Graeme Bagrie was born in Levin where he attended Poroutawhao School and Horowhenua College. Followed by 12 months at Flock House Agriculture College he then returned home to run the family farm with his parents and then later with his wife Barbara.

Whilst always having a love of animals and farming, Graeme also had a strong interest in machinery. He started out in a small way with two machines undertaking farm drainage and land development work.

In 1986 Graeme decided to branch out further into the area of hay and silage contracting, earthmoving and roading. Waitohu Quarry at Otaki was then added to the business and has been further developed to include a full range of quarry products.

Graeme is now the Managing Director of Graeme Bagrie Contracts and is still strongly involved in the day to day operation of the Waitarere dairy farm.

The Contracting business includes Council Roading, Horizons Stopbank Work, Forest Roading, Building Site Works, Farm Roading, Cultivation and Harvesting, Farm Development and Drainage.

The family run business has expanded to now include Graeme’s two sons and daughter and between the two entities, Graeme Bagrie Contracts and G J Bagrie Farms, employs between 25-40 permanent and casual staff, depending on seasonal demand.

Graeme has been a member and supporter of many local clubs, projects and organisations including Levin Young Farmers, COB rugby, Crusaders rugby, Horowhenua Vintage Machinery, the building of the Halliwell Hockey Turf, reforming of Waitarere Beach Entrance, Waitarere Beach Walkways, Coastal Dune Lakes Preservation, Poroutawhao School, Waitarere Cubs & Scouts and various sports teams.

Graeme is a committed environmentalist, with a particular interest in the regions coastal lakes. He was influential in persuading Horowhenua District and Horizons Regional Councils to adopt a preservation strategy for the lakes.

He has a history of providing machinery and resources for major community projects such as the Hallway Hockey Turf and the Events Centre Trust.

Without seeking recognition, Graeme contributes widely in the community and epitomises a community hero.