Earthworks under way on the new arena

Old earthmovers are back at work in Cromwell. Earthworks are under way on the arena at Cromwell Racecourse that will host Central Otago Tracks & Wheels over Easter 2027.

Built by the machines you're coming to see. The work is being done by vintage Caterpillar and International scrapers, dozers and graders, driven by volunteers. Several have been brought out of retirement for the job. They're building the parade ground where the tractors, trucks, earthmovers and steam engines will run across the three days, including the Massey Muster world record attempt.

Paul's machines. Most of the gear on site belongs to Paul Clarke, who runs earthmoving on the Tracks & Wheels committee. A diesel mechanic by trade, he's spent more than 30 years in the earthmoving game, fixing, selling and operating.

“We've brought a collection of my old machines down here. There's about eight machines here from 1965 to the early 1970s. I've managed to round up a few retired gentlemen that were dying to get back in the seat and come down and help me. It's been a real pleasure so far.”

Paul Clarke, Earthmoving, Tracks & Wheels committee

Paul owns about 40 machines. Once the arena's done these ones head back to their shed, and at Easter they'll be trucked back down along with the 30 or so he keeps at the transport museum in Wanaka. As for why he collects them:

“I think it just goes back to my childhood. I loved looking at it when I was a child, and then I was lucky enough to drive and operate them, and obviously fix them as well. It's like people that collect Lego and classic cars. I just seem to collect earthmoving machinery.”

Paul Clarke

A ground that stays. The arena is permanent. Once the event is over, a full-size rugby paddock in the centre of the parade ground goes back to the Cromwell community. Local contractors and sponsors have donated the earthworks and materials to make it happen, and the diesel for the build has been supplied by RD Petroleum. A big thanks to them for keeping the machines fuelled.

“We're making a full-size football field in the middle of the paddock, with a gravel ring road around the outside with raised berms, so it can be used for future events, concerts, sports, everything. Big benefit for the community. I've volunteered all my machines, RD Petroleum has sponsored us the fuel, and the operators are all doing it for charity. It's all about giving a bit back to the community.”

Paul Clarke

Central Otago District Council Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey was on site as work began.

“Following Council support for this event to be held on the Cromwell Racecourse Reserve earlier in the year, it’s great to see the ground excavation work getting underway to create the parade ground for the event. Council has worked with a passionate team of volunteers to get to this stage with many of them undertaking the excavation work using vintage machinery, which is a unique feature of what will be a very popular event for Cromwell and the wider area.”

Gordon Bailey, Parks and Recreation Manager, Central Otago District Council

The tractor pull track. The arena isn't the only job. Paul's crew is also building the live earthmoving pit, and behind it the dozer has flattened out the tractor pull track. That one belongs to Brendon Shearing, the committee's tractor pull organiser and a former agricultural contractor from Southland.

“The scrapers are going to take some nice topsoil over for me shortly so we can finish it off. After the event's finished, I'll plant it back in grass for the two years in between events so the farmer can keep grazing it.”

Brendon Shearing, Tractor Pull, Tracks & Wheels committee

Come Easter it'll get a proper workout. Modern tractors from 5 to 20 tonnes will take on the weight-transfer sled, a second sled runs for the vintage tractors, and there's a modified class too.

“The highest horsepower tractor that we know is coming is about 800 horsepower. It's a diesel V12.”

Brendon Shearing

We'll share more as the ground takes shape. If you've got a machine you'd like to bring along in March, entries are open, and tickets are on sale now.

Media: photos and the full release are on the press page.

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