Ingram retains Hawke's Bay excavator operator title

Marcus Ingram has retained the Hawke's Bay East Coast Excavator Operator title, winning the regional Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice competition ahead of eight other entrants.

The event was held at Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings alongside Kids Ride in a Truck Day, which drew hundreds of spectators and raised money for local charities.

Ingram, of Galbraith Earthmovers, claimed his second regional title after beating team-mate Tom McIntyre into second place. Michael Walters, of United Civil Infrastructure, finished third.

Contestants faced a series of machine-handling tests combining precision tasks with practical site knowledge. Challenges included a large-scale game of noughts and crosses, transferring liquid between containers in a "scoop the soup" exercise, slam-dunking basketballs and opening beer bottles with excavators.

Judges also assessed health and safety knowledge, hazard identification, first aid procedures, correct use of personal protective equipment, and startup and shutdown protocols.

Ingram said the standard of the field was strong throughout the day.

"It was a really good day out there with a few new challenges and some good competition," he said.

The result means he will represent Hawke's Bay and East Coast at the national finals, where winners from 12 regional competitions will compete for the title.

Ingram was runner-up at the national finals on his first appearance and said that experience could help next time.

"It's always hard, but it will hopefully be easier next time because I've been before," he said.

He linked his competition form to his day-to-day work around Hawke's Bay, including building forestry roads and working on flood protection stopbanks near the Pōrangahau River.

He said one part of that work had been especially relevant to the contest's focus on accuracy.

"The final trimming stage of projects is helpful for the competition because you have to be precise," he said.

Testing skills

The regional excavator operator competition is designed to test a broad range of skills used on construction and civil works sites. While some tasks are staged for public interest, judging also focuses on safety awareness and operating discipline.

This year's field included previous winner Tanya Claxton and veteran competitor Shaun Truman, adding experience to a line-up that also featured younger operators.

Kristina Salmons, Competition Organising Committee co-chair, said the overall standard made for a close contest.

"The level of skill was off the charts and it was brilliant to see younger operators going bucket to bucket with local legends who have been in the industry for many years.

"Big thanks to all the competitors, sponsors, judges, volunteers and supporters who pitched in to make the event such a success," she said.

Regional field

The top three finishers reflected a mix of companies from across the local civil contracting sector. Galbraith Earthmovers took first and second through Ingram and McIntyre, while Walters secured third for United Civil Infrastructure.

Sponsors included CablePrice, Hirepool, Attach2 Equipment, Connexis, Firstgas, Humes Pipe Systems, Angus McMillian Concrete, Hi-Viz, Galbraith Earthmovers and Pro Arbore.

The format combined public spectacle with practical assessment, turning excavator handling into a test of steadiness, coordination and compliance knowledge. Ingram came out on top after a day of challenges ranging from pouring liquid and placing counters accurately to demonstrating safe operating procedures.