48 | RURAL SERVICES » Vision Harvesting Manawa FarmDorset Downs “We aim to provide rams that produce easily identifiable lambs that reach a prime weight quickly and efficiently with less workload for you.” • 50+ years of improvement • Fast growing genetics • Less dags • A strong constitution and structural integrity Two-tooth rams available from November For more information call Andrew Wall M 021 055 9270 A Kairanga, Palmerston North Take advantage of terminal rams with: One of the area’s busiest aggregate suppliers Owners Jan and Dave Poppe have transformed the operation from a small farm-based dig out into a large scale quarry business. Kelly Deeks • Consenting • Ecology • Survey • Geotechnical • Civil Design • Solid Waste Management • Acoustic • Hydrogeological • Tra c Planning • Air Quality WSP WHANGANUI Proudly Supporting David & Jan Poppe Since 2016 wsp.com/nz Safeguarding rural businesses for nearly 50 years Connect with us 06 349 6156 | AJG.co.nz What was once considered a worked out quarry site has become one of Whanganui’s busiest aggregate suppliers, with Vision Harvesting’s Rolling Stones Quarry supporting infrastructure, subdivision, forestry, and farming projects across the region. Owners Jan and Dave Poppe have transformed the Pakaraka operation from a small farm based dig-out into a large scale quarry business producing certified roading and construction materials, while investing heavily to secure its future for generations to come. The quarry now regularly dispatches between 30 and 35 truck loads of metal a day, with demand surging during major projects such as the Waverley Wind Farm. “Our biggest day was 96 truck and trailer units during the wind farm project,” Dave says. “We may be a little hole in the ground, but we are a force to be reckoned with.” Rolling Stones Quarry supplies a range of aggregate products suited to different applications. AP100 rock is used for forestry and heavy roading projects, while smaller grades are supplied to subdivision developments and construction sites. Fine metal products are popular with dairy farmers looking to create durable and comfortable laneways for livestock. A major milestone for the business has been achieving M4 certification, allowing the quarry to supply certified materials for road construction and infrastructure projects. Dave and Jan remain strong advocates for Whanganui’s shellrock resource, which has been used in local roading projects for decades. They say experienced local contractors understand the unique characteristics of the material and how to achieve the best performance from it. “Roading around Whanganui has been built with shellrock for 70 to 80 years and some of those roads are still performing exceptionally well.” Dave says. “It is about knowing your product and knowing how to use it.” The business employs between six and seven permanent staff and remains committed to creating stable employment opportunities within the region. Jan says supporting staff and their families has always been a priority, even during challenging economic periods. The company has also strengthened its transport capability through its joint venture East West Contracting, helping ensure efficient delivery of material to customers throughout the region. Dave believes local aggregate suppliers play an important role in helping councils and contractors manage project costs by reducing transport distances and keeping spending within the region. “We are here to support the councils and the wider Whanganui community,” he says. “Providing quality metal locally helps keep infrastructure projects affordable.” The success of Rolling Stones Quarry represents years of hard work, calculated risk taking, and a commitment to building something lasting for future generations. “It is a pretty unique story when an ex bricklayer and his wife build a business like this.” Dave says. “We started small, but we have never been afraid to back ourselves and keep moving forward.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=