Whitelock locked in!
Massey Ferguson has announced the extension of their longterm brand partnership with rugby union icon Sam Whitelock as their brand ambassador for New Zealand, extending the role he has held since 2019 through to March 2025.
Whitelock, known for his 140+ rugby test matches, comes from a strong farming background in the mighty Manawatu. He now owns his own 800-hectare farm in Hawke’s Bay and plans to go back to his farming roots when his rugby days are over.
When Corteva, makers of Tordon and Korvetto, were looking for a well-known New Zealander and farmer to voice their radio campaign last spring, they weren’t sure they could find the right combo.
However, ad agency Harvey Cameron, the company who put Dan Carter in his Jockeys and Richie McCaw in a Versatile Home, suggested the famous farmer. Not only does Whitelock have a Lincoln University degree in plant science and an 800-hectare farm in Hawke’s Bay, he also is a lifetime user of the Corteva brand.
After the success of the radio campaign in 2022, the relationship has developed into a full partnership, with Whitelock becoming a Corteva Ambassador in January 2023.
In addition to promoting Corteva products and attending events, his Hawke’s Bay farm will become a demo site.
“We are so excited and honoured to have Samuel as an official part of the Corteva team. We’re chuffed to have someone of Samuel’s calibre, a long-time customer, to talk about our product. This partnership has certainly put a cap on the year,” says Glen Surgenor, Corteva NZ Marketing Manager.
“I believe in Corteva. It is a brand that’s earned the trust of farmers, like me, across New Zealand. I have used Corteva products my entire life and will continue to do so when I farm full-time after footy,” Whitelock says.
