Otago Rugby and Halter partner for pre-season Ranfurly Shield campaign

Otago Rugby is excited to announce a new partnership with Halter, the leading digital operating system for pasture-based farms. Halter has signed on as the Naming Rights Partner for Otago Rugby’s pre-season Ranfurly Shield defence campaign, encompassing games against North Otago in Dunedin on June 16 and Mid Canterbury in Alexandra on July 24.

Halter helps more than 2000 dairy and beef farms run more productive and sustainable operations through virtual fencing, and animal and pasture management. Having sold one million smart cow collars across New Zealand, Australia and the US, Halter farmers have set nearly 900,000 kilometres of virtual fencing.

“Otago is home to some awesome farmers who are using Halter to get time back in their day and run more productive farms, so we’re stoked to support Otago Rugby and spend time off farm with our customers at some local games,” says Halter’s Head of South Island, Josh Townsend.

“We love Halter’s focus on helping farmers enjoy a better quality of life, with more time doing things they enjoy, like getting out to watch some rural footy,” says Paul Thompson, Commercial Manager at Otago Rugby. “The 2026 Otago NPC season is going to be an exciting one and it is great to have Halter along for the ride!”

Otago Rugby looks forward to having Halter on board for the Ranfurly Shield campaign, as the Otago NPC side looks to add to the rich history of New Zealand’s most prestigious rugby taonga.

The two preseason Shield defence fixtures supported by Halter, will see Otago side hosting North Otago at home, under the roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium on Tuesday 16 June with a 6.30pm kick-off, before travelling to Central Otago to face Mid Canterbury at Molyneux Park in Alexandra on Friday 24 July with an afternoon kick off time of 2.30pm.

Tickets for both fixtures will be on sale at www.orfu.co.nz soon.

 For media enquiries, please contact: Paul Thompson on paul.thompson@orfu.co.nz

Article added: Monday 18 May 2026