OUR PEOPLE
Our people are our backbone.
We celebrate our diverse team of hard-working people who strive to produce the best in agricultural farm machinery solutions for our customers daily. Here some of our team explain how they came to work at Giltrap Ag and what keeps them here.
Rajneel's story
Rajneel Vikesh, Heavy Duty Welder
When he first moved to New Zealand, Rajneel was drawn to Otorohanga because it had a strong sense of community and because Giltrap Ag, one of the area's largest employers, was a natural fit for his job search. A decade later, he has no regrets.
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“While my children are young, it's important for me to work somewhere that offers a good work-life balance. The short commute to Giltrap means I can even return home for lunch, maximizing time with my family.” Otorohanga is a peaceful and safe community with ample activities to keep Rajneel’s family occupied, and he enjoys taking his children to local parks and exploring nature. At the same time, Otorohanga is no more than a couple of hours away from Auckland, Rotorua, and Mount Maunganui so there are plenty of travel destinations on his doorstep when his family visits from Fiji.
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During his ten years at Giltrap, Rajneel has seen the company grow significantly while growing with them, acquiring new skills, such as robotic welding. “I appreciate the advantages of working for a secure employer. The team I work with are friendly and supportive, and I take pride in my daily contribution to producing high-quality and reliable equipment for farmers."
Oscar's story
Oscar Shergold, Press Brake Operator
Oscar has been working at Giltrap for five years and can see himself staying for the long haul. He admires the dedication of his colleagues, some of whom have been with the company for 30 or 40 years, which he believes speaks highly of Giltrap. Although he found it challenging when he first started operating the machine he works on, he received ample support from his team, who have a friendly and professional attitude, which is particularly beneficial during busy periods.
For Oscar, Giltrap provides a positive work environment, and living in close proximity to his job allows him to maximize his time with his family. With a new baby on the way, this has become even more important to him. “I am grateful that I can work and raise my family in Otorohanga, especially as it has enabled us to purchase our own home. The town is perfect for families, with excellent schools, beautiful beaches, and scenic bush walks.”
Matt's story
Matt Moodie, NZ Sales and Export Development Manager
Matt boasts an impressive 19 years of experience in the agricultural equipment industry. His journey with Giltrap Ag began when his previous employer, Clough Agriculture, was acquired by Giltrap Ag in 2018. With a rural upbringing and a lifelong fascination with machinery, it's no surprise that Matt chose a career in the agricultural equipment sector.
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His career has been diverse, commencing in assembly and then progressing to roles in spare parts, factory management, and area management. Currently, he holds the position of National and International Sales Manager, a dynamic role that involves overseeing sales in New Zealand and all export markets, excluding Australia.
At the national level, he serves as the primary contact for customers in the South Island and shoulders responsibilities including sales, lead generation, marketing, and logistics. His customer base ranges from large dealerships to individual farmers, and he frequently assists with equipment setups in the field.
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Matt has been impressed by the professionalism and support he has received from Giltrap Ag. He underscores that "as such a well-resourced and supportive company, I am able to focus on the task at hand." Autonomy and efficiency are paramount to him, and Giltrap Ag's robust infrastructure empowers him to prioritize tasks and manage his time effectively. As an adventurer by nature, Matt is grateful for the variety that his role at Giltrap Ag has provided him – and especially loves that no two days are ever the same.
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Despite spending most of his time on the road, Matt resides near Giltrap Ag's premises in Timaru, where he notes, "everything you want is practically at your doorstep." He loves the rural lifestyle with hunting and motorbike riding top of his weekend activities.
