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.
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.
“I found the course to be interesting and informative, the course materials were comprehensive, and the instructors were friendly and supportive. I highly recommend it.”
Andy