| 89 nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Wairakei Haulage Ltd From one truck and a vision to five trucks and a close-knit team, Wairakei Haulage is proof of how passion, persistence, and personal connection can drive a small business forward. Good communication and collaboration are at the heart of Wairakei Haulage’s approach. Karen Phelps The Waikato dairy industry thrives not only on the commitment of farmers, but also on the support of small, hardworking local businesses that keep the wheels turning. One such business is Wairakei Haulage, a Taupo-based family company owned by Brian and Lou Mansfield, which has built a strong reputation for reliability, professionalism, and a down-to-earth approach. Founded in 2017, Wairakei Haulage began with a single second-hand truck and Brian’s determination to provide a practical, farmer-focused service. “A mate suggested we buy a truck together, and that’s how it kicked off,” Lou says. “We still have that first old girl in the fleet today. A year later, we bought our partner out and we’ve been growing ever since.” Eight years on, Wairakei Haulage now runs five trucks and its own workshop, employing a small but experienced team of full-time and seasonal staff. Their core business is agricultural cartage – bulk silage, particularly maize – but the team also handles bales, bulk tipping, metal, chip, fertiliser, and general cartage. Lou says it’s not just about turning up with a truck. She and Brian’s farming backgrounds gives them the knowledge to add value to every job. “Farmers often ask how much metal they might need, or what we think about this or that. We’ve got a bit of knowledge to share, and I think people appreciate that it’s not just a truck turning up, it’s someone who understands farming.” That agricultural insight comes naturally to both Brian and Lou, who were raised on family farms. Brian grew up on a deer farm and later worked for the machinery department at Pamu, where he spotted the market gap that inspired him to start Wairakei Haulage. Lou, whose father was a stock truck driver, grew up around trucks and knows the industry inside out. The couple now run their business from their Taupo base while raising their two children – a teenage daughter and a six-yearold son. “We’re happy with the size of the company now,” Lou says. “We’ve got three full-time truck drivers, two seasonal drivers, and an engineer in the workshop, plus admin support. It’s a small, friendly team, and we all know our strengths.” Among the team are semi-retired farmers and truckers who return each year for the silage season, alongside younger drivers keen to build their careers in agricultural cartage. Good communication and collaboration are at the heart of Wairakei Haulage’s approach. The Mansfields value working with other contractors rather than against them, and their reputation for honesty means they are trusted by both farmers and peers. Wairakei Haulage keep the wheels turning “We don’t undercut anyone,” Lou says. “Sometimes we might lose a job, but we’ll gain another. At the end of the day, it’s about getting on with people and keeping those relationships strong.” HEAVY DIESEL SERVICING • INSURANCE REPAIRS • DISMANTLING & PARTS DIVISION FAMILY-OWNED NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS WITH 30+ YEARS’ EXPERIENCE. PHONE: 07 3456061 | TPDIESELSERVICES.CO.NZ KITENUI DEER FARM Welcome to Kitenui! Get In Touch You'll also find the North Island's only Himalayan tahr herd, along with zebra and buffalo. Whether you're looking for a family outing or a thrilling day trip, Kitenui offers an unforgettable experience. 027 244 9067 A unique deer farm and exotic animal park located in the Wairakei area near Taupō. Owned by Murray and Barbara Matuschka, this 187-hectare property is home to around 600 deer. mainbrace@me.com That commitment extends beyond their clients and into the community. Wairakei Haulage actively supports the local rugby club, where Brian played as prop for many years, as well as the Reporoa Playcentre and Wairakei Primary School. “Giving back is important to us, and we love to support the places that support families like ours.” From one truck and a vision to five trucks and a close-knit team, Wairakei Haulage is proof of how passion, persistence, and personal connection can drive a small business forward. For Waikato dairy farmers, that means a trusted local partner who understands their world – and always turns up with more than just a truck.
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