongside Andy doing the flying. Sarah takes on the administration role in the business. Andy’s mum Karen is the current health and www.rmt.co.nz P. 07 315 6454 (Opotiki Depot ) Proud to supply logistics and transport solutions to Eastern Airwork Carriers of bulk fertiliser – PKE and animal supplements Agent for Ballance Agri Nutrients Limited and Graymont Lime Agricultural Spreaders available (Opotiki / East Coast / Matawai) MPI Approved Transitional Facility (27901) – AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015 E. dispatch@rmt.co.nz safety manager and father Mike also offers his extensive experience to the business. “The edge we offer for our farmers is that we do a lot of work for corporate industries, where health and safety standards are high,” says Sarah. “So our rural clients also benefit from that level of professionalism. Because Andy comes from a farming background and has worked in agricultural contracting, he understands the needs of farmers. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how Eastern Airwork can contribute to maximising the potential of a farmer’s agribusiness. Our commitment is to be a long term partner in their business success.”
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