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.
After supporting the first ever Hilux New Zealand Rural Games this year, Husqvarna confirm they will return as a major sponsor of the event in 2016.
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.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.