A newly inked partnership agreement between Beef + Lamb NZ and the NZ Olympic Committee will be the basis for a domestic promotion campaign of beef and lamb.
The partnership will see Beef + Lamb NZ (BLNZ) join forces with the NZ Olympic team ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris in July and August.
BLNZ chief executive Kit Arkwright said details of the campaign are still to be finalised, but like the Iron Maidens programme involving leading sportswomen, the agreement will provide the organisation with access to Olympians to promote beef and lamb on the domestic market.
“It’s a partnership route for the nutrient message and the role it plays whether you’re a Olympian, school pupil or at work.”
Arkwright said the partnership with the NZ Olympic team builds on farmer support for the Iron Maidens.
Planning is underway to launch the relationship at next month’s Southern Fieldays near Gore.
Arkwright said logistics are still to be finalised, but they hope to have an Olympian set a 1km time on a static bicycle and then challenge visitors to try to beat it.
NZ Olympic Committee Chief Executive Nicki Nicol said the partnership is a natural fit.
“BLNZ’s ongoing support of our celebrated athletes is a testament to their commitment to sport and excellence in NZ. We’re thrilled to have them join our family of partners,” she said.
BLNZ ambassador and Olympic rugby sevens player Stacey Waaka said the values of commitment, excellence and community run deep in both the Olympic Games and NZ’s agricultural heritage.
