Phaedra Rodriguez has spent the last four years growing flowers on her 7.5-acre property in Yackandandah, just south of Albury-Wodonga, where she lives with her husband Moroni and three children. Watch the moment when NZ Content Creator Vaughan Smith surprises her with the good news.
Phaedra Rodriguez
Winner of John Deere's Australian Content Creator Competition 2025—armed with creativity, charm, and a four-page to-do list that could rival a tractor manual.
"We've spent four years working on the property and our bodies are tired — we're ready for the tractor to do the work!"
Phaedra Rodriguez has spent the last four years growing flowers on her 7.5-acre property in Yackandandah, just south of Albury-Wodonga, where she lives with her husband Moroni and three children. Watch the moment when NZ Content Creator Vaughan Smith surprises her with the good news.
Teamwork makes the dream work.
When NZ broadcaster Vaughan Smith crossed the ditch to team up with Aussie Content Creator Phaedra Rodriguez @phaedragardeness, magic happened!
Together, they built the ultimate chicken coop setup—and the John Deere 4044R was the unsung hero of the day.
From clearing concrete to tilling soil and digging post holes, the 4044R made light work of it all, paving the way for some seriously happy hens.
Watch the full transformation and see the final masterpiece come to life!
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Vaughan crossed the ditch and lent a hand to Australian Content Creator Phaedra, creating the ultimate space for a new chicken coop!
The 4044R made the job look as light as a feather, clearing loads of concrete, tilling the ground and digging post holes to make way for happy hens!
Check out the final masterpiece!
Follow us to see how else Phaedra is using the 4044R and Z315E for her DIY projects.
Take a look at the 4044R Compact Utility Tractor.
The 4044R is specially designed to make your life easier! With our easy eHydro™ transmission, Twin Touch™ foot controls allow you to effortlessly switch between forwards and backwards, no clutch needed. Standard Hitch Assist makes the rear hitch faster to use and safer. The three function self-levelling Loader gives you complete versatility, and the standard air ride seat keeps you comfortable and productive all day long.
Features
- Attractive styling provides improved visibility and comfort
- Powerful Yanmar® diesel engine delivers plenty of power under heavy loads
- Maximise productivity with an eHydro™ transmission
- Operator station is comfortable and convenient
- Hitch assist and auxiliary 3-point hitch control for easy implement hookup
- Save fuel, reduce noise, and increase engine life with the economy power take-off (PTO)
- Excellent serviceability reduces operational costs and improves productivity
Say hello to the Z315E ZTrak™ Zero Turn Mower: mowing made easy
The Z315E ZTrak™—John Deere's nimble zero-turn mower that delivers a impressive cut, fast turns, and serious comfort. Power up your mowing game and make yard work a breeze! Add a polycart attachment like Phaedra has, and you'll unlock a world of possibilities for your yard.
Features:
- 20 HP V-Twin engine for powerful, reliable performance
- 42-inch Accel Deep™ mower deck for a clean, even cut
- Zero-turn maneuverability for fast, precise mowing around obstacles
- High-back adjustable seat for comfort on every ride
Vaughan Smith
New Zealand radio broadcaster, self-confessed 'Wanna Be Tradie', and all-round nice guy.
Join Vaughan as he puts our 4044R compact utility tractor to the test on his property north-west of Auckland.
Attachments & Implements
A wide variety of attachments and implements can help you get your yard work done.
Rural Lifestyle Equipment
100 Series Ride‑on Mowers
Residential ZTrak™ Zero‑Turn Mowers
Select Series™ Mowers
Compact Tractors
We're Just Down The Road
Whatever the size of the equipment you're riding or the land you're riding it on, you'll always receive a warm welcome at your local John Deere dealership. There you'll be met by a friendly team who'll remove any stress or worry and help find the right solution for your needs. So, drop in and say hi. We'll roll out the green carpet for you.
*Actual mowing area per charge will vary based on conditions and attachment usage.
**Term limited to 5 years or 200 hours used, whichever comes first, and varies by model.