Today, 23rd April 2024, we open the doors to our new state-of-the-art agricultural retail hub in Yaldhurst, Christchurch.

The new building reflects the developing world of agricultural technology and comes as Landpower heads into their fiftieth year in business in 2025. “It’s bringing the best of a family-owned NZ business and the latest agricultural machinery together in a world-class facility designed to help support our local customers”, says Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson.

The purpose-built facility has become home to three former sites across Canterbury – the Templeton retail store, training facility, and our parts centre and support office.  This confirms our commitment to a strong agricultural future in the Canterbury region, one that creates efficiencies and ultimately allows Landpower to deliver a better product, customer experience and service to local farmers and contractors.

In a time where some businesses are conserving funds and making some tough decisions, Landpower owner, Herby Whyte has kept his founding philosophy.  Herby has consistently invested back into his company since his days farming in Southland.  This new building represents the next phase of his investment.

“I have always had a long-term view and this building is our base for the future, we will be bringing more staff into the region for training and career progression, and showing our commitment to Canterbury agriculture”, says Whyte. 

Two additional features of the new building are the reserved area for equipment demonstrations, where farmers can view and test out equipment first-hand, and the dedicated training facility on site, that will allow us to deliver a higher standard of training to our technical team.

The premises also features six retail service workshop bays, two advanced training bays, and parts distribution centre that holds in excess of 30,000 part lines. With everything under one roof, this creates a huge amount of synergy.

To mark the occasion, Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chairperson of the CLAAS Group has joined Landpower CEO Richard Wilson and Founder Herby Whyte for the official opening ceremony. This is Cathrina’s first visit to New Zealand and she will spend time meeting customers and visiting farms throughout the South Island.

“We are delighted to have Cathrina here from Germany to mark this day with us. We have proudly represented CLAAS since 1987 and our long-term relationship has allowed us to provide the world’s leading machinery to our New Zealand customers”, says Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson.

The new building will be officially opened by Nicola Grigg, Associate Minister of Agriculture.