Stratford man Jarod See named Taranaki’s smoothest digger operator

These included shoving a basketball into a manhole, painting using a paintbrush mounted on the excavator boom, and guiding an electric hoop along a four-meter-long serpentine wire without touching it.

“I managed to get through this situation without ringing the bells. I think there was only one other operator who was able to do this and not beep.”

Other challenges included digging a trench based on a pre-supplied template, as well as theory tests including health and safety awareness and knowledge.

The win will secure See’s place at next year’s national finals at Fielding, where he will compete in his excavator blades alongside 12 other champion operators from across New Zealand.

Building Contractors New Zealand Taranaki president Joe Ingram said this year’s event was held in windy conditions but under blue skies, after rain the day before as volunteers prepared the course.

“Thanks to all the helpers, supporters and sponsors. “It was great to get everyone together and the competition courses were right next to the main road so we definitely turned a few heads.”

Ingram said this year’s competition featured a star-studded line-up of three former champions – John Northcott, Shaun Curtis and Callum Critchley – making See’s victory at his first attempt even sweeter.

Curtis from Northcott and I&D George, who also works for Graham Harris Ltd, also took second place.