The Agtrans team recently bid Phil D’Ath farewell. After more than a decade helping steer Agtrans from a two-truck start-up with business partner, CJ Mahony, to one of Taranaki’s leading names in craneage and heavy transport, Phil D’Ath’s adventurous spirit is taking him on a new road. Phil and his wife, Helen, are preparing for the ride of a lifetime travelling Norway’s Nordkap (North Cape), to South Africa’s Cape Town.
For Phil, it’s always been about the challenge — whether that’s partnering to build a business from the ground up, or tackling remote territory. A recent bike trip across Mongolia’s Norwestern Altai mountains has given him a taste for the international terrain.
“It’s not a popular destination. Remote with a lot of wide, wild, open spaces, I’ve always wanted to go there. I travelled 1,000 kms off road, sometimes no road at all ahead, apart from camel tracks,” says Phil.
In business partnership Phil brought practical knowledge and deep industry insight to Agtrans from the outset, drawing on his background in farming, building, and precast concrete. Known for his strong people skills and commitment to client relationships, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s culture, reputation, and success.
“In the early years, it was all hands-on deck. Phil’s ability to connect with people, and his commitment to our client relationships have been central to who we are today,” says CJ Mahony.
As he embarks on this next chapter, Phil leaves behind more than partnership in a successful business; he leaves a legacy of teamwork, authenticity, and care for people — qualities that remain firmly at the core of Agtrans today. His parting comment is one of gratitude to everyone he’s crossed paths with in that time.
“Thanks to CJ for being a supportive business partner, if we hadn’t aimed for the sky and challenged ourselves and our team to adopt new skills and technology, Agtrans would not look the way it does today.
“It takes a lot of people to create a company the scale of Agtrans – to become as successful as it’s become. I’m appreciative of all the customers, the staff and suppliers we’ve had over the years – thank you to everyone,” says Phil D’Ath.
Phil Harrison (Big Phil) is taking the reins from Phil D’Ath. He’s enjoying stretching in the role and is embracing leadership training and new experiences as Project Manager. Logan Willemen is taking the reins as Operations Manager, overseeing day-to-day functions and all-important safety responsibilities for the team.
“Our team is committed to a seamless transition. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the same values, commitment to excellence, and strong partnerships that have defined us since day one when Phil and I set out,” says CJ.
The North Cape trip is a few years away yet for Phil and Helen who have some serious planning ahead, a teenager with final years at secondary school, and two businesses which need operation plans for their absence. “We all wish Phil great adventure on his trails ahead – ‘May the road rise up to meet you!’”
Ends.