About Ag Drive

Waikato's largest agricultural vehicle training provider

Ag Drive is the Waikato's largest agricultural vehicle training provider, offering a range of practical tractor driving courses and farm motorbike driving courses.

We pride ourselves on our focus to provide practical training, giving our learners skills for a lifetime that contribute to New Zealand's awesome agriculture sector.

Supporting our growing agriculture sector

Part of the Ag Technology Group, Ag Drive was formed in 2020 to cater for the growing demand in providing training solutions to the Agricultural industry.

Our specialist Agricultural Engineers and Machinery Operators are skilled in engineering, machine performance, correct operation and all aspects of agricultural machinery and contracting / farming practices.

We Stand For

Practical Learning

We believe the best way to learn is to get stuck in and do it. That's why we're focused on practical learning, giving our learners the best opportunities to learn through doing.

Safety First

From Health & Safety perspective, there is huge risk when operating heavy machinery. That's why we focus on health and safety, so our learners are given the skills and training to operate any level of machinery safely.

Best Practice

We are passionate about educating our tractor drivers and motorbike drivers in best practices. That's why our coaches are highly trained and experienced, understanding how to coach drivers to be safe and efficient.

Experience building

Modern tractors and harvesters are worth large amounts of money, and driving them is not for the inexperienced. That's why we provide practical training, to help learners expand their knowledge and experience.

Modern Facilities

We believe in creating an awesome environment that maximises learning. That's why our training facilities are state-of-the-art, all year round, all weather centres. Ag Drive's 70-acre tractor training farm provides space to learn, while our outdoor motorbike training facility offers a range of terrains and surfaces for ultimate learning opportunities.

Industry-led

There is massive demand within New Zealand's agriculture industry for more drivers and operators, so our programmes are industry-led to meet their needs. That's why we're working closely with employers and iwi groups to provide training that is relevant, and to connect learners and employers into paid employment.

Ag Drive for Students

Ag Drive for Employers

Our Facilities

Ag Drive's Tractor Driver Training and Motorbike Driver Training facilities are state-of-the-art, operating all year in all-weather. Our outdoor motorbike training offers practical operator training on all terrains, while our 28-hectare tractor training farm is fully equipped with classroom, workshop and undercover training arena facilities.

Our Team

Andre Syben

Director

Janine Peters

CEO

Paula Syben

COO

Sue Jeffery

Administrator

Ian Hampton

Tutor

Emma-Jane Peters

Marketing Coordinator

Grant Wilson

Tutor

Les Waghorn

Head Tutor

Luke Young

Tutor

Tom Leonard

Tutor

Steven Hinsley

Assessor

Our Board Members

Craig Barrett (Ngati Maniapoto)

Craig specialises in the area of governance and business development with a particular focus on working with Māori organisations. He gives practical, commercial and strategic advice on all aspects of their business. Craig has been involved in a variety of acquisitions and he is passionate about assisting organisations to better understand their numbers and how they can use this information to improve business performance.

As an alumni of the Te Hono program held at Stanford University he is passionate about innovation and adding value to the New Zealand primary sector.

Craig has a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato, majoring in Accounting and Finance, and is a chartered accountant. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors. Craig also holds a number of trustee and directorships.

Richard Williams

Richard is a company director, lead taxation advisor and mentor to significant listed, privately and family-owned businesses located throughout New Zealand and offshore. His experience in international tax, governance, ownership structures and succession planning together with prudent management contribute to quality decisions which complement the contributions of business owners, executives and management.

Richard has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato, majoring in Accounting and Taxation, and is a Chartered Accountant. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors and holds a number of private directorships.

Awards and Accolades

Ag Drive won the Excellence in New/Emerging Business and Innovation and Adaptation awards at the 2021 Waipa Networks Business Awards, judged by Howard Davey from Waikato University's prestigious School of Business.