21 August 2024

Day off-farm at Fieldays leads to Isuzu D-MAX Ute win for Piopio family

Out of over 80,000 qualifying entries, Daniel Neil from the rural town of Piopio has been announced as the lucky winner of the coveted Isuzu D-MAX LX Double Cab 4WD Ute in this year’s Fieldays Ute giveaway. The draw, which has become a Fieldays tradition, adds to the excitement of the four-day event held in June each year at Mystery Creek Events Centre.

Daniel's initial reaction to winning the Ute was one of disbelief, thinking it was a joke when he received the call from New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO, Peter Nation. "When I told my wife Gina, she thought I was having her on! The kids were excited but not sure whether to believe it or not," Daniel shared.

The prize package, valued at over $63,990, includes on-road costs, 12 months of registration, a full tank of fuel, and a comprehensive 3-year/100,000 km warranty. The Ute boasts a 3.5T tow rating, 140kW of power, and 450Nm of torque, and will be a perfect fit for Daniel's busy farm and family life.

Daniel and Gina milk 430 Friesian cross cows on a leased 240ha dairy farm, with an additional 120ha lease for dairy support and beef. "The Isuzu will definitely be put through its paces with farm life. There's always something to tow or pick up and plenty of hills on the farm to climb. Whether it’s kids or animals, there’s always something to run around after. I’m looking forward to trying out its towing capabilities with the caravan."

Daniel, who was raised on a farm in Taranaki has been a regular at Fieldays for over a decade, often reminiscing about the times he’d get a day off school to make the trip to attend the event with his father. This year, again eager for Fieldays, he purchased his ticket in advance and came up to Fieldays for the day with his brother and two local farming mates, taking advantage of the Fieldays App to find exhibitors and the food courts.

"I go to Fieldays for a day off the farm," Daniel said. "It’s interesting to see what innovation, technology, and equipment is out there and what could work for us in our farming operation. It's also a chance to catch up with our rural providers, like the bank."

Peter Nation, CEO of New Zealand National Fieldays Society shared his excitement for Daniel's win. "It’s always a joy to make that phone call, especially when you hear the disbelief turn into excitement. Daniel was no exception—once the initial shock wore off, he was pretty chuffed. Knowing that this prize will make a real difference for him and his family, both on the farm and in their downtime, is incredibly rewarding.” 

Fieldays is grateful to Major Sponsors Isuzu Utes New Zealand, who made this life-changing prize possible.

Ross Sommerville, General Manager of Isuzu Utes New Zealand, expressed his support for Daniel's win. "The D-MAX is built tough and has the specs to handle farm life with ease. Whether taking care of day-to-day tasks or the gruntier jobs, it’s up to the challenge."

Pictured below: First slide - Neil family with Ross Sommerville and Peter Nation. Second slide - Rosetown Isuzu Dealer Principal Allan Paterson with Daniel Neil.