The 2012 Auckland Branch’s Christmas function held on Nov 16th at Auckland City’s Rendezvous Hotel, attracted 96 attendees to its Dinner / Charity Raffle. A jolly good turnout with many taking the opportunity to bring their partners for a night out on the town.
The Auckland Branch gratefully acknowledges the Porter Group as main sponsor, together with many other suppliers and quarry operators whose support is really appreciated.
2012 Winner of Blackwoods Paykel Shield.
Mike Henderson shares it with wife, Chris.
The 2012 recipient of the Blackwoods Paykels Shieldwas Mike Henderson, who has been in the quarrying industry since 1970 spending 5 years with the Drinkrow family business – Kaipara – back then it was known as Kaipara Excavators. A company involved in the earth moving business and the quarrying arm including explosives.
Mike held a role as Sales and Technical Manager for ICI Explosives NZ Ltd (now Orica) for 10years until 1985.
For another 8 years he was an owner/operator drill/blast contractor, and consultant to quarrying, mining and construction industries. His company was known as Explosives Consultancy Services. Mike was also
involved in marine operations in New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji. with marine construction works including dredging and rock protection.
Mike is a shareholder and Operations Director for RedBull, and also Project Manager for Redbull’s South Island contracts with OceanaGold (including Macraes Open Pit, Reefton Open Pit and Frasers Underground).
He has overseen the construction of a new emulsion plant and mobilisation of resources for the OceanaGold contract which started on 1 October 2012 – a contract for 50,000 tonnes of Bulk Explosives over 5 years, as well as detonators, packaged explosives and accessories for both open pit and underground.
Mike has been instrumental in the growth of the company, with his vast explosives experience, an ability to grow and nurture industry relationships and an ability to train and build a strong, loyal team of the best shotfirers in New Zealand.
Since 1997, Mike has been involved with the management and supervision of Red Bull Powder Company’s day to day activities involved in blasting for the quarrying and construction industries in New Zealand and Pacific Islands. He is also a skilled industry trainer a role which takes patience, understanding and empathy – he does this not only in New Zealand, but also Fiji, Guam, Palau, and Samoa. He also is a trainer for the NZ Army
During the mid 1990’s Mike joined the Institute of Quarrying and supported our local branch meetings whenever he was able. In 1998, when Bill Bond was Manager, he was so proud of his new resource at Holcim’s Bombay Quarry that he invited our Auckland Branch to attend a field trip. Bill had also arranged to have Mike fly as many as wanted to around the quarry – a short 2-3 minutes flight in a helicopter – its something we will remember for a long time.
In the early 2000’s Mike served on the Auckland Branch committee, and a couple of years back he was one of the supporters who was there with Redbull Powder Company when an entusiastic group of resurrected the flagging Northland Branch – the occasion drew wide support with some 83 in attendance. Mike has also attended the Waikato / Bay of Plenty Branch meetings whenever he has been in the area.
Redbull Powder Company team celebrations
L-R Geoff Hunt, Tristan Bradley, Glenn Ross, Nick Bastow;
Valmae McDonald, Chris & Mike Henderson, Bernie McDonald.
Because Blackwood’s representative, Mike Rawson, was unable to be attend, Les Ward was invited to make the presentation.