Timaru local Sam Burleigh has been named Canterbury Westland’s top excavator operator, taking out first place at the Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Excavator Competition held at Road Metals Quarry in Rolleston on 4 October.
The Thompson Engineering 2002 foreman conquered a series of gruelling challenges designed to test precision, skill, and technical know-how – from truck loading to the crowd-favourite egg and spoon challenge, where operators must lift an egg into a cup using their excavator without breaking it.
Burleigh, who has competed in the event since 2022, said this year’s victory was his first after several close calls.
“Last year I dropped the egg – this year I picked it up and popped it straight in the cup,” he laughed. “I just went into cruise mode today and did my jam, pretending no one was watching.”
The 36-year-old credits his years on the tools, operating excavators since age 18, for helping him stay calm under pressure. His win over 28 other elite operators earned him a place at the national finals in Feilding next March, along with more than $3,000 in prizes.
Other highlights included a giant game of excavator golf, a tricky log swing balance test, and theory-based challenges covering safety and machine checks.
Competition organiser James Flower said the record number of entrants reflected the region’s strong talent and enthusiasm for the event. “It went like a dream, despite a deluge of rain,” he said. “There was a real carnival atmosphere – great to see families out supporting the operators and learning about the industry.”
Rounding out the podium were Aidan Te Pakeke Palmer (second, Thompson Engineering 2002) and Jomar Clavo (third, Isaac Construction).
The novice category went to Alex Waller from Smith Crane and Construction.
The event was proudly supported by CablePrice, Attach2 Equipment, Connexis, and a host of other industry sponsors.