Saluting 'The Man in the Arena'
OPINION: As I was putting the final touches on my column for last month, the hottest ‘breaking news’ was the Scott Robertson story from New Zealand Rugby.
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.”
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Solway Park in Masterton on Thursday evening.
Environment Southland is welcoming this week’s decision by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to approve the release of Blaptea elguetai, a leaf‑feeding beetle that will help control the highly invasive Chilean flame creeper.
This March, the potato industry is proudly celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March alongside the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the vital role women play across every part of the sector — from paddocks and packhouses to research, leadership, and innovation.
Fruit trader Seeka posted a record profit and returns to shareholders in 2025.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.