Thomas Perston representing region at national big dig this weekend

Thomas Perston is experiencing a mix of nerves and quiet confidence ahead of his well-earned opportunity to represent his family, Quality Roading and Services, and the region, in the CCNZ National Excavator Operator Competition in Feilding this weekend. 

“I’m trying not to overthink it, just take one challenge at a time.”

Thomas, Ngāti Rongomaihwahine, Ngāti Porou, is a QRS site supervisor and has been with the company for 22 years. He’s been operating machines for 15 years, and aims for perfection when it comes to earthworks, final trims, levels, and the other technical tasks he carries out in the company’s range of machines.

He earned his place on the national stage last year when he won the Hawke’s Bay East Coast Regional Excavator Operator Competition in Napier.

We caught up with Thomas today in a 14.5 tonne Volvo digger at a worksite on Black St. He says the 12 other competitors from around the country represent a new talented crop of operators – apart from one contestant from Otago, who aims to win the national title for a record-breaking fourth time.

Thomas and the national finalists will face a range of events over two days including operating, job planning and pricing, and health and safety situational tasks.

Event details are kept under wraps and contestants are not permitted to watch others compete. However, there is a chance to mingle with the rest of the country’s best operators at a social event the evening before. “I’m looking forward to it,” says Thomas.

Thomas will travel to Manawatu with his partner Kelly Thompson. A small group of QRS staff will travel down to watch him compete.

Construction manager Mike Wilson says everyone at QRS is proud of him. “We wish Thomas all the best on the national stage this weekend.”

Ends 

13 March 2024

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