Timaru’s Sam Burleigh wins the 2025 CCNZ CablePrice Canterbury Westland Excavator Competition, earning a place at the national finals
After four years of trying, Timaru’s Sam Burleigh has claimed the title of Canterbury Westland’s top excavator operator, winning the 2025 Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) CablePrice Regional Excavator Competition in Rolleston.
Sam, a foreman at Thompson Engineering 2002, outperformed 28 other operators during a demanding afternoon of practical and theoretical challenges held at the Road Metals Quarry. His win earns him a place at the CCNZ national finals in Feilding next March and over $3000 in prizes.
Competitors were tested on their precision, safety knowledge, and versatility in tasks ranging from truck loading to a notoriously difficult “egg in a cup” challenge –requiring operators to delicately manoeuvre an egg into a cup using their machine’s bucket without cracking it. Sam, who had dropped the egg in a previous attempt, completed the task smoothly this year.
“I just went into cruise mode today and did my jam,” he says, crediting his 18 years of experience and ability to stay calm under pressure.
The competition also featured more creative tests of control, such as a giant game of golf with excavators and a log balance requiring a full 360-degree spin without touching the ground. A written component assessed participants on pre-start procedures and health and safety knowledge.
Judging was led by former regional champion Georgia Lyford and Brittany Mauger of Maugers Contracting. Sam’s work colleague Aidan Te Pakeke Palmer finished second, while Jomar Clavo from Isaac Construction took third.
A novice category for less experienced operators was won by Alex Waller from Smith Crane and Construction.
Organiser James Flower noted the record number of entries and said the event showcased the depth of skill in the region while offering a platform to promote careers in civil construction.
Despite wet conditions, the event drew strong public interest, with trade stalls and spectators creating a festival-like atmosphere.