Gage Switalla – Young Potential in South Canterbury

In this bonus episode of “Our People, Our Stories”, we talked to Gage – a young, driven member of the Timaru community who’s been building a life and a career here. In our interview he walks us through where he’s from, what he does at Scarlett Hydraulic Technology, why he chose to stay in South Canterbury, and the practical lessons he’s learned along the way — including an impressive early step into homeownership.

To watch a highlight clip of the interview that this article is based off, click the video below:

Why we talked to Gage

When we set out to document the people who make South Canterbury tick, we wanted to talk not only to owners and leaders, but to the grassroots — the tradespeople, the everyday legends, the people who show what life here really looks like. Gage fits that brief perfectly. He’s young, engaged with his community, and actively choosing to build his future in Timaru. That perspective tells us a lot about opportunity, lifestyle and the practical realities of living and working in South Canterbury today.

Who is Gage?

Gage grew up in Timaru and went to Timaru Boys’ High School. At the time of our interview he was 23, had been together with his partner for seven years and had recently become engaged. He’s been working at Scarlett Hydraulic Technology since 2019 — almost six years — and the company, his colleagues and the practical, hands-on nature of his role have shaped a lot of his outlook.

His background is straightforward and familiar: a local upbringing, solid schooling, and a job in the trades that’s given him a clear path to independence. That combination is exactly what many people considering life in South Canterbury are looking for: roots, opportunity and a realistic chance at getting ahead.

Work, skills and what Gage loves to do

At Scarlett Hydraulic Technology, Gage has found a workplace that suits him. He told us, “I like to problem solve and figure things out,” which sums up the way he approaches his job. Working with his hands, troubleshooting technical problems and learning on the job are the core of what gets him out of bed in the morning.

There’s a social side to that too. Gage highlighted the people at work — “a good bunch of guys” — which is a reminder that workplace culture matters. For many young tradespeople, the combination of practical learning and supportive coworkers is a major factor in staying put and growing professionally.

What we learned about trades as a pathway

• Trades offer practical, hands-on learning that’s difficult to replicate in a classroom.
• There’s clear opportunity in South Canterbury for people who want to get ahead in trades — as Gage put it, “there’s still plenty of opportunity.”
• Working regionally can deliver a better work-life balance and quicker access to outdoor recreation than city-based jobs.

Homeownership at 20 — how that happened

One of the most striking parts of our conversation was Gage’s homeownership story. He bought his first house at 20. When we asked whether he could have done that in a main centre, he was blunt: “No, definitely not. The prices are definitely through the roof in other places.”

Gage’s experience highlights a core advantage of South Canterbury: relative housing affordability. He told us they “just went for it,” after saving for a while, and that buying a house in Timaru felt achievable in a way it wouldn’t in a larger urban centre. For young people and families who want to get on the property ladder, that’s a powerful draw.

Lifestyle: why Gage chooses to stay

Gage described Timaru and the wider South Canterbury region as “pretty chilled out.” He appreciates having everything he needs close by while enjoying a calmer pace of life than city living. For him the best parts are proximity to the outdoors and the short drives to great fishing — especially in Mackenzie Country, which he visits often.

That balance — having necessary services and supports within town while being a short drive from open landscapes and recreational hotspots — is a repeating theme we hear from many people here. Gage sums it up nicely: “It’s like the best of both worlds really.”

Practical advice and mindset: take opportunities and get stuck in

At the end of our interview we asked Gage for one piece of advice based on what he’s learned as a 23-year-old. He kept it simple and practical: “Take the opportunities when they turn up and get out there. The best way to learn is really getting stuck in.”

That advice reflects his own journey: early commitment to a trade, saving and acting decisively to buy a house, and leaning into hands-on learning at work. It’s a mindset that fits the regional setting well — where opportunity often comes through doing and where local employers value practical skills and initiative.

What Gage’s story tells us about South Canterbury

Gage’s interview touches on several broader themes that matter for anyone thinking about moving to, investing in, or working in South Canterbury:

• Opportunity in trades: Regional economies like Timaru’s still have strong demand for skilled tradespeople and technicians.
• Affordability: Housing prices and living costs in South Canterbury can make early homeownership a realistic goal.
• Quality of life: Close access to outdoors recreation, a relaxed pace, and solid local services combine to deliver a desirable lifestyle.
• Community: Timaru offers that small-town feel without being too small — there are supports, businesses and networks in place to build a life.

Those points aren’t just aspirations — they’re practical considerations backed up by people like Gage who chose to stay, build, and grow here.

A practical, optimistic local perspective

To summarise, our conversation with Gage gives a clear snapshot of why South Canterbury works for many people, especially young tradespeople. He represents a local success story: raised in Timaru, skilled at a hands-on trade, part of a strong workplace culture, enjoying the outdoors, and already a homeowner at an age many people find surprising.

Gage’s main messages are straightforward and encouraging. If you’re considering where to live and work, South Canterbury offers a realistic chance to build a stable life: meaningful work, attainable housing, and proximity to some of New Zealand’s best outdoor experiences. Combine that with the willingness to seize opportunities and a readiness to learn by doing, and you’ll find a community where building a future feels achievable.

We’re grateful to Gage for sharing his story. His experience reminds us why it’s important to highlight the people, not just the places: their journeys are what make a region thrive. If you’re curious to hear more voices like Gage’s, we’ll continue profiling locals who are shaping South Canterbury’s present and future.