Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
Two new reveals will feature on Holden’s site at Fieldays next week – part of a growing motor show at the Mystery Creek event.
The new Holdens are the all-new Acadia, a large executive styled seven-seat SUV, and the new Colorado Xtreme, a special creation inspired by the Xtreme Concept LCV displayed at Fieldays 2016.
Media got a sneak preview this week at ex-All Black Stephen Donald’s farm, south of Auckland. (Donald aka ‘Beaver’ will be at Fieldays as a brand ambassador for GM).
While the Xtreme gives Holden a stronger offering at the top end of the ute market, the Acadia – a big V6 powered SUV with an American flavour – will aim squarely at the Toyota Highlander.
“The arrival of Acadia in Holden showrooms will bolster the brand’s new SUV model portfolio to five models: Trax, Equinox, Captiva, Trailblazer and Acadia,” said Marc Warr, Holden New Zealand National Marketing Manager.
Sourced from North America, the Acadia had significant Holden involvement from the beginning of development, said Warr. A handsome beast, it should appeal to Kiwi buyers.
Trax, Captiva, Equinox and Trailblazer are currently available at Holden dealers nationwide and will be joined by Acadia in Q4 of 2018.
Key features of the new Colorado Xtreme include winch bar and winch wire harness kit, 18-inch black alloy wheels shod with all-terrain tyres, a black extended sports bar, black tubular side steps, rear step, soft tonneau cover, tow bar, Colorado decal on tailgate and the vehicle is topped off with a striking black roof tray. The new model will arrive in Holden dealerships in early Q4.
Pricing for Acadia will be revealed closer to launch, while the Colorado Xtreme is available from $79,990.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.