84 | Gone from employees to proud owners Waikaka Transport plays a key role in supporting local agribusiness. Jolene and Rex Brown. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Waikaka Transport After nearly a decade on the job, Jolene and Rex Brown have stepped up from employees to proud owners of Waikaka Transport, and they’re determined to keep the wheels turning smoothly for the rural community they call home. The couple officially took over the business in September last year, but they already knew the ropes inside out. Operating out of the small but strong Eastern Southland township of Waikaka, the business plays a key role in supporting local agribusiness, from stock and bulk cartage to gravel, lime, fertilizer, and silage services. “There’s not much flat ground around here,” Jolene says. “We’ve got stock trucks, bulk trucks, and bin trucks carting grain, fertilizer, and general farm supplies. We even rent out a big shed that holds 1200 tons of grain for local growers and supply that to Harraways.” With Southland’s unpredictable weather often putting plans on hold, Jolene says flexibility and understanding are essential. “When the paddocks are too wet, we can’t get in with the spreader trucks. Farmers sometimes must put fertilizer on by plane or helicopter instead. We always tell them, ‘Don’t worry about us - just get your grass growing.’ We’d rather have happy farmers and livestock to cart than dead stock.” Waikaka Transport is very much a family affair. Three of the Browns’ five children - Aaron, Josh, and Bailee - work in the business, with one recently taking the wheel of the new bin truck. Another drives a livestock truck and the third works in the workshop, while Jolene and Rex also have hired Bailee out to help a local farmer out when extra hands are needed. We are very lucky to have a great team on board which makes running the place a lot easier. “It’s good knowing there’s going to be succession,” Jolene says. “That’s why we’re tidying things up, getting rid of leased trucks, and investing in good assets. You want to leave something strong for the next generation.” The Browns’ passion for trucks runs deep. Rex has been driving all his life, including 22 years with D.T. Kings, and his love for classic Internationals has rubbed off on the whole family - even their three-year-old grandson Leo. “Leo’s obsessed with trucks,” Jolene laughs. “He’s just like his grandad.” Having recently moved to Waikaka themselves, Jolene and Rex are now proud to call the town home - and to see how locals are pulling together. “The previous owner didn’t live here or really have anything to do with the community,” Jolene says. “We do. We’re involved in everything - the rugby club, the golf course, dog trial clubs and even the BLENHEIM | TEMPLETON | BROMLEY | YALDHURST GORE | INVERCARGILL | CROMWELL | LUGGATE TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS SERVICING & REPAIRS FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS - SOUTH ISLAND WIDE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED www.transportrepairs.co.nz | 0800 875 747 Peter CORCORAN & CAIRNSCONTRACTING LTD We’ve got the experience & the equipment to do the job right. We pride ourselves on top results. local pub that the community bought back to keep open.” Their 2nd eldest son plays for the Waikaka Rugby Club, which just celebrated its 125th jubilee, while their youngest heads to Gore to play alongside other local kids. “It’s such a good community,” Jolene says. “It’s great to be part of helping the town grow.” While ownership has brought new financial responsibilities, Jolene says the rewards are worth it. “It’s busy, but it’s ours now,” she says. “We just want to make it a better place than it was - for our family, our farmers, and our community.”
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