INTRODUCING....... THE JB OLYMPIC CUP

It’s fitting that a family who specialise in growing the best, have come on board as the new sponsors of the New Zealand Horse of the Year’s prestigious Olympic Cup.

The JB Olympic Cup – sponsored by leading Hawke’s Bay horticulturist John Bostock and his wife Vicki – is the premier trophy at the show, and the most sought-after title on the nation’s showjumping circuit.

John Bostock, who heads JM Bostock Ltd, is a huge supporter of all things Hawke’s Bay. His innovative and vertically integrated group of companies produce high value, top quality, safe and healthy foods that are sent worldwide.

And he’s as much an advocate for the Hawke’s Bay – “the Tuscany of the South Pacific” – as he is for GE free and sustainable production.

“This is a very special area,” says Bostock, “and the Horse of the Year Show is part of that as a premium attraction that brings huge economic benefit to the Bay.”

Bostock says the recently-announced commitment from Equestrian Sports New Zealand that will see HOY stay in Hawke’s Bay for the next 15-years, is something that gives him more confidence to invest further into the show.

It’s all part of his wider philosophy that includes giving back to the community that supports his growing companies.

One of their key community projects is in Flaxmere, where the Bostocks support community gardens and have a plan that will see portable vegetable growing bins given freely to families in the area.

“We want to inspire the next generation to eat good, healthy, local produce...and how better to do that, than have them grow vegetables in their own back yards,” he says.

Bell Tea, who have been main sponsors of the Olympic Cup since 2000, will still be involved at the Horse of the Year Show through their support of the three day event.

Kevin Hansen paid tribute to the support from Bell Tea, and welcomed having Bostock and his wife Vicki on board.

“It is great to have well known Hawke’s Bay identities get in behind the show and in particular the Olympic Cup,” he said.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The JB Olympic Cup is awarded to the Showjumper of the Year. The cup was first presented by Mrs RS Fullerton-Smith in 1953, and its honours board reads like a real who’s-who of New Zealand showjumping. Katie McVean is sitting on another history-making cusp – in 2012 she became the first rider to win the cup three consecutive times.

John Bostock Ltd is an innovative and vertically integrated group of international companies focused on high quality produce, including squash, organic apples, ice cream, juice, kiwifruit, onions and more. This is a company, based in Hawke’s Bay, that embodies the quadruple bottom line, which includes eco-friendly and sustainable production, and a strong a community spirit. For more information, head to www.jbgroup.co.nz