| 41 Paeroa finding innovative solutions Paeroa Contracting offers a range of farm and agricultural contracting services. Karen Phelps Paeroa Contracting has established its reputation on finding innovative solutions to customers’ problems. “My goal is always to satisfy the needs of the client and leave them happy,” says Rhys Wineera, the company’s founder. “I look outside the square when need be and the business has been built on being diverse and tackling challenges.” This philosophy has become the cornerstone of Paeroa Contracting’s operations, setting the company apart since it started in 2013. From a one-man operation, the company has grown to employ a team of over ten. Rhys’s brothers Trent and Glen, and his wife Cathie have become shareholders in the business. Both Rhys and Glen are diesel mechanics by trade and Trent is a marine engineer meaning significant skills in the company. Cathie takes an administration role while Glen runs the agricultural contracting side of the business and Trent is in charge of the engineering aspect of the business as well as floating between the agricultural and civil sides of the operation. Paeroa Contracting’s innovative spirit is prominent in the agricultural sector where it offers a range of farm and agricultural contracting services. For the past eight years, it has been cultivating miscanthus, also known as elephant grass, on a 3ha plot. This venture into bioenergy crops demonstrates the company’s forward-thinking approach and willingness to explore new opportunities. “Miscanthus is being used increasingly throughout the world as a purpose-grown bioenergy crop, grown specifically to be harvested and burnt in power stations, and also has other uses in farming such as animal bedding and for shelter,” explains Rhys. “We make good money on our miscanthus per hectare with no fertiliser or spray required. We are developing the knowledge of how to grow and harvest this crop and think it will be a great option for farmers looking for alternative land use options in the future.” Paeroa Contracting has built its own machines for planting and harvesting miscanthus further exemplifying its problem-solving abilities. Rhys plans to start producing rhizomes to sell to farmers. Another testament to Paeroa Contracting’s innovative approach is its custom-built machine for cleaning grass edges on farm races. This invention has found an unexpected application beyond its original purpose. “Now it’s being modified to be used for councils to clean roadside edges rather than using a digger,” Rhys explains, demonstrating how their solutions often have wider applications than initially anticipated. Right now the company is building its own star screening plant. This is to aid with the removing of rock and to expose any other archaeological findings within the soil. “Normally this material would be dumped but we want to turn it intosomething.” RURAL SERVICES » Paeroa Contracting The company’s diverse range of services, from earthworks and excavation to farm and agricultural contracting, provides ample opportunities for its innovative approach to shine. The client list includes significant players like Parininihi ki Waitotara (PKW) with Paeroa Contracting undertaking a variety of projects including supplying miscanthus to their sheep and dairy units, earthmoving projects, silage and cultivation and cropping and mechanical and engineering work. Paeroa Contracting works across South Taranaki and Rhys takes pride in offering a personal service. “If someone has a problem, our job at Paeroa Contracting is finding a solution.” Whenuku Road, Hawera Waiteika Road, Opunake Nukumaru Station Road, Maxwell
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