Avatar mans up for farm duties
When Klaas and Janny Akkersma arrived in New Zealand from Holland in 1998 they brought with them a bucketful of hope and limited funds.
A NEW supplier in the side-by-side farm utility market, Avatar, offers two models: an 800cc an 1100cc, both with EFI petrol engines, CVT auto transmissions and, most importantly for hill country farmers, engine braking.
Built in China, these are designed and built for our arduous conditions. The fit and finish seen was much better than on previous machines from China. Their stylists are still copying some popular machines from America and Japan, but they are better at it.
We saw machines looking like a cross between a Can Am Commander and a Honda Big Red, in 2WD, 4WD and diff lock systems. With a solid looking chassis and suspension in an attractive durable plastic body, the machines look the part.
Suspension components, double A-arm setups front and rear, are solid and designed for work rather than a soft riding sports. Brakes are 4-wheel discs with a cleaning disc to help brake longevity. On display were components used in the Avatars, solid and substantial.
The display machines (2-seaters) had ROPs cabs with 3-point seatbelts. The base machines cost $14,995+GST for the V-twin 800cc model and $16,500+GST for the 1100cc.
The larger machine has a 4-cylinder engine from the Daihatsu Cherry car made in China.
A roof and windscreen are options for $1500 extra, and power steer is a $700 option.
Tel. 06 9748152
www.avatar-products.com
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…