Pōkeno Whisky Appoints Dhall & Nash As On-Trade Distributor For New Zealand
With a growing global reputation for quality and creativity, Pōkeno's whiskies can now be enjoyed in over 25 markets worldwide. And while it continues to expand into other international markets, Pōkeno founder and owner Matt Johns says the move to appoint Dhall and Nash underlines a commitment to sharing their journey of discovery with whisky lovers here in Aotearoa.
'I'm delighted that Dhall and Nash will be distributing Pōkeno Whisky to the on-premise market in New Zealand. As two family-owned businesses, we share very similar values around building and maintaining strong relationships, and their expert team is highly motivated to continue growing the market for our fantastic range of creative single malts,' says Matt.
Dhall & Nash co-founder, Puneet Dhall, says he is excited to add Pōkeno to a portfolio that comprises some of the finest wine and spirits from across the globe.
'When Matt showed me around his distillery, which is one of the finest I've seen, the decision to work together was a relative formality. I'm a Punjabi boy from London steeped in the tradition of great whisky, and I can say with hand on heart that these single malts are world class – and we can't wait to showcase these exceptional and unique wonders to the good and great of New Zealand hospitality.'
Dhall and Nash will distribute Pōkeno's full range of single malt whiskies. These include the signature range of Origin, Discovery, and Revelation; the Exploration Series, which includes the world's first single malt whisky to be finished in Totara casks; and its growing portfolio of special limited editions.
The on-trade distribution partnership will complement Pōkeno's growing off-premise business, driven by its exclusive relationship with Liquorland.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Techday NZ
07-08-2025
- Techday NZ
Orbit Analytics unveils AI suite to boost business intelligence
Orbit Analytics has launched AirQuery Augmatica, a suite of new AI-powered features designed to support enterprise business intelligence users in accessing self-service analytics. The AirQuery Augmatica suite has been integrated directly into the existing Orbit platform, aiming to remove bottlenecks faced by enterprises in obtaining timely answers to operational questions. According to Orbit Analytics, the features are intended to address common reporting challenges by enabling business users to retrieve information without the need for dashboards or support from technical data teams. AirQuery Augmatica utilises natural language processing and semantic understanding, complemented by permission-aware logic. This approach is designed to help reduce the time between a user's question and receiving a usable answer, thereby assisting decision-making processes across multiple business functions, such as finance, operations, supply chain, and customer service. "It's been a long-standing challenge for enterprise users to get timely answers and insights into their data without increasing IT burden, and now with AI-powered enhancements to Orbit's solution, AirQuery Augmatica brings business intelligence to the next level," said Rupesh Sharma, CEO and Cofounder of Orbit Analytics. "The seamless user experience driven by our AI solution removes the need for deep technical data analysis expertise while decreasing the time it takes to access the information they need, all while preserving accuracy, context, and security." The suite introduces two primary productivity tools: Quicklets and Discovery. Both tools are now available to all existing Orbit Analytics customers within their current enterprise environments. Quicklets Quicklets are embedded in users' everyday workflows and are designed to provide instant responses to frequently asked operational questions, such as order status, payment history, and fulfilment timing. The tool allows users to analyse key metrics rapidly without needing to switch between different applications or rely on other departments for report generation. Discovery Discovery enables users to ask open-ended business questions using natural language. The AI interprets business intent, applies relevant logic, and delivers concise and actionable results based on real-time global data. The tool is capable of understanding context and delivering answers aligned to the user's needs. Both Quicklets and Discovery have built-in security and role-based access controls to ensure that data privacy and security standards are maintained. The suite is also integrated with Microsoft Azure AI Services, which further supports data management capabilities. The introduction of AirQuery Augmatica is positioned as a strategic enhancement of Orbit Analytics' expertise in AI-powered business intelligence (BI) solutions. The company states that providing these AI features within their platform enables customers to improve operations across various departments and increase operational efficiency. "We're focused on helping customers make better business decisions faster and increase operational efficiency," said Sharma. "By embedding these AI tools directly into our platform, we're reducing the effort required to find and act on business insights and enhance productivity in global teams." Orbit Analytics provides a business intelligence and data analytics platform that integrates with a range of ERP systems, cloud platforms, and business applications. Its product offering, including GL Sense and Data Pipelines, is designed to enable real-time access to unified data from diverse sources for interactive reporting and visualisation purposes. The company also highlights its capabilities in accelerating report migration from Oracle ERP systems and other legacy tools, which supports organisations seeking to modernise their analytics workflows. With these new AI-driven features, Orbit Analytics states it is focused on reducing IT resource pressure and helping users transform raw data into actionable business insights. Follow us on: Share on:
Otago Daily Times
05-08-2025
- Otago Daily Times
State of Origin games for new Christchurch stadium?
