| 51 Getting machinery back in action fast Mark first entered the trade through Power Farming where he completed his apprenticeship and worked for a further 12 years before stepping out on his own. Kelly Deeks When a tractor breaks down in the middle of feeding out, there’s no time to wait. Farmers need their machinery back in action fast, and that’s where Mark Owens of Northland Rural Mechanical Services (NRMS) comes in. A sole operator based in Northland, Mark has built his family-run business on personal service, efficiency, and strong customer relationships. With more than 20 years in the agricultural industry and a background in tractors and farm machinery, he knows that keeping farmers moving is about more than just fixing engines, it’s about being there when the customer needs him most. Mark first entered the trade through Power Farming where he completed his apprenticeship and worked for a further 12 years before stepping out on his own eight years ago. “I wanted to get away from the corporate guys and go independent,” he says. “The big companies are focused on making money, not so much on building and maintaining great customer relationships. For me, it’s all about helping the customer with what they need.” Working across a wide area from Wellsford to Kerikeri, and west to Dargaville, Mark spends nine out of 10 jobs out on-farm. Larger repairs, like engines and transmissions, are taken back to his workshop. While Mark focuses on the tools, his wife Tasha, a former early childhood teacher, now runs the books, invoicing, and ordering, for Northland Rural Mechanical Services as well as contracting out her services to other local rural businesses. Together, they’ve built a business that prioritises reliability. NRMS works closely with suppliers in Hamilton and Whangarei to source parts quickly. “As long as we get orders in by 3pm, we’ll usually have them by the next day,” Mark says. “That means farmers don’t lose time – they’ve got cattle to feed and crops to get in the ground.” NRMS also carries a large amount of fast-moving stock like filters, fan belts, and oils, ensuring common parts are always on hand. Mark says this setup, supported by trusted couriers and suppliers, allows him to solve problems efficiently. “We’ve got the relationships to get what’s needed here fast.” Stories from the field highlight how critical that service can be. RURAL SERVICES » Northland Rural Mechanical Services During an Easter storm earlier this year, Mark was out late at night diagnosing wiring loom issues in a mixer tractor, and had the machine repaired and back feeding cows by morning. In another case, he stripped out and serviced a blocked radiator in Russell, keeping an older tractor running through the busy season. Mark and Tasha’s three children are following their own paths – one in a building apprenticeship, one working on a dairy farm, and one still at school – but the couple sees their business as a legacy built for the family. “We’ll see what happens down the track, but right now our goal is simple,” Mark says. “Keep supporting the customer, make sure they’re happy with the work we do and the parts we supply.” CONTACT BRENT 027 2748 366 brentwallaceltd@gmail.com Proudly Supporting Northland Rural Mechanical Services Excavator, Bulk Lime/Fertiliser/Metal Cartage, Flat Deck Truck + Trailer & Transporter Conventional Baling | Round + Big Square Silage & Hay Baling Seed Drilling | Powerharrow & Airseeding | Ripping/Discing | Fert/Lime Spreading E luent Spreading | Tip Trailers | Hedge Trimming | Boom Spraying AgSpares is proud to support and supply Northland Rural Mechanical Services New and Used Tractor Parts for Most Makes and Models from AgSpares www.agspares.co.nz • 09 437 9036 Northland Rural Mechanical Services has become a trusted name for farmers who can’t afford downtime. With Mark’s commitment to customer service and his ability to deliver under pressure, NRMS is keeping Northland’s farms – and its farmers – moving.
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