DairyNZ Farmers Forum returns with events in Waikato, Canterbury & Southland
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
New Zealand's largest celebration of rural sports athletes and enthusiasts – New Zealand Rural Games - is back for its 10th edition, kicking off in Palmerston North from Thursday, March 6th to Sunday, March 9th, 2025.
This four-day extravaganza pays homage to New Zealand's rural heritage while introducing a host of exciting new experiences for the whole family.
"The 10th edition is a significant milestone," said Annaliese Atina, managing director of Ford New Zealand. "Ford is supremely proud to support rural sports and communities across the country, and this event showcases the best of Kiwi rural culture and talent."
World-Class athletes featured:
Exciting Sporting Championships – The Rural Games will host a range of thrilling championships, including:
Steve Hollander, Founder and Trustee of the New Zealand Rural Games, reflects on the journey:
"It took many years of hard work to get the Games off the ground, but here we are, celebrating our tenth edition! It's amazing to see how the event has grown and how it continues to bring rural communities together."
This year's event promises a unique mix of world-class athletes, historical games, and exciting new activities, including:
Despite economic pressures, Hollander says the entry to the event remains free.
"Our board is committed to keeping the event free for everyone thanks to support of our sponsors and partners.” Alongside that residents of Palmy, Ashhurst, and Feilding will enjoy free bus rides all weekend thanks to Horizons Regional Council.
Special guests:
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other sector organisations, has launched a national survey to understand better the impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmers.
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Global food company Nestle’s chair Paul Bulcke will step down at its next annual meeting in April 2026.
Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.
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