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 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 at Pakaraka now supporting infrastructure, subdivision, farming, and renewable energy projects across the region. Owners Jan and Dave Poppe have transformed the operation from a small farm-based dig out into a large scale quarry business producing certified roading and construction materials, while preparing to open a contaminated landfill facility later this year. The quarry regularly moves 30 to 35 truck loads of metal each day, with demand increasing significantly during projects like 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.” The quarry supplies a range of aggregate products, including AP100 rock for forestry and heavy roading, smaller grades for subdivisions, and fine metal for dairy farm laneways. The business has invested heavily into achieving M4 certification for its roading products, allowing the quarry to supply material for major infrastructure works. “We want to supply a quality product that people can trust,” Dave says. “It was a sad day for quarrying and for the people of Whanganui when someone in Wellington decided shellrock wasn’t suitable for use on highways. It has been used on roads around Whanganui for about 80 years and some of those roads are still as good as the day they were built. The confident and experienced contractors around Whanganui know the product and how to use it. Then contractors come in from out of town and undercut prices, but have no idea how to work with this product.” Jan and Dave now employ six to seven permanent staff at the quarry including Dave’s son Luke who is managing the ag side of the company. Dave and Jan with Dan and Mary Reid have purchased a truck under East West Contracting to deliver metal to clients. Dave and Jan have also recently purchased neighbouring land, securing what Dave says could • 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 provide more than 100 years of future quarrying resource. At the same time, Vision Harvesting is preparing to launch its fully consented contaminated landfill facility on site - Green Point Landfill - with the company investing more than $3 million into the development. The landfill will accept contaminated soil and asbestos-containing materials from construction and demolition projects, providing a local disposal option for contractors who currently transport waste long distances to larger centres. “People are ringing us every week wanting to know when it is opening,” Jan says. “There are not many places in New Zealand where you can dispose of contaminated waste, go through a truck wash, and get loaded with metal before you head home.” The project carries personal significance for Dave, who spent 25 years working as a bricklayer before entering quarrying. He says two close friends died from asbestos-related illnesses after years working around asbestos products. “One close friend was a mountain of a man and when I last saw him in hospital he looked like a child. I watched asbestos take his life,” Dave says. He says the landfill is about creating a safe and affordable solution for hazardous waste disposal while helping reduce illegal dumping throughout the region. “We are proud to be able to do the right thing,” he says. “We are here for the long game. This is a generational thing we are creating, probably for the next two generations. Jan and I are very proud of each other.”
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