Bryce sets new record for awards
Like any great sportsman, Bryce Dickson has experienced the highs and lows of competition in the John Deere Australia and New Zealand Technician of the Year awards.
Bryce, a field service technician at Brandt Whangārei NZ, has been a finalist every year since the awards began in 2021, and this year became the first person in either country to win an award three times, in 2021, 2023 and 2025.
Taking home the trophy in the New Zealand Agriculture & Turf Service Technician Award category, Bryce said he was thrilled and surprised to win again.
"Every time it's a different experience," Bryce said.
"It's really mind blowing and exciting, and I love it. It's a great competition to be involved in.
"One of my colleagues from Brandt in Australia has won two times back-to-back, and, to come here and be able to win it three times, you know, that's a good title to have."
It's a significant achievement for someone whose high school career advisor said he wouldn't succeed as a mechanic. Fortunately, Bryce ignored that advice and worked in the automotive industry before transitioning to ag machinery during the global financial crisis.
While he wishes he had started in the agriculture industry straight from school, his commitment to continuous learning, keeping up with the latest technologies and his contact with customers is what makes him stand out as an excellent technician.
"Getting out in the field and working on machines interacting with customers is much better than being stuck in a workshop," he said.
"We've now got integrated G5 displays and autonomy is coming out now. It's awesome to see and learn about and, and I really love it when the new tech comes out.
"It's just learning about it that keeps you interested and focused."