Aramex backs drought hit farmers

25/09/2020

Aramex Hawke’s Bay is getting behind the call to arms to support the local farming community that continues to face adversity off the back of the worst drought in Hawke’s Bay in living memory.

Aramex has given away 10 tickets to the Magpies game against Canterbury this Saturday night. 

Local Aramex Hawke’s Bay general manager Zane Townshend said they wanted to provide some farmers with an evening away from the farm to enjoy a game of footy.

“It’s been a tough year for many of us, but farmers had a bit of a double whammy with the drought and we wanted to get involved in lifting their spirits and be part of the Magpies initiative.

 

The Magpies, principal sponsor Total Oil New Zealand and Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union (HBRU) are auctioning off 23 one-off match jerseys will be auctioned off on Trade Me, with proceeds going to the East Coast Rural Support Trust, who provide vital support to farmers.

People can bid on the jerseys on Trade Me by searching ‘Magpies Jersey’.

A limited number of replica jerseys have been produced and offered to Magpies season members, sponsors, and the rural community and some may be still available to be sold at McLean Park on game day.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union commercial manager Dan Somerville said the jersey design that includes a classic farmers checked shirt pattern was chosen in partnership with apparel sponsors O’Neills, and after consultation with fans and partners.

“We wanted to do something very different to the traditional Magpies jersey and acknowledge the farmers. Many farming families live, play and breath rugby and travel a long way to support the Magpies at McLean Park.

Several Magpies team members have roots in the rural community, and attended drought shout events earlier this year.

The civil defence drought response was led by the Rural Advisory Group, made up of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council , Beef and Lamb NZ, Ministry for Primary Industries, East Coast Rural Support Trust, NZ Fire Service NZ and Federated Farmers.

There are plenty of reasons to head to McLean Park this weekend, back your Magpies who take on Cantabs and chuck a pair of gumboots and a swanndri on and show our farming community that we all care.