Beef + Lamb NZ & Toyota Launch the Lamb Cruiser
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc and Pacific Toyota have pulled the covers off the season's most unique performance vehicle - The Lamb Cruiser.
Arriving in three distinct styles, with two powertrains and drivetrains on offer, the 2026 RAV4 line-up is likely to cement its popularity even more.
Over the years, the RAV4 has proven to be a vehicle that appeals to all markets, taking the number one passenger vehicle spot in New Zealand and in other major markets, with over a million vehicles sold to date this year, making it the world’s most popular passenger and recreational vehicle.
Arriving in three distinct styles, with two powertrains and drivetrains on offer, the 2026 RAV4 line-up will undoubtably cement its popularity even more. The expanded, sixth generation RAV4 range will see the introduction of Toyota’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for New Zealand.
With its matrix of powertrain, drivetrain and grades to choose from, the Core, will tick many boxes, including base grade hybrids (HEV), mid-range HEVs, fully featured HEV, as well as a highly spec’d PHEV.
The Adventure model is aimed at those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors, with the option of a GR Sport, with the best performing powertrain as well as other performance aspects.
The PHEV appeals with the electric-only driving range, enough to satisfy the daily needs of most drivers, available in a front-wheel drive (FWD) GXL, an all-wheel drive (AWD) XSE and the new (AWD) GR Sport grade variants.
Toyota NZ says they have structured the new RAV4 model range to meet the needs of private customers, business and fleet buyers, and driving enthusiasts.
The focus for the 2026 RAV4 Core grades centres on delivering a refined, versatile SUV experience in four grades-the GX HEV FWD and AWD, GXL HEV FWD, AWD and FWD PHEV, XSE PHEV AWD and Limited HEV AWD. The XSE PHEV AWD sits in a happy mid-point between the GXL and fully spec’d Limited.
All hybrid grades use a fifthgeneration hybrid system with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and either frontwheel drive or e-four all-wheel drive producing a combined total system output of 143kW regardless of FWD or AWD, while providing typically smooth operation.
The Adventure, like other hybrid AWD grades, features downhill assist control and a trail and snow drive mode which tailors the vehicle’s traction control system to provide extra grip in slippery conditions. Standard equipment includes bridge-type roof rails, unique front and rear bumpers with integrated silver skid plate and wider black reinforced wheel arches. Other enhancements include synthetic leather upholstery available in both Black and Mineral, two-stage heated front seats, a powered back door and a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
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.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.
Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
We are not a bunch of sky cowboys. That was one of the key messages from the chairperson of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) Kent Weir, speaking at an education day at Feilding aerodrome for 25 policymakers and regulators from central and local government and other rural professionals.
New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.