New Zealand's construction and mining industries have been abuzz for several months now, anticipating the arrival of the revolutionary new Caterpillar M-Series motor graders featuring joystick controls.

The first unit, a CAT 16M, has now arrived and is being prepared for delivery at Goughs Christchurch branch.

It will be delivered to Oceana Gold and put to work at the Reefton Globe Progress Mine.

On behalf of Goughs I wish to congratulate Mike Penny who has been announced as the winner of the Australasian Apprentice of the Year Award 2007, held in Melbourne.

This is a prestigious competition with some of the Australian CAT dealers investing heavily in specialist coaching and training for their entrants.

It is an outstanding achievement and a credit to Mike, Andy Reid and the Goughs Institute team, and all those involved in Mike’s professional development here at Goughs. 

Mike's win this year follows last year's win by Tom Bates from Rotorua branch and is a tremendous testament to the calibre of our apprentices.

Mike’s prize includes a Caterpillar-sponsored trip to Peoria, USA later in the year.