Josh Tomlinson has fond memories of his childhood in Awatere, Marlborough, especially when his dad would bring home his big truck. “I used to play around in it, and that’s what really got me hooked on machinery,” Josh recalls.
His dad spent many years delivering wood and building supplies, followed by over a decade working various day and night shifts for Fonterra.
“At Fonterra, they had a ‘bring your kids to work’ day, which I really enjoyed,” Josh says.
It’s no surprise, then, that Josh found his way into the agricultural sector, working with tractors and machinery for tasks like cropping and direct drilling. Six years into contracting in Golden Bay, and at the age of 23, Josh met a woman from the Waimea region. Wanting to be closer to her, he was fortunate to secure a cadet job driving for a local forestry company. Over the next three years, he worked his way up to obtaining his class 5 license and class 1 pilot’s licence.
Now, Josh drives for Borlase, hauling logs throughout the Top of the South, including trips to private farms and commercial blocks.
“I love the variety of locations and being surrounded by the bush,” he says. “As a hunter, being out in the bush driving machinery is pretty hard to beat.”
Josh acknowledges that truck driving can be challenging, with occasional close calls on muddy roads and tight edges. However, he emphasises that what stands out most is the behaviour of other drivers.
“Coming across accidents serves as a good reminder to always come to work refreshed and alert,” he says.
“Each day presents new challenges, but it’s all about how you approach them. It’s an awesome job with great support from fellow drivers and the company owners.”