By Adam Burns of RNZ The government appears receptive to supporting a move to bring rugby league's State of Origin to New Zealand's shores in two years' time. Speculation has resurfaced over the weekend of potential plans by the game's administrators to bring a game to New Zealand in 2027, with the government and tourism officials here reportedly involved in talks with the NRL. Rugby league legend Sir Graham Lowe has raised the matter with Sports and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell, Auckland's Eden Park and Christchurch's forthcoming One New Zealand Stadium (Te Kaha) contenders to host a game. It comes as efforts to flesh out the future events calendar for Christchurch's new $683 million central city stadium continue ahead of its scheduled opening in eight months time. Whether its modest 30,000 capacity would appease rugby league administrators for an Origin game, as opposed to Eden Park, is doubtful. Lowe, who coached Queensland across consecutive Origin series in 1991 and '92, told RNZ both venues were worthy of consideration. "The stadium in Christchurch I think would be absolutely fantastic. The NRL might say there's not enough seats in there because they like the bigger stadiums for that kind of event. "There's always more than one way to skin a cat. I think the NRL make more revenue from Origin in Brisbane, than they do from the one in Sydney." As reported by The Courier Mail, Australian Rugby League Commission (ARL) chairman Peter V'landys said an "Anzac Origin" clash in 2027 would be timely, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1987 Origin match played in Long Beach, California. V'landys said a neutral venue for 2027 was yet to be confirmed. "Next year we're going to the MCG and then 2027 is available, so Origin in New Zealand is on our hit list," he said. Mitchell said he had spoken to Lowe about the idea. "We are a great destination for games and events and any proposal brought forward to host a State of Origin match here would be worked through the Major events team." The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has been approached for comment. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said she had not been part of talks, but the government was open to the possibility. "The government is always open to considering opportunities to host major events across sports and the arts from local and international organisers and will support them where appropriate," she said. "Any prospective events must meet the Major Events Fund criteria and deliver outcomes aligned to the Government's Major Event Strategy." Will the All Blacks play Te Kaha in 2026? As its imminent opening draws nearer, venue operators for Te Kaha have been toiling to secure events amid a highly competitive entertainment market. RNZ spoke to several locals in central Christchurch about what they were most looking forward to. Alongside big concerts, the Crusaders, Warriors and the long-awaited return of All Blacks tests to Christchurch were popular drawcards for the arena. Red-and-black clad Canterbury rugby fans would be catered for, with the Crusaders and the Canterbury NPC team the main anchor tenants once the arena opened. There could be less NPC games played at Te Kaha long-term, as the cash-strapped provincial competition explored more games in the regions, at smaller venues. There were also plans for Te Kaha to host a rebooted Super Rugby Super Round over Anzac weekend. For other codes, the Wellington Phoenix and Warriors were bringing one of their respective away games to Christchurch, with multi-year agreements ensuring both franchises would play at least one game at Te Kaha until 2027 and 2028 respectively. When asked if he felt his club was worthy of Te Kaha's first event, Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the honour should go to the Crusaders. "Out of respect, I think the Crusaders should be afforded that opportunity." Venues Otautahi chief exeuctive Caroline Harvie-Teare said the scrap for other events, including concerts, remained a big task. "We're obviously working on attracting other guaranteed and consistent content, which would be bringing other teams' away games here," she said. A total of five All Blacks tests have been played at Christchurch's makeshift Addington venue since the earthquakes, including two in the past decade. Although the bidding process for All Blacks tests remained competitive, Harvie-Teare expected "one to two" tests in Christchurch each year. "There's a desire to return the All Blacks to Christchurch, we've had a limited amount of games here. "I know New Zealand Rugby are excited about the venue and excited about them being back here in Canterbury." It is understood the All Blacks calendar for next year and 2027 is still being finalised. In a statement, New Zealand Rugby said it was "incredibly excited" about potentially returning tests to Christchurch with Te Kaha being considered. "Canterbury is a passionate rugby region, and we know fans are incredibly eager for international rugby to return." There have been multiple bids to set up a second New Zealand NRL club based out of Christchurch. At least three of the bids were rejected last year with new teams out of Perth and Papua New Guinea green-lit. Amid a geo-political backdrop, the Papua New Guinea proposal was bankrolled to the tune of $600m by the Australian government. Lowe, who was leading one of the South Island bids, said nothing more could have been done to make their proposal more compelling. "It's basically on hold at the moment. "We're super confident, totally confident. "[The NRL is] still 100 percent commited to having another team out of New Zealand. It's just obvious that Christchurch is the place." A separate bid led by former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott previously forecast an annual boost of $50m for the city if an NRL club was founded. A strength in numbers approach appeared to be off the table with no plans for the consortiums to unite.
Otago Daily Times
04-08-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Could Christchurch's new stadium host State of Origin?
