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Remarkably there are still many of the venerable Honda step-throughs operating on rural properties throughout New Zealand.
Favoured for their ease of access and light weight, the commonly known 'postie bike' has been replaced with a reborn version of the CT 125, allowing fans to upgrade to something similar but a lot more modern.
The single cylinder 125cc features electronic fuel injection for rapid starting and smooth power delivery, a four-speed transmission, electric start, ABS, LED lights and en electronic display. An upswept muffler keeps it clear of dirt and mud, disc brakes front and rear bring thrings to a stop and reduce mainentance and the bike has a substantial rear carrier and front rack.
Detailed changes see an increased wheelbase and seat height and upswept handlebars for better rider comfort. Featuring suspesion used on much larger road machines, travel is 110mm, making for a more comfortable ride on rougher ground, while ground clearance is 165mm.
Weighing in at 120kg, the machine is carried on stainless steel wheels, supported with similar spokes and shod with 80/90-17 block pattern tyres for improved traction.
Recently released in New Zealand and a sponsor of New Zealand Fieldays, the JAC (“Jack”) T9’s positioning as a reliable workhorse for Kiwi tradies has been reinforced by the remarkable achievement overseas that shattered a 24-hour Endurance Record for commercial vehicles.
While it wouldn’t be unfair to call the LDV T60 “the poor man’s ute”, a change of distributor in 2023 has seen the brand raise its profile, while the recent arrival of the new LDV T60 Max Plus, will undoubtedly open the door to a wider audience for the brand.
Ford New Zealand has announced the addition of the Everest Tremor as a rugged and capable expansion of its hugely popular SUV family, said to offer improved offroad capabilities, without compromising on towing capacity or on-road comfort.
While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.
While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.
Applications have now opened for the 2026 Meat Industry Association scholarships.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.
OPINION: While farmers are busy and diligently doing their best to deal with unwanted gasses, the opponents of farming - namely the Greens and their mates - are busy polluting the atmosphere with tirades of hot air about what farmers supposedly aren't doing.
OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.
The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is back next month, bigger and better after the uncertainty of last year.
Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals. The phrase 'dirty dairying' continues to surface from time to time. But as reporter Peter Burke points out, quite the opposite is the case. He says, quietly and behind the scenes, farmers are embracing new ideas and technologies to make their farms sustainable, resilient, environmentally friendly and profitable.
OPINION: Voting is underway for Fonterra’s divestment proposal, with shareholders deciding whether or not sell its consumer brands business.
OPINION: Politicians and Wellington bureaucrats should take a leaf out of the book of Canterbury District Police Commander Superintendent Tony Hill.
