First Farm Source hub opened in Taranaki

New Plymouth district mayor Neil Holdom cuts the ribbon to open Fonterra Farm Source's Inglewood hub, while Fonterra director David MacLeod (left) watches along with Fonterra Farm Source chief operating officer Miles Hurrell. Photo / Bryce Hollands

More than 60 people turned out earlier this month to the official opening of the first purpose-built Farm Source hub in Taranaki.

Located in Inglewood the hub, along with 10 others across Taranaki, offers farmers financial incentives and discounts on a wide range of farm supplies, services and digital technologies.

The hub doesn't just give farmers a place to shop, but includes meeting rooms which can be booked for use by farmers or community groups, offices for Fonterra staff, as well as a drop-in space offering coffee and Wi-Fi.

The idea behind the hubs, first launched by Fonterra in 2014, is to strengthen the relationship between the co-operative and the rural community.

The other Taranaki Farm Source hubs are located in RD1 stores in Stratford, Eltham, Kaponga, New Plymouth, Waitara, Pungarehu, Hawera, Opunake, Waverley and Manaia.

The official opening of the Inglewood Farm Source hub included a karakia by Te Atiawa kaumatua Hoani Eriwata.