Latest news with #NickBaker
NZ Autocar
7 days ago
- Business
- NZ Autocar
Star Insure and Street Smart unite to save young lives
New Zealand insurance provider, Star Insure, today announced a new partnership with Street Smart. The latter is a nationwide programme dedicated to empowering young drivers with crucial road safety skills. This collaboration marks a significant step for Star Insure in its commitment to fostering a culture of safer driving nationwide. L to R: Chair and Ambassador Street Smart, Greg Murphy, Star Insure CEO, Nick Baker and Street Smart Programme Director, Hayden Dickason. Star Insure's Founder and Chairman, John Baker, said 'This is a deliberate and meaningful investment by Star Insure towards the safety and well-being of young Kiwi drivers. 'Personally, this resonates deeply as an opportunity to give back to New Zealand in a way that creates a lasting impact. 'Street Smart's proven programme aligns perfectly with our philosophy of creating tangible pathways to upskill young drivers. It also nurtures responsible road behaviour for future generations. We are deeply invested in its potential to save lives and build a safer New Zealand.' Echoing this commitment and vision for a safer future, Star Insure CEO, Nick Baker, elaborated on the cooperation. 'This partnership is fuelled by a shared vision to actively reduce road fatalities by equipping young drivers with the crucial tools for safe navigation,' Baker said. 'For us at Star Insure, this goes far beyond a traditional sponsorship; it's about doing, not just donating. We are committed to providing a tangible pathway that upskills young drivers. It also fosters responsible road behaviour, and creates a lasting legacy of safety for generations of New Zealanders. We're proud to actively contribute to a movement that has the potential to save lives across the country.' The Street-Smart programme was reinvigorated in 2024 with generous funding from the Tony Quinn Foundation. It delivers practical, hands-on driver training that goes beyond the standard learner curriculum. Hayden Dickason, Programme Director, welcomes Star Insure's commitment: 'Insurance is such an important consideration when owning and driving a vehicle. We are so pleased to have Star Insure join us as a partner. We are a not-for-profit charitable trust that relies on external funding to deliver the Street Smart programme. Our common goal is building our young drivers to be safer and more aware on our roads.' The partnership has also garnered strong support from renowned motorsport legend, Street Smart Ambassador and Street Smart Charitable Trust Chair, Greg Murphy. 'Street Smart is all about equipping drivers with the skills and awareness to handle the many challenges they face on the road, ultimately helping reduce crash rates through better decision making. We're proud to welcome Star Insure to the Street Smart family. They fully recognise the importance of this mission, and we're honoured to have them join us on our journey to improve road safety, change outcomes, and save lives.' Star Insure's partnership with Street Smart NZ will see them actively involved in supporting the programme's delivery across the country. It will enable more young drivers to access vital training and education. This collaboration underscores Star Insure's long-term commitment to creating safer communities and empowering the next generation of drivers.
Time Out
28-05-2025
- Time Out
These are the 10 best hikes in NSW close to camping sites
Winter is approaching, which means the NSW hiking season is heating up. Keen to get amongst it? We spoke with outdoors expert Nick Baker (CEO of Reflections Holidays) to get his tips on the best camping sites close to hikes – so you can stay under the stars and then spend a day getting in those steps. These are the best 10 hikes in NSW close to campgrounds Hume and Hovell Track Campground: Reflections Wee Jasper, NSW Located around 50km from the track's starting point in Yass, Reflections Burrinjuck Waters makes an ideal rest stop on the legendary Hume and Hovell Track. Hikers can wind through Burrinjuck Nature Reserve and enjoy the serenity of the lake, local wildlife and even a relaxing cruise across Burrinjuck Dam. A boat transfer from the park can take hikers to nearby Reflections Wee Jasper and Carey's Cave, making it a key point along the trail's 440km length. Yuraygir Coastal Walk Set in the laid-back coastal town of Yamba, the 65km Yuraygir Coastal Walk is a must for lovers of coastal hikes. The track follows the coastline from Angourie to Red Rock, cutting through headlands, rock platforms and sweeping ocean views. Camp at Brooms Head Holiday Park or other national park campgrounds along the route for a multi-day wilderness adventure by the sea. Minyon Falls Track, Nightcap National Park Campground: Reflections Brunswick Heads Just a short drive from Byron Bay and Lennox Head, Nightcap National Park offers one of the region's most-loved hikes, the Minyon Falls walking track. Wander through dense rainforest filled with birdsong, ferns and towering palms before reaching the spectacular 100-metre Minyon Falls. Afterwards, cool off with a swim in the river at Reflections Brunswick Heads, where you can camp or stay in a cabin. Green Patch to Bristol Point Loop Walk Campground: Green Patch Campground, Jervis Bay This short but rewarding 1km walk begins at Green Patch car park, right beside a family-friendly campground complete with hot showers, BBQs