Company

From the moment Hamish’s dad gave him an afternoon off school as a 10-year-old, and took him to see a pivot steer tractor towing a huge piece of tillage gear, he was hooked.

Starting at the bottom at 16, and spending countless hours on a waterblaster and grease gun, the early years were all about getting into the nuts and bolts of farm machinery, and getting filthy dirty in the process! He learned how to weld, pull apart hay mowers with his eyes closed, and progressed to assembling and installing new European gear. 5 years in the parts department began the most enlightening years of his career - supplying parts for machinery you certainly learn what breaks, and most importantly taught Hamish the value of good service. When a guy has a broken machine, he just wants to get going fast and wants to be helped.

Hamish travels to Europe regularly, often twice a year, to meet with 4AG’s European partners and design engineers. These visits have forged very strong relationships with long-term trust, and hugely helpful in getting the factory design teams to understand ‘the differences we face in working conditions down under’

Hamish’s younger brother Darren spent the early part of his career traversing New Zealand demonstrating and selling machinery. From a boy, he was obsessed with pulling things apart to find out how they worked!

Known for his attention to detail and hunger to listen and learn, Darren has gleaned a vast amount of experience of environmental conditions nationwide, and learned a serious amount about the challenges contractors and farmers face. This experience has led to a deep understanding of how the gear performs in hostile places like Te Anau and the Rakaia Gorge. An energetic guy, Darren is very hands-on, which means he’s been at the forefront of technical changes and adaptions of 4AG gear.

Accompanying Hamish regularly to our European supply factories, Darren too has built up an intimate knowledge of trends and innovation in the industry. With a strong background in financial management, Darren keeps a steady eye on the business numbers as well.

Recently joining the 4AG team Cameron has a wealth of machinery and industry knowledge that belies his younger age. A self-confessed ‘machinery nut’ from a boy, Cameron has a detailed understanding of contractors and farmers business challenges, and brings ‘coal face’ experience and advice to his clients. Cameron is 4AG’s territory manager for Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty & Taranaki.

Vern Dartnall was born and raised in North Canterbury. Having been around machinery from a young age (drove his first tractor as an 8yr old!), his first job out of school was in an agricultural machinery dealership. Progressing through the workshop, spare parts department, and then sales, this background gives Vern well-rounded experience in the gear he sells. With 30yrs of hands-on experience in repairing, operating, and selling equipment, he fully understands the importance of the ‘right machine for the job’ and the pressure farmers and contractors come under in the season. He has forged a reputation for “doing whatever it takes to get the job done”.

Vern is 4AG Territory Manager for Canterbury, Westcost, & Marlborough

We are pleased to officially welcome an old friend back into the 4AG Camp, Wayne Shewell has returned as our Warranty Manager & Service Administrator.
Attention to detail saw Wayne rise to the top as head of warranty department for the South African importer of Caterpillar equipment, before making the move to NZ with his family. He left us a couple of years ago to try his hand at something new but he soon realized the culture of teamwork and problem-solving that is part of our fabric here at 4AG was indeed a rare commodity..!
Dealing in machines of such scale and complexity in Caterpillar developed Wayne’s technical skills and ability to interpret and troubleshoot any issues no matter how challenging. He is also a treasure trove of knowledge of the technical aspects of the gear so we are happy to see him back where he belongs!

In Darren's spare time, if not sorting out the family, playing on Amateur (Ham) Radio, or on a call out with Search & Rescue (SAR) helping to get lost people home safe and sound, you can find D2 at home on the tractor.

Darren brings 18yrs of Tractor & Machinery spare parts experience and valuable knowledge to the team, and knows full well the importance of having machinery going again quickly. His advice is "The best time to order parts for your machinery, is just before you put it back in the shed, not when you just pull it out at the beginning of the season!" Shipping delays and cost of air freight are common challenges in the industry currently, so plan ahead for the season!  Give Darren a call with your pre-season parts needs, he looks forward to hearing from you.

Christine’s many years in key roles of professional administration and customer service has made her a great asset to 4AG. She dots the i’s and crosses the t’s with perfection, and provides unrelenting support to Hamish & Darren, making sure every loose end is completed.

Christine is an astute financial manager and enjoys strong relationships with our clients, suppliers and overseas manufacturing partners alike.

With 20 years experience in the print industry, Angela has taken on the role of Marketing, working behind the scenes, updating the 4AG brochures, keeping the website up to date and posting on our social channels.

Angela grew up on a Sheep & Beef and then Dairy farm in South Wairarapa and she is excited to be back in the agricultural industry. The evolution of equipment, from her grandfather’s tiny, ancient, wooden seeder to the huge, hi-tech, computer-driven equipment of today, has been exciting to see.

When not at work you can find Angela hanging out with her dogs, creating something with her hands; be it sewing, cross-stitch, woodworking, or board game miniature painting; out with her camera, or even at her favourite getaway spot, Cape Palliser, with fishing rod in hand or pack on her back.