NEWS RELEASE July 11, 2022

New Zealand John Deere Turf Service Technician finalist announced

Hayden Pollard, Brandt, Whangārei, North Island

Crestmead, Queensland (11 July, 2022) – HAYDEN Pollard, an outstanding technician from the North Island's Whangārei has demonstrated he is a cut above his field after being named the New Zealand finalist in the Turf Technician category of the second annual John Deere Technician Awards.

The Awards celebrate the critical role high-performing techs play in providing backup support and technical expertise to the agriculture, turf, construction, and forestry industries.

John Deere Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Luke Chandler, congratulated Hayden on his remarkable achievement.

"New Zealand has an immense pool of talented technicians, and Hayden deserves to be very proud for being named the best in his field," Mr Chandler said.

"As a turf specialist, he is supporting some of New Zealand's most prestigious golf clubs, sports grounds, as well as local governments and commercial contractors who are maintaining parklands, properties and roadside verges."

"Our John Deere technicians are driven by their commitment to their customers' efficiency, productivity and profitability, by not only providing vital backup support and remote diagnostics, but by empowering operators to get the most out of their machinery and technology."

After 20 years working with John Deere products, Hayden said his experience was by far the best attribute in his toolkit for helping to keep his customers operating.

"After completing my apprenticeship, I have worked on just about every type of John Deere equipment, but I took a particular interest in golf and turf machines after eight years on agricultural equipment," Mr Pollard said.

"I'm always reading the latest information to ensure I'm familiar with new equipment and updates, so I am confident I have the knowledge to diagnose and repair any issues quickly."

Recognised in the Brandt Whangārei dealership for delivering exceptional customer service, Hayden said developing long-lasting relationships with his customers was central to his role.

"I always want customers to come back to me for further work, so I actively listen to understand their needs and maintain regular communication throughout the job."

Hayden has progressed to the next phase of judging and will compete with four Australian finalists to be in the running to win the title of Australian and New Zealand John Deere Turf Service Technician of the Year.

More than 100 nominations from across Australia and New Zealand were received for the Awards, with finalists competing in six different categories, including Agriculture Service Technician of the Year, Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year, Service Apprentice of the Year, Parts Technician of the Year and Parts Apprentice of the Year. The Turf Service Technician of the Year category is a new addition in this year's Awards program.

The award winners will be announced at a special gala event planned for 5 August in Brisbane, Australia.

LIST OF NEW ZEALAND FINALISTS:

Agriculture Service Technician of the Year Finalists
(will compete for New Zealand only Award)

Bryce Dickson, Brandt, Whangārei, North Island
Greg Bishop, Southland Farm Machinery, Mosgiel, South Island

Construction & Forestry Service Technician of the Year Finalists
(will compete against four Australian technicians for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)

Stephan Ebert, AGrowQuip NZ, Hastings, North Island
Nick Fargher, AGrowQuip NZ, Hastings, North Island

Turf Technician of the Year Finalist
(will compete against four Australian technicians for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)

Hayden Pollard, Brandt, Whangārei, North Island

Service Apprentice of the Year Finalist
(will compete against four Australian apprentices for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)

Josh Alexander, Brandt, Whangārei, North Island
Logan Robertson, Southland Farm Machinery, Invercargill, South Island

Parts Technician of the Year Finalist
(will compete for New Zealand only Award)

Ben McShane, AGrowQuip NZ, Cambridge, North Island
Megan Tree, Southland Farm Machinery, Gore, South Island
Megan Foster, Southland Farm Machinery, Mosgiel, South Island

Parts Apprentice of the Year Finalist
(will compete against four Australian apprentices for a combined New Zealand/Australian Award)

Deena Martin, Drummond & Etheridge, Ashburton, South Island

About John Deere:
Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, golf & turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and See & Spray™ are just two of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in New Zealand at JohnDeere.co.nz.