FERGUS RURAL

Fergus Hazlett was created through the joining of Fergus Rural and Hazlett Limited on the East Coast on 1 April 2026. Read more about this partnership further below.

Fergus Rural-Agribusiness​ was founded in May 2013 and has demonstrated robust growth within Gisborne, Wairoa and wider regions of the North Island. This strong foundation will continue under the Fergus Hazlett banner.

Our Livestock team comprises dedicated professionals including Rob Fergus, Daryl Fergus, Ross Mitchell, ​Deano Brenssell, Luke Bates, and Jack Twigley.

​Additionally, Tim Petro delivers our Environmental Solutions offering and Deano Brenssell leverages his extensive experience managing significant East Coast properties to provide valuable farm consultancy services and genetic stud stock advice.

This expertise has considerably benefited both our clientele and our organisation. A​ comprehensive overview of the services offered by each team member can be found within their respective categories on our website.

Our livestock division specialises in facilitating on-farm sales and auctions. We believe this methodology presents considerable advantages for farmers, encompassing both sellers and purchasers, by mitigating unnecessary expenses while upholding standards of quality and transparency, and by fostering enduring professional relationships and reputations.

We possess the capacity to manage transactions involving substantial quantities of store stock. Moreover, we extend our expertise in marketing strategies to meat processing companies.

Over the years, we have cultivated strong alliances with numerous livestock enterprises and farmers across New Zealand. This extensive nationwide network ensures our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored to our clients’ diverse requirements, without geographical constraints.

Two proud, multi-generational, family‑owned agribusinesses — Fergus Rural and Hazlett — have come together in the Gisborne region to create a new entity; Fergus Hazlett Limited. This partnership marks a significant and positive step for farmers across Gisborne, Wairoa, and wider regions, bringing together deep local roots, nationwide capability, and a shared commitment to putting people first.

From 1 April 2026, all Fergus Rural staff became part of Fergus Hazlett Limited, ensuring long-standing ties and the professional, traditional service that has defined the Fergus Rural name continues.

Rob Fergus, founder of Fergus Rural, says:
“The Fergus Rural team are one big family and have always believed in backing our region, our people, and our farmers. Joining with Hazlett allows us to maintain everything we stand for while giving our clients access to greater reach, more expertise, and new opportunities. In a practical sense, we expect things to run as they are with no disruption for our loyal clients. You’ll continue to be looked after by the same people you already know and trust. It’s a proud moment for us and an exciting future for the East Coast.”

Since 2008, Hazlett has operated as a livestock, agronomy, insurance, funding, and procurement business working alongside farmers and businesses with leading expertise. Fergus Rural has been woven into the fabric of the East Coast rural community, trusted for livestock, environmental and farm supervision services and support. This combined offering will empower farmers to make more informed decisions, respond to changing market conditions, and access the experts they need through a connected, trusted partnership.

Melanie Brooks, CEO of Hazlett, adds:
“Hazlett has always been about people, relationships, and doing right by our customers and their wider families. People are, and always will be, the foundation of our growth. The Fergus Rural team are a standout example of the authenticity and character our business is built on, and partnering with them feels like a natural step – our values align, our people complement each other, and together we can deliver even more for our farmers.”

Fergus Hazlett Limited represents more than a new venture — it is an investment in the future of East Coast farming.This initiative strengthens access to specialised services, while opening up pathways to new markets, extended support systems, and innovations that help build resilience and long‑term value for customers. Backed by a larger team with an expanded focus, the change brings increased buying and selling power, opening up broader trading channels that drive stronger outcomes in livestock and beyond.

Together, Fergus Rural and Hazlett look forward to continuing to serve the community with genuine care, integrity, and commitment — now with enhanced capability, greater opportunities, and a united focus on being there for the people who place their trust in them — today and into the future.