This is us

John Austin Ltd is a family-owned and operated Agricultural Contracting business located in the heart of the Waikato, New Zealand. Registering in 1980 and beginning operating in 1981, we are now contracting to approximately 800 customers stretching over 200km in the North Island. Though centred in New Zealand’s Leading Dairy Area, specialising in Maize and Grass services, we also extend as far south as Ohakune where we grow Wheat, Barley and Oil Seed Rape.

Our core values and commitment to total quality have been at the center of our business since we first began serving the farming community.

At the age of 16 years, John began working for a local contractor, Peter Hoar, and then at age 21, he bought Peter’s business which at that time consisted of one combine, one tractor and a few implements. From these small beginnings, John has built the entire business through sheer hard work and commitment until now the company employs approximately 40 staff year-round and up to 70 people in our busy seasons.

John and Jackie have been blessed with three children, Michael, Daniel and Hannah, and so far, two grandchildren. Michael, the eldest son, now a shareholder in the family business, and Customer Services Manager is married to Nikita. They have two young children, Indi and Ivar. Michael is mainly in charge of our Silage Operations but is increasingly transitioning into the business management position. Daniel is a Charted Accountant currently living and working abroad in Canada for a mining company.

The youngest, Hannah, is full time in our family business as our Agricultural Contracting Services and Marketing Coordinator. She also handles our overseas employment, assists with Agronomy Support and Health and Safety and runs our shop