Rangers go for paddle

Ford has become the official vehicle provider Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ). It’s providing a fleet of Ranger Hybrid Stormtraks for daily operations and travel across the motu for training and competitions.

The utes mean CRNZ can streamline its complex national logistics and transport requirements with a reduced environmental footprint so it can focus more resources on athlete development, its high-performance programme and community engagement initiatives.

Annaliese Atina, managing director of Ford NZ, says: “We have a deep-seated history of backing people and teams that make New Zealand proud on the world stage.

“Canoe Racing NZ embodies the spirit of hard work, precision and excellence. We are thrilled to provide the ‘driving force’ behind our incredible paddlers.”

Graham Oberlin-Brown, chief executive officer of CRNZ, adds: “Success in canoe racing isn’t just about what happens on the water. It’s about the preparation and ability to get our team and their gear to the right place at the right time. Having a partner like Ford NZ is a game-changer for us.”

The partnership comes at a pivotal time for CRNZ as it prepares for a busy season of domestic championships and international qualifiers.