These awards have been established to recognize dedication, skill, and commitment. To promote people within the concrete pumping industry consistently achieving high levels of job performance and exceeding expectations. And to celebrate the success of skilled individuals who operate in challenging environments.

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Our Judge:‍

Gary Butters first started pumping concrete in Melbourne in 1969, where he worked on projects such as Tullamarine Airport and the West Gate Bridge. In 1974, his family moved back to Wellington, where he continued working as a concrete pump operator.

Throughout his career, Gary has operated truck-mounted boom pumps, stationary and line pumps, and satellite booms. He has worked on major projects including the Beehive, the 28-storey BNZ Building, the 31-storey Majestic Tower, and the 10-storey Park Royal Hotel. He has also travelled the country, pumping concrete on projects such as the Patea Dam and the Hāpuawhenua Viaduct, to name just a few. In 2015, he returned to his hometown of Whanganui to retire.

Since then, he has completed projects including the Waipipi Wind Farm, Turitea Wind Farm, and the hangars at RNZAF Base Ohakea. He has also worked part-time training concrete pump operators through CPENZ. Gary is incredibly passionate about the concrete pumping industry, and we were honoured to have him judge these awards for the third year.

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Key Dates:

• Entries open: 1st August 2026
• Entries close: 1st September 2026
• Finalists notified: 4th September 2026
• Awards evening: 25th September 2026, Holiday Inn Hotel - Auckland Airport

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Finalists must attend the awards evening in Auckland to receive their prize, and their employing company must be represented during the conference.

Up to five finalists could be selected. From these, one outstanding operator will be named Concrete Pump Operator of the Year 2026.

Winners will receive a trophy plus a certificate for ‘Concrete Pump Operator of the Year 2026’. Their employer will receive a certificate for employing ‘Concrete Pump Operator of the Year 2026’.The finalists will receive a certificate acknowledging status as ‘Finalist Concrete Pump Operator of the Year 2026’. The employer will receive a certificate for employing ‘Finalist Concrete Pump Operator of the Year 2026’.

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Application Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Completed application form
• Three references (one each from - your Employer, a Customer, and a Colleague)

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Before you begin, please have the following ready to upload:

• Evidence of any industry-specific training
• Evidence of Health & Safety training
• Copy of a Pre-start SWMS completed within the last 12 months
• Digital photo of yourself (used to introduce finalists and promote the awards)

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Note:
A valid email address is required, a copy of your application will be sent to you.
Applications can be edited any time before entries close.

If you require assistance completing your application, please contact:
Kelly Binning-Rangi – 027 657 6444

* Photos will be taken at the awards evening with trophies and certificates and used for promotional purposes