Ruralco CEO Wins Excellence in Business Leadership at ANZ Business of the Year Awards
Tony Aitken, chief executive of Ruralco, has been awarded the Excellence in Business Leadership Award at the ANZ Business of the Year Awards.
Ruralco CEO Tony Aitken presenting the $10,000 donation to Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust representatives Frances Beeston and Duncan Barr.
Rural retailer Ruralco says it has made a $10,000 donation to the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust (MCRST) following the Ruralco Golf Classic held last month.
The event, held on 11 April, saw 100% of proceeds from player entries, on-course challenges, and raffles directly benefit the MCRST.
The Ruralco Golf Classic drew more than 100 players from across Mid Canterbury. The event was sponsored by Ballance Agri Nutrients and Nutrien Ag Solutions.
The funds will help the Trust to continue its work providing free, confidential support and wellbeing services to farmers and rural communities across Mid Canterbury.
Tony Aitken, chief executive of Ruralco, says the success of the retailer's Golf Classic reflects its ongoing commitment to the region, strengthening community ties and backing local initiatives.
"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, whether by playing, sponsoring, or donating," Aitken says.
"This event was about more than just a round of gold, it was a show of solidarity and support for the people at the heart of our rural community," he says. "We are especially proud that the funds raised will stay local and directly assist Mid Canterbury farmers and their families."
Aitken says that as a regionally focused co-operative, Ruralco's core purpose is to lower farm input costs for its members. He says the company is equally committed to supporting those farmers' wellbeing.
"Partnering with the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust is one meaningful way we can give back to the communities that support us."
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…