Tradition and technology converge at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo
Tradition meets some of the latest in technology at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
The boxer who calls Tiniroto home and has sparred and fought against some of the biggest names in the business is happiest in his gum boots and oil skin. He may live in Auckland but his heart is on the Coast.
The former Commonwealth cruiserweight champ also held heavyweight titles including Asia Pacific and Pan Pacific belts. He won bronze for New Zealand at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, turning pro shortly after where he had a record of 34 fights for 29 wins. He retired from the competitive canvas a decade ago but is still very much involved in the sport, has a gym, a boxing equipment label and spends a lot of time out in the community and corporate worlds public speaking.
“I have done a lot of speaking over the last three years, and I do enjoy it,” says Shane. “When you are an athlete you just turn up and talk about the moment, but now things are far more tailored and mastered.”
He covers everything from resilience to determination, mindset and how to overcome challenge with plenty of fascinating tales in between.
“It is important to know where you want to go and have some goals,” says Shane.
Sport had taught him resilience in spades. “You get knocked to the canvas but it is about getting back up – that builds character, That same ethos can be related to the business world and farming.
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“They are different to the canvas but you still have to take hits and deal with the tough times. You have to recreate, change direction and adapt.”
He spoke recently at a Rural Support event alongside Dame Val Adams where famed sportswriter and broadcaster Phil Gifford was MC.
“I love it when I get invited to speak to the rural community,” he says. “One danger for farmers is that they just don’t get off the farm enough.”
And that is where events like the Expo are so valuable.
A proud dad of three, Shane has plenty of entertaining stories. “It is a bit surreal when you think back to my experience with Mike Tyson. It was an awesome part of my life.”
That time included the ‘Fight of the Century’ against David Tua that didn’t go his way and saw him hit the lowest point of his life.
“How low can you go? You have to come back. You have to find a way.”
He figures the greatest win of his career was his knock out victory over Monte Barrett (USA). “That was my greatest achievement really because I was slaughtered by David, then Monty went on to beat him.”
Shane says he thought he was the “dumbest kid at school” but has gone on to achieve good things.
He’s recently finished a book with top sports journalist Steve Kilgallon, which is set for release next year, and has a few other exciting projects underway.
“No one is defined by their education. The world really is your oyster.”
Property Brokers East Coast manager rural/lifestyle Mike Heard says the continued support of the Expo was hugely important to the firm.
“The Expo is a fantastic event where farmers enjoy innovation while also connecting to various parts of this wonderful sector,” said Mr Heard. “At Property Brokers we are very excited to be hosting the evening muster again and proud to stand alongside the team. We are looking forward to hearing Shane speak.”
Event Info:
Tickets to the Muster are $25 and can be bought through the Expo website.
WHAT: Property Brokers Evening Muster at the East Coast Farming Expo
WHEN: 6-9pm, February 18, 2026
WHERE: Wairoa Race Course, Wairoa, Northern Hawke’s Bay
MORE INFO AND TICKETS: https://eastcoastexpo.co.nz
