Some people don’t just do a job. They lift the standard for everyone around them, year after year, without ever needing applause.
That’s Warren Lester.
On Friday we celebrated Warren's career, Warren is retiring after more than 45 years in the irrigation and water industry, including 20 years with WaterForce this year. And while we’re genuinely excited for him to have a bit more time to himself, it’d be a lie to say we’re not feeling it too. Warren’s been part of the backbone of this place for a long time.
If you’ve worked with Warren, you’ll know exactly what we mean when we say his work ethic and character have never been questioned. He’s always put the customer first with the kind of workmanship that holds up when it matters.
In the Irrigation New Zealand story, Warren talks about how his work has crossed just about everything to do with water, from pump stations and municipal projects through to irrigators and domestic operations. That range is classic Warren, practical, curious, and always ready to tackle whatever’s in front of him.
Warren could take one look at something and make it clear it wasn’t up to standard. No fluff, no sugar-coating. Then he’d do the part that sums him up best. He’d take the time with that person and show them how to do it properly.
That mix of high standards and genuine willingness to teach anyone who wanted to learn is something a lot of us will recognise. Warren didn’t just point out what was wrong. He took the time to make you better.
The go-to guy, across the whole country. Over the years, Warren’s become well known across WaterForce for his pump engineering and his Ocmis expertise, especially around hard hose (reel) irrigators.
He’s been one of those people staff from around the country regularly leaned on for knowledge, troubleshooting, and the quiet “what would you do here?” Not because he made himself the centre of attention, but because he could be trusted to give a straight answer and a solution that would last.
A good mate, and a big part of a lot of careers
Warren’s played a major role in plenty of WaterForce careers. Sometimes that was hands-on teaching. Sometimes it was setting a standard people didn’t even realise they were learning until later.
And beyond the work, Warren’s a good friend to many and always willing to help.
Read the IrrigationNZ story
Irrigation New Zealand has shared their own story recognising Warren’s career and contribution. It’s well worth a read: https://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/Article?Action=View&Article_id=128
Warren, from all of us at WaterForce, thank you.
Thank you for the standard you set. Thank you for the times you stepped in to help, even when you had a hundred other things on. Thank you for teaching people who were still finding their feet, and for making the whole team stronger because you cared enough to do it properly.
If you’ve worked with Warren and want to share a memory or message, email wlester@waterforce.co.nz and we’ll make sure he gets it.
