Author name: NZ Business Connect

UK Correspondent: Peter Minkoff The sports business is experiencing tremendous growth around the world. Media rights agreements improve reach. Sponsorship agreements boost financial gains. Digital media transforms how people interact with sports. Investors perceive sports as a secure asset class. Sports teams operate like businesses with well-defined brand personas. Athletes form their own brands. Analytics play a vital role in decision-making. The development represents a new age. Sports are not just sources of entertainment anymore. They are now engines of economic activity. Expanding Variety of Sports The number of sports increases at a fast rate. The traditional leagues continue to attract many spectators. The new sports leagues also tend to attract a young audience. The esports leagues also tend to earn credibility as a competitive sport. Extreme sports also tend to be accepted on a larger scale by mainstream broadcasting networks. The niche sports also tend to be broadcast to a global audience via online media platforms. Motocross also tends to garner interest because of the excitement of the sport and the lucrative nature of sponsorship. Continued innovation ensures steady expansion across segments. Technology and Data Transformation Innovation occurs via technology within sports business models. There is analytics for enhanced performance by players and strategies for teams. Wearables help monitor the health status of people and their fitness levels. AI is used to forecast results and other trends. VR helps in improving the fans’ experience. There is streaming technology that allows direct viewing of games. Data helps create personalised marketing campaigns for teams. Dynamic pricing is used in ticket sales. Innovation remains a key factor in future expansion. Advanced tools continue to redefine competitive advantage. The Power of Branded Merchandise Merchandising is critical to the finances of sports teams. Sports teams develop unique images using their logos and colours. Supporters show their dedication with clothing and memorabilia. Websites sell products worldwide. Restricted availability creates urgency and scarcity. Designer partnerships enhance brand worth. For instance, fans can buy a high-quality NBA basketball cap with official team branding that reflects style and allegiance. Merchandising unites identity and business. It converts fandom into financial transactions. This practice contributes to the revenue generation of sports teams while increasing their brand presence. Strong branding strategies further enhance long-term profitability. Global Reach and Cultural Impact These days, sports can be watched by audiences all around the world with great convenience. Television stations stream games all over the globe. Social media outlets disseminate highlights almost immediately after the event is completed. Competitions at an international level bring together a wide variety of cultures. Supporters cheer for their favourite teams no matter where they may be located. In New Zealand, the sporting scene reflects how local interest can also become internationally famous. Rugby and cricket have significant followings outside their countries. Global engagement continues to rise across emerging markets. Investment and Commercial Growth The world of sports is seen by investors as a lucrative industry. Private equity companies buy out shares in clubs and tournaments. Sports media rights agreements earn record amounts. Stadium construction helps economies grow. Alliances with international corporations provide more financial security. Sports teams go global. More money is spent on women’s sports programs. Business savvy is as critical in sport as sporting prowess. Strategic planning drives sustained business growth and strong financial returns. In conclusion, sports business growth represents a significant change. Diversity brings different fans. Merchandising builds brand loyalty. World reach increases power. Technology improves performance and participation. Investment ensures future development. Such knowledge demonstrates an industry with great potential. Sports keep growing from being just games to becoming economic powerhouses.

