| 63 Farmers want a timely, efficient service Based in the Turakina Valley near Hunterville, Hamish’s one-man operation serves a wide area. Karen Phelps Dirt is not just dirt. It’s the foundation of every farming business. For Highland Earthworks owner Hamish Berrett, this understanding is at the core of his operation, which has been helping farmers maintain the vital infrastructure that underpins their agricultural enterprises. “What I do forms an important part of a farmer’s business,” he says. “For example I keep tracks open so they can do what they need to do on their farm easily and without hassle. I don’t underestimate the positive impact my work can have on a farm.” Based in the Turakina Valley near Hunterville, Hamish’s one-man operation serves a wide area including Feilding, Halcombe, Waituna West and Whanganui. With around 12 years of experience in earthmoving, he has carved out a niche for himself by specialising in steep hill country and challenging terrain work. “Farmers want a timely, efficient service,” Hamish explains. “I try to be responsive and get things done for them as quickly and economically as possible.” Highland Earthworks offers a range of services tailored to the needs of farmers, including track work, dam and drain construction and maintenance, and tree and stump removal. Hamish’s equipment, which includes a 13-tonne Case digger and a truck, allows him to tackle a variety of projects. Currently Hamish is working on tidying up the main laneway to a woolshed in the valley. He recently completed a track for a new cell phone tower on a farmer’s property, showcasing the diverse nature of his work. Hamish’s farming background has significantly influenced his approach to the business. “I grew up in the valley on an intensive hill country farm, Ferndale Station, where my dad was the manager,” he says. “I always helped out on the farm. The owner of a local digging company took me under his wing, and I used to sit on the digger as a child. I loved the machinery and shifting dirt. It was the next step up from the sandpit really,” he says with a laugh. “He taught me a lot, and I used to help him on the job. That was the start of my career.” This early exposure to both farming and earthmoving has given Hamish a unique perspective on the needs of his clients. After a stint as a hunting guide in Canada and working for Blackley Construction in Palmerston North, Hamish decided to start his own business. “At Blackley Construction I was out in the field RURAL SERVICES » Highland Earthworks H AM I S H B E R R E T T 027 298 3883 13 Tonne Excavator Quick Hitch Bucket Thumb & Blade Stump & Tree Removal Drainage Tracks Dams Proudly supporting Highland Earthworks doing Novaflo drainage projects. It gave me a passion for helping farmers,” he explains. Hamish takes pride in the lasting impact of his work. “I love helping clients and creating new things, being able to go back to the farm and see how the work is holding up over time,” he says. This satisfaction extends to environmental projects as well. “I’ve also done wetland areas for clients. Coming back in a few years and seeing it planted up and thriving gives me a great deal of pride.” The challenging nature of hill country work requires special skills and well-maintained equipment. “In the valley, it’s all papa rock soil, hard to dig out and slippery when wet. It requires well-maintained equipment – sharp digger teeth. Diggers can tip over on hill country, so good skills and confidence are key.” Hamish remains committed to the growth of Highland Earthworks while maintaining the personal touch that has made his business successful. With his partner Jody Winder handling administration, the company continues to build on its reputation for reliable, efficient service in challenging terrain.
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