Slippery slope
OPINION: It used to be that the National Fieldays attracted brickbats for being officious clipboard carriers, while the regional, farmer-run field days enjoyed the bouquets for being easier to deal with.
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.
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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.”
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

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