88 | Growth drives Westland Farm Services expansion Colin says spring is shaping up to be busy. Kelly Deeks Despite economic uncertainties across the country, business is booming on the West Coast, and Westland Farm Services is powering ahead with a new site and growing demand. The Hokitika-based farm machinery business has now opened a new 900sqm purposebuilt workshop and showroom, expanded its team, and added new product lines to meet the rising demand from a thriving rural economy. Owner and managing director Colin Redpath says the Coast is “going great guns,” with a combination of strong dairy payouts, surging gold prices, and robust activity in mining and forestry all contributing to renewed optimism. “The $10 payout from Westland Milk Products for the 2025–26 season is huge, and gold is still flying,” Colin says. “It’s helped put positivity back into the market, and we’ve seen that directly in the machinery sector.” A qualified diesel mechanic, Colin has worked his way through the industry from training in Scotland to running his own dealership since 2017. In that time, Westland Farm Services has become the go-to name for machinery sales, servicing, and parts across the Coast. “December was a record month,” he says. “I sold more tractors in that one month than in the previous two years combined. Massey Ferguson sold 58 tractors nationwide that month, which is a big number for New Zealand.” Westland Farm Services recently relocated to its prominent new site on Golf Links Road, just out of Hokitika on State Highway 6. With seven staff now on the team, including two new heavy diesel apprentices and a new parts specialist, Colin says the new space is essential to keeping up with demand. “We’ve got three mobile service vehicles on the road so we can come to our customers, but the new workshop gives us the space to do everything under one roof - sales, service, and parts,” he says. The apprentices, both sons of local farmers, are working toward their Level 4 trade qualifications, and their presence signals the business’s commitment to local employment and skills development. Alongside Massey Ferguson tractors and machinery, Westland Farm Services has recently diversified into side-by-sides and ATVs with Segway Powersports, and German-made Lemken cultivation equipment. RURAL SERVICES » Westland Farm Services Hokitika “This is the first time we’ve been able to offer a full range of side-by-sides and ATVs which is a game-changer for our customers,” Colin says. The Government’s recent move to allow farmers to claim 20% depreciation on new farm machinery is another big win. “That’s a huge incentive for upgrading equipment. It’s good to see some policy that really supports rural businesses.” With farmers continuing to feed out into early spring, many calving later due to wet spring conditions in recent years, and others winter milking right through, Colin says spring is shaping up to be busy. “We’re well placed to support everyone through it with our expanded team and new location,” he says. “We’ve got access to thousands of parts and accessories, and we pride ourselves on keeping Proudly supplying Westland Farm Services with quality machinery machines running at peak performance all year round.” With farmers increasingly choosing to shop local and support family-owned businesses over corporates, Westland Farm Services is reaping the rewards of years of hard work, consistent service, and strong community ties. “We’re in a great spot for the Coast’s growth,” Colin says. “There’s a good feeling out there, and we’re ready for what’s next.
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