Bruce Gordon Contracting - Bruce Gordon Contracting 265 Waimutu Road

About

I formed Bruce Gordon Contracting in 1981 with an Iseki tractor with a minimal amount of attachments. I worked part time for a lot of people including the odd day shearing, which I was trying to give up.

As the business grew I was able to concentrate entirely on growing the contracting as well as my farming interests. Soon I was hiring staff, and of special note in those early days, was a man called Doug Brophy who helped me in so many ways, that without him the business would not be where it is today.

Having a young family meant juggling many things at the same time.

In those early years it was evident that the Rangitikei was a food bowl for the rest of the North Island. Seldom did we have droughts and if we did they were mainly in the autumn.

Supplying the insatiable horse trainers in Takanini, Auckland became a full time, year round business. Hay, red clover, lucern and straw were the main products wanted.

Overtime, along with the many small mushroom farms, things began to change as housing pressures in South Auckland pushed these trainers and farmers out. As this happened the demand from North Auckland strawberry farmers grew. We have now been supplying some of those second generation farmers for 25 years, and some more.

The local demand for cropping work grew along with direct drilling and demands for good quality feeds from dairy farmers. This market was mainly in the Taranaki, however reached to southern Hawke’s Bay as well.

In later years I made a bigger commitment to my role on the Regional Council and have been privileged to have had Richard Howard step up and manage the company for me. Richard worked in the company for a little over ten years and will be missed dearly.

Over the years my family have all contributed during varsity semesters and know first-hand what is involved in the work that is required.

My partner Carol also works and helps in the admin side of running the company, and helps keep me sane.

We have always have had a family type approach to staff, and long may this continue.

As always there are some of you that have always spoken directly to me when it comes to your requests, and I remain always willing to help.