12 June 2024

Dawn breaks on Fieldays and gates open for 2024

The 56^th Fieldays is well underway at Mystery Creek Events Centre with the welcome sight of visitors streaming through the gates. With mild weather conditions and the sound of bag pipes marking the occasion, the tone was set for four days of agricultural trade, innovations and entertainment.

The event was officially opened with a pōwhiri and the raising of flags, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Society's Chair, Jenni Vernon, Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay, and Tumuaki o te Kiingitanga Hone Thompson.

Guests included representatives of Ngāti Hauā and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson and Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard.

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone to the first day of Fieldays. This event is a testament to the industry, our partners, exhibitors and our visitors,” said Peter Nation, New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive.  

“We are seeing a good indication of people traveling from around the regions, reflecting our importance as a nationally and globally significant event,” said Peter.

More than 1100 exhibitors have invested in their sites and have their products and services on display.

The first day has seen several exhibitors releasing new technologies, including clothing manufacturer Stoney Creek who has launched their hundred percent New Zealand Wool range.

Stoney Creek is challenging New Zealand’s wool and apparel manufacturers to be more transparent with their products, naming conventions and manufacturing processes. The wool has been sourced from Quartz Hill Station, along with local farms in Canterbury, Central Otago and Marlborough.

“Coming from a rural background, for me its feeling the responsibility to do it, and having a go at doing it our way,” said Brent McConnell, Owner and CEO of Stoney Creek.

“It is important to view Fieldays beyond the four days and the meaningful connections that are made that can’t be calculated. Conversations that happen over a handshake or coffee, sometimes plant the seed for significant business opportunities”, said Peter.

Addressing some of the industries challenges was Prime Minister Christopher Luxton. He joined the Fieldays Primary Leaders Luncheon, addressing the room of over 100 guests.

Listening to the sectors frustrations around rural banking including high interest rates and the difficulty to secure lending he announced the move for a government inquiry.

The luncheon was also an opportunity for Fieldays to announce they are now backed by the coveted New Zealand Story’s FernMark Licence Programme.

Industry leaders also unified under one roof, to attend the official opening of the Rural Advocacy Hub. The Hub, a collaboration between Fieldays and Federated Farmers encourages dialogue around sector challenges such as banking, emissions, methane targets, freshwater rules and more.

Agriculture and Trade Minister, Todd McClay, acknowledged the government is moving fast and needs a united voice from places like the Rural Advocacy Hub so that practical decisions can be made.

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said that they’ve been surprised by the number of farmers who have already come through the Hub. “We are proud to provide a platform and opportunity for farmers to be heard. We’re having some really organic conversations and we have seen a variety of people from all spectrums of the rural sector.

The Hub includes Groundswell, Young Farmers, Rural Women, Future Farmers NZ, Food & Fibre Youth Network, Farmers Weekly, Ethical Employers, and the Fencing Contractors Association NZ.

New features at this year’s event include the Fieldays Business Lounge, developed to enhance the experience of business leaders while they are on site. VIP Business Plus Ticket holders can access the lounge and nearby VIP parking, shuttles and premium beverage and business services on the Wednesday and Thursday of Fieldays.

The Family Activation Zone is a new area with activities for kids like axe throwing, rock climbing, safari train and an adventure obstacle course. All the activities are free with the option to donate to the Rural Support Trust.

Organisers are looking forward to three more days of agricultural trade, entertainment and innovations. Visitors can expect to see a variety of offerings from state-of the art farm machinery, cutting-edge technology, artisan food, new-to-the-market vehicles, financial and insurance products and services and everything in between.

There's the possibility of rain later in the week but that won’t deter the punters who after 56 years, come prepared.

Fieldays 2024 takes place at Mystery Creek, Hamilton from 12 June – 15 June. Visitors are again in to win an Isuzu D-MAX LX Double Cab 4WD Ute by personalising their ticket at the time of purchase via the Fieldays website (or on-site) and can double their chance to win during the event by tapping their Fieldays Smart Band at the Isuzu Utes New Zealand site.

You can also stay up to date with any on the ground news by checking out the Fieldays Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok pages.