Conrad Smith: Farming and sport share similar demands
The challenges of high-performance sport and farming are not as dissimilar as they may first appear.
Japanese agricultural equipment maker Kubota will have its stamp on the home jersey for the Hurricanes.
The two-year sponsorship deal, for 2025 and 2026, includes both the men’s and women’s teams.
Kubota NZ marketing and business development manager Ian Massicks sees the deal as an opportunity to continue to build on Kubota’s growing brand awareness, and further immerse itself in the social fabric of New Zealand.
“Partnering with the Hurricanes presents a tremendous opportunity for the Kubota brand, not only in New Zealand but on a global scale,” says Massicks. “As one of the world’s most celebrated sports, rugby offers Kubota a unique chance to connect with audiences worldwide, week after week, while showcasing our commitment to excellence.”
Kubota’s range in New Zealand includes tractors, utility vehicles and mowers.
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee was delighted with the new partnership and had nothing but praise for his early interactions with the Kubota team.
“We’re proud to have a globally recognised brand like Kubota join our extended Hurricanes whānau,” says Lee.
“Although they’re a truly global brand, we’ve already developed a great connection with the local team in Palmerston North, and we see that as a testament to how much they know and genuinely care about their customers in the community too. <p.“We felt this mirrored our own values around connection and care for our people and fans.”
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