Rein 'Deere' spreads Christmas cheer
The Brandt Hastings team, joined by Rudolph the Red-Nose Rein ‘Deere’, spread holiday cheer this week at the Hawke’s Bay Hospital children’s ward.
Well known motor industry face Tom Ruddenklau has been appointed as chief of the Morrinsville-headquartered, Power Farming Group.
Brought up on a beef and sheep farm at Dipton in Southland – famous for also being the home of former Prime Minister Bill English – Ruddenklau’s interest in things mechanical started when he helped in his father’s secondary contracting business.
After university, a young Ruddenklau took up positions in the motor industry in the UK, before returning to New Zealand to lead brands such as Hyundai and Volkswagen. During that time, he was instrumental in establishing the sponsorship package with the iconic Country Calendar programme that endures to this day.
“Joining the Power Farming Group has fulfilled an underlying desire to get back to my rural roots and the engine room of the nation,” he says. “What could be a better job than leading the largest privately-owned importer, distributor and retailer in the Southern Hemisphere and be there to see that business develop in a time of complex regulatory changes?”
Initially, Ruddenklau will take the time to understand a business that is obviously in good health, with operations in New Zealand, Australia and the US. He notes that PFG is very focused on its people, typified by its joint venture retail operations throughout NZ.
“Our JV’s are built around committed individuals who have some skin in the game,” he adds. “Rural business is undoubtedly built around people, complemented by great products and supported by 5-star back up when the do-do hits the fan.”
Ruddenklau told Rural News that the PFG stable houses some great brands sourced from around the world, including UK brand JCB. He says these will support its latest venture, Power Farming Construction, which will give the company the ability to fill the farm shed even more.
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) has announced real estate company Bayleys will be the naming partner for its 2025 conference.
As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.
Hato Hone St John is urging Kiwis to have a safe summer this year.
Hawke’s Bay’s Silt Recovery Taskforce has received the Collaboration Excellence Award at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) Awards.
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
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