Hamilton’s Charlotte Leach was crowned People’s Choice.
Nichols is a heavy machinery operator for agricultural contracting company Bradfields, based in Otorohanga.
He came into the competition looking for someone who could listen to a few tractor yarns and has come away with the experience of a lifetime.
“For me it was about getting out there and having some fun.
“This was a way to put myself out there for future employers, a way to grow and meet new people, a week off work and something else other than tractors.”
Humbled by his win, Nichols said he went into it with a positive attitude and wanted to do his best.
“It wasn’t really about winning for me. I’m taking away more than just the prizes.
“The prizes are amazing but the experiences are lifelong.
“Every one of us have got on, it’s like a family, none of us want it to end,” he said.
When he’s not busy with the tractors Nichols can be found twisting the throttle on his dirt bike, heading up north to the family farm or enjoying a spot of fishing on the Kaipara harbour.
He is also a strong advocate for mental health in the rural sector.
“Knowing what it feels like to go through the tough times many people face, I know just how important it is that there is support and campaigns to get people to speak up.”
Leach is a research technician for Dairy NZ who impressed the public, judges and sponsors – all of whom she thanked for making the experience such a great one.
“The highlight for me was meeting everyone. It wouldn’t have been the way it was without them. I just want to say thanks to everyone who came out to support me and to all the awesome people we’ve met along the way,” she said.
Originally from an alpaca farm, she spent her first 17 years living and breathing all things fibre and alpaca spit with her passion now sitting in the dairy industry where she’s driven to learn and absorb everything about cows.
Nichols takes home the Golden Gumboot trophy, a brand new King Quad worth $17,995 thanks to Suzuki, a $2000 Swanndri voucher, and Stihl and Skellerup vouchers. Leach won Swanndri, Stihl and Skellerup vouchers and all competitors got a $500 Stihl voucher.