and both walk-in and drive-in sites. Wait for low tide and set off across the rock platform via a small bridge on the eastern side of the Green Patch picnic area. Follow the trail past a secluded beach, before winding through coastal forest to the Bristol Point picnic area. Campground: Euroka Campground, Blue Mountains National Park This scenic 3.5km loop winds through Glenbrook Gorge, past eucalyptus forest and sandstone cliffs before arriving at Red Hands Cave, a sacred Aboriginal site featuring pieces believed to be more than 500 years old. Euroka Campground is nearby, offering fire pits, toilets and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Cave Creek Falls Track Tucked away in the northern wilderness of Kosciuszko National Park, the Cave Creek Falls Track is a serene 2.5km return hike that rewards with turquoise pools, limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Base yourself at the nearby Blue Waterholes Campground – a peaceful and remote site with basic facilities, so don't forget to bring your own water and firewood. The Castle Walk Campground: Yadboro Flat Campground, Morton National Park This 14km return hike is one of NSW's most popular, offering sweeping views and dramatic cliffs as you ascend through rugged terrain to the imposing 'Castle' rock formation. It's a tough walk suited to experienced hikers, but well worth the effort. Yadboro Flat Campground is a quiet, no-frills site nearby where you can enjoy the sounds of the forest after a big day on the trail. Coastal Walk and Trial Bay Gaol Ruins Campground: Trial Bay Gaol Campground, Arakoon National Park This scenic 1.6km loop offers more than just ocean views, it also takes you through the eerie and fascinating ruins of a 19th-century prison. The walk is easy and family-friendly, weaving past dramatic cliffs, sandy coves and sweeping beaches. Stay at the beachfront campground below the ruins, which has showers, BBQs and picnic areas. Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Campground Options: Red Rock, Woolgoolga, Reflections Moonee Beach, Sawtell Stretching along the spectacular Coffs Coast, this 60km coastal track links rainforest, headlands and endless beaches. Begin at Coffs Coast Regional Park and journey past Moonee Beach, Muttonbird Island and more, finishing in the charming town of Sawtell. There are plenty of places to camp along the way, making this the perfect multi-day coastal escape. Jerusalem Creek Walk, Esk NSW Just 30 minutes south of Evans Head, this 10km loop winds through forest and wetland before reaching a picnic area overlooking peaceful Jerusalem Creek. Go in the late afternoon for beautiful views of the sun setting over the lagoon, or bring your paddle board and explore the waterway. The Mibanbah Black Rocks Campground is set behind the dunes, so you can fall asleep to the gentle sound of the ocean.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota State knocks off USF in NSIC Tournament
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (MINNESOTA STATE) — The Minnesota State Mavericks exploded offensively to secure a dominant 14-5 win over Sioux Falls on Thursday afternoon at Ronken Field, advancing to the third round of the NSIC Tournament. After a slow start, the Mavericks quickly turned the momentum in their favor. Sioux Falls struck first with a three-run home run off the bat in the top of the second inning. The Mavericks came back in the bottom half of the inning with four runs of their own. Nick Baker launched a three-run home run to left field to give MSU its first lead of the game, 4-3. The Cougars briefly regained the lead with two runs in the top of the fourth, but the Mavericks were far from finished. Minnesota State responded once again in the bottom of the fourth, tying the game at 5-5. From that point forward, it was all Mavericks. A two-RBI single by Jake Berkland in the fifth inning gave MSU the lead. The offense erupted for six more runs in the sixth, fueled by at-bats, aggressive baserunning, and timely hits, stretching the lead to 12-5. Berkland added a sacrifice fly RBI in the sixth to finish with four RBIs on the day, while Zach Stroh crushed a solo home run in the eighth to cap off the scoring. Stroh and Berkland each recorded multiple hits, leading an MSU lineup that tallied 13 total hits and drew eight walks. On the mound, the Mavericks' bullpen held strong, combining five shutout innings and allowing just four hits to close out the game. 'Mavericks win today! Guys picking each other up throughout the game. Withstood a rough start, Hunter Day and the bottom of our lineup stepped up in a big way.' Said head coach Matt Magers. With the win, Minnesota State improves to 46-5 overall and moves on to face Augustana in the third round of the NSIC Tournament at noon on Friday at the Birdcage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Valvoline™ Global Operations Joins the Inaugural College Basketball Crown as the Tournament's Official Motor Oil Partner
