Since 1994, Kiwi excavator operators have been competing in the annual Civil Contractors New Zealand National Excavator Operator Competition, an event still going strong. In the national event, the champions of CCNZ’s Regional Excavator Operator Competitions (REOCs) compete in March each year at the Central District Field Days in Feilding.
CCNZ congratulates all the finalists from the 2025-2026 National Excavator Operator Competition, which was held from 19-21 March 2026 at Manfeild Park in Feilding during Central Districts Field Days.
The 2026 Competition Winner was Steven George of Steven George Contracting Limited in Northland.
Runner-up: Marcus Ingram, Galbraith Earthmovers, Hawke’s Bay East Coast.
Third Place: Ryan Prankerd, King Road Contracting, Taranaki.
Connexis One-day Job Challenge: Dean Cave, McIntyre Construction, Manawatū Whanganui.
Humes MVP Award: Ryan Prankerd, King Road Contracting, Taranaki.
Geoff Duff Memorial Trophy: Daniel Bruning, Diggs Ltd, Nelson Marlborough.
Click to read about the results
Sponsorship information for 2026-2027 coming soon.
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| Region & Event location |
Competition Dates 2026–2027 |
Winners |
Company |
| Waikato - Field Days, Mystery Creek |
11-13 June 2026 |
Andrew Prince |
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| Bay of Plenty - Field Days, Mystery Creek |
11-13 June 2026 |
John Rohloff
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| Canterbury Westland - Road Metals Quarry |
3 October 2026 |
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| Hawke's Bay East Coast - Hawkes Bay A&P |
10 October 2026 |
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| Nelson Marlborough - Nelson A&P Show |
21 November 2026 |
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| Taranaki - Stratford A&P Show |
28 November 2026 |
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| Northland - Whangārei A&P Show |
5 December 2026 |
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| Southland - Winton A&P Show |
17 January 2027 |
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| Otago - Taieri A&P Show |
24 January 2027 |
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| Auckland - Franklin A&P Show |
19-20 February 2027 |
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| Wellington Wairarapa - Brewtown |
27 February 2027 |
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| Manawatū Whanganui - National Driver Training Centre, Feilding |
7 March 2027 |
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| National Finals - Central District Field Days, Feilding |
18-20 March 2027 |
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Thank you to our 2026-2027 event sponsors:
07:00 AM Sat, 10 Oct 2026
Timona Showgrounds
120 Kenilworth Road, Hastings
Come along and experience the excitement of the CCNZ Regional Operator Competition. Watch skilled operators tackle a range of challenges that demonstrate the talent and dedication behind New Zealand's civil infrastructure projects. It's a great day out for industry professionals, families, and supporters, with plenty of action, camaraderie, and competition.