For Immediate Release Businesses New Zealand businesses are being invited to seize a major opportunity to connect with and open long-term commercial, cultural, and tourism ties with China’s Aba Prefecture. Seeking Industries of Participating Entrepreneurs Representatives of New Zealand government departments, public institutions and chambers of commerce Tourist attractions, destination management organisations and tourism operators Major travel agencies and high-end custom tourism institutions Local travel agencies focusing on China & Asia routes High-end / eco / boutique tourism institutions Food importers, wholesalers and supply-chain enterprises Owners of agriculture, animal husbandry and food-processing enterprises NZ Business Connect to Play Key Partnership Role in Aba Prefecture Agriculture, Culture & Tourism Promotion Event in Auckland – 19 May 2026 NZ Business Connect will take a leading role in supporting a major Agriculture, Culture & Tourism Promotion Event in Auckland on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, working alongside the Auckland Business Chamber and the visiting senior delegation from the People’s Government of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. NZ Business Connect was directly approached to provide professional partnership expertise in business outreach, industry engagement, and cross-border commercial facilitation—reflecting the organisation’s strong reputation for connecting New Zealand enterprises with international opportunities. “Working alongside the Auckland Business Chamber allows us to bring New Zealand businesses into direct conversation with senior officials and industry leaders from Sichuan. This event is about building real relationships that can lead to meaningful commercial outcomes.” — Phillip Quay, NZ Business Connect The event aims to strengthen commercial, cultural, and tourism cooperation between New Zealand and Aba Prefecture—one of China’s most distinctive regions, known for its dramatic natural landscapes, Tibetan and Qiang cultural heritage, and strong agricultural and livestock sectors. The programme will feature presentations from the Aba delegation, remarks from New Zealand representatives, and structured networking sessions designed to foster practical cooperation in agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism development, and cultural exchange. Targeted invitations are being extended to principals, presidents, managers, and senior decision-makers from medium-sized and large enterprises across Auckland. Aba Prefecture plays a central role in ecological conservation and cultural preservation in northwestern Sichuan, overseeing initiatives such as the protection of Duo Mei Lin Ka National Wetland Park, the development of scenic areas including Lian Bao Ye Ze and Man Ze Tang Wetland, and the promotion of sustainable tourism across its 13 counties. Event Details Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Venue: Crowne Plaza Auckland by IHG, 128 Albert Street, Auckland Central RSVP / Enquiries of Interest: Phillip Quay, NZ Business Connect Email: phillip@businessconnect.co.nz Mobile: 027 458 7724 Website: www.businessconnect.co.nz “Uniting New Zealand businesses with connections that accelerate growth and inspire new possibilities” Industries of participating entrepreneurs： 1. Representatives of New Zealand government departments, public institutions and chambers of commerce 2. Tourist attractions, destination management organizations and tourism operators 3. Major travel agencies and high-end custom tourism institutions 4. Local travel agencies focusing on China & Asia routes 5. High-end / eco / boutique tourism institutions 6. Food importers, wholesalers and supply chain enterprises 7. Owners of agriculture, animal husbandry and food processing enterprises

More Than Standard RefrigerationWhen it comes to reliable refrigeration, JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Hamilton offers far more than standard systems. Many businesses may not realise that JSR specialises in a wide range of chiller solutions, designed to meet the specific needs of different industries. Retail and Hospitality ChillersFrom walk-in chillers for hospitality and food service to bottle chillers for liquor stores, JSR provides tailored systems that ensure products are stored at the right temperature while remaining accessible and well presented. Glass front chillers are a popular option for retail environments, helping to showcase products while maintaining consistent cooling performance. Specialised Room and Processing ChillersJSR also designs and installs specialised room chillers for businesses that require precise temperature control. This includes processing rooms in factories, where maintaining the correct environment is critical for product quality, safety, and compliance. These systems are built to handle demanding conditions and continuous operation. Process Chillers for IndustryFor more complex applications, JSR offers process chillers that support manufacturing and production environments. These systems are engineered to regulate temperatures during production processes, helping improve efficiency, protect equipment, and maintain consistent output. Tailored Solutions and Ongoing SupportWhat sets JSR apart is their ability to customise each solution. Every business has different requirements, and the team takes the time to understand how each space is used before recommending the most suitable system. From initial design through to installation and ongoing servicing, JSR provides a complete end-to-end solution. Regular maintenance is key to performance. JSR’s experienced technicians help ensure systems run efficiently, reducing downtime and extending equipment lifespan. Whether you operate a retail store, hospitality venue, or large-scale processing facility, JSR has the expertise to deliver dependable, high-quality chiller solutions tailored to your business. Contact JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Today! 0800 JSR RAC https://www.jsr.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Below, Co-Founder Ravinder Singh of Greenhorn NZ shares insights into his background, the journey behind the brand, and the inspiration for Mango Blast. 1. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the beverage industry? “I hold an MBA in Marketing and have over 20 years of experience in the retail sector. My career has been deeply integrated with the beverage industry, where I gained extensive experience launching major brands such as Johnnie Walker. This background taught me how to adapt quickly to evolving consumer tastes and preferences, ultimately inspiring my dream to globalise Greenhorn and share it with the world.” 2. What inspired you to create Greenhorn NZ and, specifically, Mango Blast? “Like any passionate business owner, my goal with Greenhorn NZ is to grow the market by offering something people already love. Mango Blast was inspired by the global popularity of mango, it’s a flavour that appeals to almost everyone and has strong potential in New Zealand. I saw a gap in the market, as this kind of product isn’t widely available here, especially using natural, organic fruit instead of concentrates. So the idea was to meet that demand, give consumers more variety, and introduce a fresh, high-quality option to the market.” 3. Were there any early challenges you had to overcome when starting the brand? “Like any startup, we faced a number of early challenges, taking risks always comes with uncertainty. One of the biggest was adapting to the New Zealand palate and making sure our flavours matched local consumer preferences. At the same time, we were trying to diversify our product range while entering a highly competitive market. Growing a business from a small base is never easy, especially with fast-changing demand and the need to keep up with trends and algorithms that influence visibility. We had to stay flexible, constantly adapt to consumer tastes, and respond quickly to what the market was asking for.” 4. How do you ensure Greenhorn products are suited to the Kiwi palate? “We make sure our products are suited to the Kiwi palate by focusing entirely on local preferences. Everything is developed specifically for New Zealand tastes through continuous questioning, research, and extensive sampling. We’ve gathered feedback from over 25,000+ people, which helps us refine our products and ensure they truly match what Kiwi consumers enjoy.” 5. What makes Mango Blast different from other drinks on the market? “What makes Mango Blast different is its natural benefits and authentic flavour. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins like C and A, which support skin health and digestion. Unlike many drinks, it’s not seasonal, you can enjoy it anytime. Most importantly, it delivers a real, natural fruit flavour experience, which is hard to find in many drinks in New Zealand, and that’s what truly makes Mango Blast stand out.” 6. What values or principles guide your approach to creating new products? “Our approach to creating new products is guided by a strong commitment to quality and delivering a premium experience. At Greenhorn, we never compromise on the standard of our ingredients, everything we use is carefully selected to ensure it meets high-quality benchmarks. Beyond that, we focus on authenticity, using natural ingredients to create genuine flavours, and putting the consumer first by continuously listening to feedback. Innovation is also key, we aim to bring something fresh and unique to the market while staying consistent and reliable. Overall, our goal is to create products that not only taste great but offer a memorable, high-quality experience every time.” 7. What health benefits can consumers expect from Mango Blast? “Consumers can expect several natural health benefits from Mango Blast. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins like C and A, which help support skin health and give a natural glow. It also aids digestion, thanks to the natural properties of mango. Overall, it’s a refreshing drink that not only tastes great but also offers added nutritional value from real fruit.” 8. Why did you decide to focus on natural ingredients and no concentrates? “We chose to focus on natural ingredients and avoid concentrates because they align with our values of quality and premiumness. Concentrates don’t offer the same health benefits or authentic taste, and we believe in providing the best possible product. Using real, natural ingredients allows consumers to experience true fruit flavours while also delivering better value to New Zealand customers. It’s about offering a product that reflects our commitment to both quality and a superior, more natural experience.” 9. Where do you see Greenhorn in the next five years? “In the next five years, we see Greenhorn growing beyond New Zealand and expanding into global markets. Our goal is to build a strong international presence and work towards becoming a leading, number one brand in the beverage industry. Along the way, we aim to broaden our product range, continue innovating with high-quality, natural ingredients, and strengthen our brand identity. We also want to build strong partnerships, scale our production, and stay closely connected to consumer needs, so we can keep delivering premium products while growing sustainably.” 10. How do you hope Mango Blast impacts the lives of those who drink it? “We hope Mango Blast inspires people to choose higher-quality, organic drinks that are genuinely good for them. By offering a delicious, natural alternative, we want to help shift consumer preferences toward healthier options. Beyond taste, Mango Blast provides antioxidants and vitamins C and A, supporting skin health and digestion, so it’s not just enjoyable, it contributes to overall well-being. Ultimately, we want our drink to be recognised as a premium, beneficial product that people can feel good about choosing.” 11. Are there any upcoming initiatives, events, or launches you’re particularly excited about? “We’re really excited about the initiatives and events we’ve been part of. We recently participated in CreatorCon and The Food Show, which generated strong engagement and gave people a chance to sample Mango Blast, helping build early awareness and positive feedback, especially among