50 | RURAL SERVICES » Eastern Airwork Building strong relationships with rural clients The locally owned operation has expanded significantly since its establishment in 2020. The company’s commitment to building strong relationships with rural clients has become a hallmark of its approach. Karen Phelps Eastern Airwork is continuing its growth trajectory as it provides a comprehensive service to farmers and rural communities across the Central North Island. The locally owned operation has expanded significantly since its establishment in 2020, now boasting up to four aircraft during the height of the season. “We have varying sizes of aircraft and we select the aircraft best suited for the job to be cost effective for our customers,” says Andy Groome, company owner and chief pilot who brings three generations of commercial experience to the business. “For time-sensitive agricultural operations our fleet allows us to prioritise jobs, ensuring critical tasks like spraying and fertiliser application are completed within optimal weather windows.” Based in Opotiki Eastern Airwork handles everything from aerial spraying and fertiliser application to precision lifting and firefighting. “We organise everything from start to finish including chemical supply and arranging the transport. The farmer just has to make one phone call and we do the rest. This also helps us to manage the logistics and timing of the jobs,” says Sarah Groome, who co-owns and runs the business alongside her husband Andy. The company’s commitment to building strong relationships with rural clients has become a hallmark of its approach. With a team that expands to 14 staff during peak periods, including long-term contract pilots working alongside Andy, the company is proud to offer a personal approach. “Communication and relationships are important. We keep our customers in the loop the whole way and aim to make things easy,” says Sarah. Another thing that distinguishes Eastern Airwork from competitors is its willingness to go the extra mile. “We’re happy to come and visit a block prior to doing the job to make sure we are putting the right product on to get the desired result,” says Andy. With helicopters operating from Opotiki and Taupo, Eastern Airwork services an extensive geo- graphical area including the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, East Cape, King Country, Taupo and through to Hawkes Bay, offering farmers across these regions access to professional aerial services. The company’s commitment to excellence saw the company nominated in the 2023 and 2024 Central North Island Wood Council Forestry Awards in both the Outstanding Health & Safety Management and Silvacultural Excellence categories. “Our company values are safety, precision and results. This is our cornerstone. It doesn’t matter if we are working for a big corporate or small farming block our standards remain the same,” says Andy. “The edge we offer for our farmers is that we do a lot of work for corporate industries, where health and safety and job quality standards are high,” adds Sarah. “So our rural clients also benefit from that level of professionalism. Because Andy comes from a farming background and has worked in agricultural contracting, he also understands the needs of farmers.” As Eastern Airwork continues to strengthen its presence in the region, Sarah and Andy say it remains focused on its founding mission to maximise impact while minimising time and effort for agricultural businesses through safe, professional and cost-effective aerial services. www.rmt.co.nz E. dispatch@rmt.co.nz P: 07 575 2006 (Mt. Maunganui Depot) P: 07 315 6454 (Opotiki Depot) P: 06 867 7899 (Gisborne Depot) Proudly supporting Eastern Airwork Carriers of bulk and bagged fertiliser – PKE and animal supplements Agent for Ballance Agri Nutrients Limited and Graymont Lime Agricultural Spreaders available (Opotiki / East Coast / Matawai) MPI Approved Transitional Facility (27901) – AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015
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