21.11.2025

New leaderhsip team at Agtrans

Phil D’Ath the co-founder of New Zealand’s Agtrans crane company has retired.
Agtrans is based in Hawera, in the Taranaki region of the North Island - north west of Wellington and due south of Auckland.

D’Ath established Agtrans in May 2012 in partnership with CJ Mahony, who until then had been leasing machinery and transport equipment. Phil D’Ath had just returned from Australia and was looking for a new direction when the two met on a farm. Mahony suggested they put a couple of underutilised trucks to work, and the partnership was born.

The two originally focused on moving tractors and equipment for local farmers -thus the name - but the business quickly evolved, and within a few months, they invested in a truck mounted loader crane and discovered a solid demand for lifting and transport services in the area.

“There was never a big master plan, we just took one step at a time,” said Mahoney “We just said yes to opportunities, and worked out how to make it happen.”

13 years on and the company runs around a dozen cranes, from a heavy custom built articulated spider crane and several large loader cranes up to a 160 tonne five axle Liebherr LTM 1160-5.2. They now also work with the local oil & gas industry and building contractors.

“Phil’s departure opens the door for an exciting new chapter for Agtrans,” said Mahoney. “While we will miss his presence around the depot, we are also excited for him as he embarks on his next adventure — we are also excited about the opportunities ahead. The business remains privately owned, while a leadership transition sees Phil Harrison promoted to projects manager and Logan Willemen operations manager.”

Looking back on his partnership with D’Ath, he adds: “Drawing on his background in farming, building, and precast concrete, Phil brought practical knowledge and deep industry insight to Agtrans from the outset. He also has very strong people skills and played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s culture, reputation, and success. His ability to connect with people and his commitment to our customers have been central to who we are today.”

Speaking of his departure, D’Ath said: “If you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re probably right. CJ and I thought we could, and here we are - quite a way on from two trucks, two tractors, and the two of us.”

“Thanks to CJ for being a supportive business partner. If we hadn’t aimed for the sky and challenged ourselves and our team to adopt new skills and technology, Agtrans would not look the way it does today. It takes a lot of people to create a company like Agtrans and become as successful. I’m appreciative of all the customers, staff and suppliers we’ve had over the years – thank you to everyone.”

Off on a new adventure

As to what he does now, Phil says that he and his wife Helen are preparing for their next big adventure, a long anticipated two year motorbike trip from Nordkap, the northernmost point of Europe, to Cape Town in South Africa.