By Adam Burns of RNZ The government appears receptive to supporting a move to bring rugby league's State of Origin to New Zealand's shores in two years' time. Speculation has resurfaced over the weekend of potential plans by the game's administrators to bring a game to New Zealand in 2027, with the government and tourism officials here reportedly involved in talks with the NRL. Rugby league legend Sir Graham Lowe has raised the matter with Sports and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell, Auckland's Eden Park and Christchurch's forthcoming One New Zealand Stadium (Te Kaha) contenders to host a game. It comes as efforts to flesh out the future events calendar for Christchurch's new $683 million central city stadium continue ahead of its scheduled opening in eight months time. Whether its modest 30,000 capacity would appease rugby league administrators for an Origin game, as opposed to Eden Park, is doubtful. Lowe, who coached Queensland across consecutive Origin series in 1991 and '92, told RNZ both venues were worthy of consideration. "The stadium in Christchurch I think would be absolutely fantastic. The NRL might say there's not enough seats in there because they like the bigger stadiums for that kind of event. "There's always more than one way to skin a cat. I think the NRL make more revenue from Origin in Brisbane, than they do from the one in Sydney." As reported by The Courier Mail, Australian Rugby League Commission (ARL) chairman Peter V'landys said an "Anzac Origin" clash in 2027 would be timely, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1987 Origin match played in Long Beach, California. V'landys said a neutral venue for 2027 was yet to be confirmed. "Next year we're going to the MCG and then 2027 is available, so Origin in New Zealand is on our hit list," he said. Mitchell said he had spoken to Lowe about the idea. "We are a great destination for games and events and any proposal brought forward to host a State of Origin match here would be worked through the Major events team." The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has been approached for comment. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said she had not been part of talks, but the government was open to the possibility. "The government is always open to considering opportunities to host major events across sports and the arts from local and international organisers and will support them where appropriate," she said. "Any prospective events must meet the Major Events Fund criteria and deliver outcomes aligned to the Government's Major Event Strategy." Will the All Blacks play Te Kaha in 2026? As its imminent opening draws nearer, venue operators for Te Kaha have been toiling to secure events amid a highly competitive entertainment market. RNZ spoke to several locals in central Christchurch about what they were most looking forward to. Alongside big concerts, the Crusaders, Warriors and the long-awaited return of All Blacks tests to Christchurch were popular drawcards for the arena. Red-and-black clad Canterbury rugby fans would be catered for, with the Crusaders and the Canterbury NPC team the main anchor tenants once the arena opened. There could be less NPC games played at Te Kaha long-term, as the cash-strapped provincial competition explored more games in the regions, at smaller venues. There were also plans for Te Kaha to host a rebooted Super Rugby Super Round over Anzac weekend. For other codes, the Wellington Phoenix and Warriors were bringing one of their respective away games to Christchurch, with multi-year agreements ensuring both franchises would play at least one game at Te Kaha until 2027 and 2028 respectively. When asked if he felt his club was worthy of Te Kaha's first event, Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the honour should go to the Crusaders. "Out of respect, I think the Crusaders should be afforded that opportunity." Venues Otautahi chief exeuctive Caroline Harvie-Teare said the scrap for other events, including concerts, remained a big task. "We're obviously working on attracting other guaranteed and consistent content, which would be bringing other teams' away games here," she said. A total of five All Blacks tests have been played at Christchurch's makeshift Addington venue since the earthquakes, including two in the past decade. Although the bidding process for All Blacks tests remained competitive, Harvie-Teare expected "one to two" tests in Christchurch each year. "There's a desire to return the All Blacks to Christchurch, we've had a limited amount of games here. "I know New Zealand Rugby are excited about the venue and excited about them being back here in Canterbury." It is understood the All Blacks calendar for next year and 2027 is still being finalised. In a statement, New Zealand Rugby said it was "incredibly excited" about potentially returning tests to Christchurch with Te Kaha being considered. "Canterbury is a passionate rugby region, and we know fans are incredibly eager for international rugby to return." There have been multiple bids to set up a second New Zealand NRL club based out of Christchurch. At least three of the bids were rejected last year with new teams out of Perth and Papua New Guinea green-lit. Amid a geo-political backdrop, the Papua New Guinea proposal was bankrolled to the tune of $600m by the Australian government. Lowe, who was leading one of the South Island bids, said nothing more could have been done to make their proposal more compelling. "It's basically on hold at the moment. "We're super confident, totally confident. "[The NRL is] still 100 percent commited to having another team out of New Zealand. It's just obvious that Christchurch is the place." A separate bid led by former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott previously forecast an annual boost of $50m for the city if an NRL club was founded. A strength in numbers approach appeared to be off the table with no plans for the consortiums to unite.
