Ravensdown’s HawkEye Pro Wins Technology Award at Southern Field Days
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
Farm machinery importer and retailer Norwood has announced the appointment of Aaron Smith as the new chief executive officer of CB Norwood Distributors Limited.
With a career spanning 34 years, Aaron started as an apprentice diesel mechanic and progressed through executive management roles in the capital equipment sector, most recently as chief executive officer of Keith Andrews Trucks, and previously as general manager at Gough TWL and Group Transpecs.
“We are excited to welcome Aaron as he brings extensive experience in supplier relationships, retail sales, and aftersales service. The combination of his experience, knowledge, and drive makes him an ideal fit for the next stages of growth for Norwood,” says Men Form-Zuellig, Norwood chairman.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Norwood and look forward to working with the entire team to build on the legacy they have built over the last 75 years,” says Aaron Smith, incoming chief executive officer.
![]() |
|---|
|
Farm machinery trader Norwood has appointed Aaron Smith as the new chief executive officer of CB Norwood Distributors Limited. |
Aaron will take over from Tim Fanning, who has filled the void since the departure of previous CEO Tim Myers, and who will take over the role of chief operating officer.
“We want to thank Tim for leading Norwood during the interim period,” says Men.
“This year has been tough, with challenging business and economic conditions. We look forward to working with Aaron and all the Norwood employees to continue serving the agricultural and construction sectors of New Zealand.”
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Conversions of sheep and beef farms to forestry have slowed, however new research from Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) suggests land of value for food production remains at risk.

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…