Junket?
OPINION: The Hound notes that the Taxpayers’ Union recently revealed that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spent more than $125,000 for its presence at this year’s Mystery Creek Fieldays.
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.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.