Collaboration Highlights Valvoline Global's Commitment to Performance and Efficiency with Exclusive Branding and Custom Experiences at College Basketball's Newest Postseason Tournament LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The College Basketball Crown has announced Valvoline™ Global Operations, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, as an official partner and the tournament's Official Motor Oil Partner. Brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, the collaboration introduces Valvoline Global to the highly anticipated postseason event while delivering impactful branding and unique on-site experiences. Launched by FOX Sports and AEG, the College Basketball Crown is a premiere postseason college basketball tournament taking place from March 31 to April 6, 2025, in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena, airing on FOX and FS1. The tournament will feature 16 elite teams from conferences including the Big Ten, Big 12, and BIG EAST, along with additional at-large participants. "Reliability, performance, and efficiency are essential on the court – and on the road. This synergy is a great match for Valvoline Global and why we're excited to team up with the College Basketball Crown tournament as its Official Motor Oil partner," said Rob Kenny, Valvoline Global Chief Brand & Digital Officer. "This tournament is an exciting new chapter for college hoops, and we're proud to be trusted as part of the action." As part of the collaboration, Valvoline Global will receive significant brand visibility throughout the tournament with logo placement on the court, courtside rotational signage, and exposure on the basket stanchions and arena LEDs during all tournament games. Additionally, Valvoline Global's branding will be featured on the College Basketball Crown's official website and across key social media channels, connecting the brand with fans both in-venue and digitally. "We are incredibly excited to welcome Valvoline Global as an official partner of the College Basketball Crown," said Nick Baker, President and Chief Operating Officer, AEG Global Partnerships, and board member of the College Basketball Crown. "This tournament was designed to create new opportunities for brands to connect with the college basketball fanbase in a bold, high-energy way. Valvoline Global's commitment to performance and excellence makes it a perfect fit, and we look forward to integrating them into the action throughout the tournament." Valvoline Global will also take part in two exclusive experiences designed to bring the brand even closer to the heart of the tournament. During the event week, the College Basketball Crown will host an exclusive dinner for university presidents, athletic directors, and key executives from all 16 participating schools, which Valvoline Global will take part in. Additionally, Valvoline Global will have the unique opportunity to step onto the tournament court at T-Mobile Arena for a special 5-on-5 basketball game, making for an unforgettable moment at one of the sport's biggest stages. "The College Basketball Crown represents a fresh and innovative approach to postseason college hoops, and we're thrilled to have Valvoline Global on board," said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports, and board member of the College Basketball Crown. "From their presence on the court to their participation in exclusive VIP experiences, Valvoline Global will be an integral part of this tournament, and we're excited to see it all come to life in Las Vegas." For more information about the College Basketball Crown and Valvoline Global's involvement, visit ABOUT VALVOLINE™ GLOBAL OPERATIONS THE ORIGINAL. Inventing the Way Forward. Valvoline™ Global Operations is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe. Established in 1866, we introduced the world's first branded motor oil, claiming our position as The Original Motor Oil. As The Original, we've been innovating to solve problems for over 150 years. With sales in more than 140 countries and territories, our solutions are available for every engine and drivetrain, including high-mileage and heavy-duty vehicles, offered at more than 80,000 locations. And we're committed to powering the future of mobility for vehicles with electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains – today and as we move forward. We are now a part of Aramco, one of the world's largest integrated energy and chemicals companies. Our strategic partnership creates a powerful combination to drive unparalleled product innovation and sustainable business solutions. To learn more visit ABOUT AEG Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world's leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments: Music through AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including the production and promotion of global and regional concert tours, an extensive portfolio of clubs, theaters and other music venues, concerts and special events and world-renowned festivals such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival; Venues and Real Estate, which develops, owns and operates world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like Arena and L.A. LIVE, Uber Platz in Berlin and The O2 in London; Sports, as the world's largest operator of high-profile sporting events and sports franchises including the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and Eisbären Berlin; Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating, and other strategic partnerships. And Ticketing, which provides more than 400 clients worldwide with ticketing services that cover the gamut of entertainments, including sporting events, arena tours, music clubs festival, rodeos and family events. Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 90 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Valvoline™ Global Operations Britney AEG Global Partnerships Shannon Sign in to access your portfolio
