Farewelling Mike English, Mid Canterbury contractor— helping Laura through

It's with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mike James English on 16 April 2026, aged 65.

Mike was a hard-working farming contractor, well-known across the Mid Canterbury farming community. He ran Mike English Contracting out of Ashburton, which won the FMG Rural Contractor of the Year award in 2006. In recent years Mike worked alongside Hayden Mackenzie Contracting Ltd, right up until his passing.

Mike was a good bastard in the truest Kiwi sense — straight up, dependable, always willing to lend a hand. For the last 12 years he was the partner of my sister, Laura White, and losing him has left a hole that won't easily be filled.

Like a lot of old school blokes who put the work and the people around them first, Mike didn't have a super fund or life insurance. That's left Laura facing the full weight of funeral and related costs on her own.

We're aiming to raise up to $20,000 to cover Mike's funeral and help Laura relocate to Ashburton, closer to whānau. We're supporting her to apply for WINZ and other available support, but those take time — this fundraiser is about bridging that gap.

A massive thank you to Hayden Mackenzie of Hayden Mackenzie Contracting Ltd for arranging and hosting Mike's funeral reception, and for everything he's done for the family.

To everyone who has already reached out or contributed: thank you. Every contribution, big or small, goes directly toward easing this load for Laura.

Rest easy, Mike.