Mako goes after Raptor
With Ford holding the reins of the ute market since about 2014, it was always going to be a case of when – not if – Toyota NZ would deliver a model to compete.
The inaugural Hilux New Zealand Rural Games were such a success in 2015, organisers say the event will now become an annual fixture, with free entry for 2016.
Billed as a celebration of "sports that built the nation", this year's games attracted 200 competitors who participated in 13 national and Trans-Tasman championships that included coal shovelling, wood chopping, speed shearing, speed fencing, gumboot throwing, speed gold panning, wine-barrel racing, cherry stone spitting, egg throwing/catching and speed tree climbing.
Steve Hollander, Hilux New Zealand Rural Games founder and trustee, says securing Husqvarna's support for the second year running was essential to ensuring the long-term success of the event.
"Husqvarna is an ideal fit with the Games and we welcome their support in preserving the legacy of our rural heritage for future generations," he says.
The 2015 event was attended by 7500 people over three days. A crowd of 5,000 spectators lined the streets for the Running of the Wools, the opening event which saw 400 locally-bred merino sheep run through downtown Queenstown.
As part of their sponsorship, Husqvarna will provide prizes as well as equipment for events, including the Speed Tree Climbing and Speed Fencing.
