Ford New Zealand is proud to announce a new partnership with Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ), becoming the official vehicle provider for the national sporting body. This collaboration sees Ford providing a fleet of Ford Ranger Hybrid Stormtraks to support CRNZ for day-to-day operations and as they travel across the country for training and competitions.
The partnership reinforces Ford New Zealand’s long-standing commitment to the Kiwi sporting community, from grassroots initiatives to elite-level international representation. By providing a fleet of Ford Ranger Hybrid Stormtraks—vehicles renowned for their low emissions, fuel economy, towing capability and overall versatility—Ford is enabling CRNZ to streamline their complex national logistics and transport requirements with a reduced environmental footprint, ultimately allowing the organisation to focus more of its resources on athlete development, high-performance programs and community engagement initiatives, that underpin the ongoing growth and success of canoe racing in New Zealand.
Annaliese Atina, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand, says the partnership is a natural fit for the brand.
“At Ford, we have a deep-seated history of backing the people and teams that make New Zealand proud on the world stage,” says Atina. “Canoe Racing New Zealand embodies the spirit of hard work, precision, and excellence—values that are at the heart of our own business. We are thrilled to provide the ‘driving force’ behind our incredible paddlers, helping them reach the water and pursue their podium dreams with the reliability of a Ford.”
Ford New Zealand has established itself as a cornerstone supporter of New Zealand sport, with existing partnerships spanning rugby, cricket, football, and hockey. This new sponsorship highlights Ford’s dedication to supporting diverse sporting disciplines where grit and performance are paramount.
Graham Oberlin-Brown, CEO of Canoe Racing New Zealand, welcomed the support, noting the logistical challenges involved in the sport.
“Success in canoe racing isn’t just about what happens on the water; it’s about the preparation and the ability to get our team and their gear to the right place at the right time,” says Oberlin-Brown. “Having a partner like Ford New Zealand, who understands the importance of performance and reliability, is a game-changer for us. The Ford Ranger Hybrid Stormtrak is the perfect tool for our team, offering the power, space, and clever features like the Ford Ranger Flexible Rack System, we need to support our athletes from the regular High Performance daily training environments, to remote training and competition locations all around the country.”
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for CRNZ as they prepare for a busy season of domestic championships and international qualifiers. With Ford New Zealand behind them, the team is better equipped than ever to continue New Zealand’s legacy of success on the water.
For more information on Ford New Zealand’s community and sporting partnerships, visit www.ford.co.nz
