24 August 2023

Having not been to Fieldays for a couple of years, Tairawhiti resident Callum Thompson never thought that he would walk away the winner of a brand-new Isuzu D-Max. 
“I saw the Isuzu utes at the gate when I arrived at Fieldays, but never ever thought I would win” said Callum, who is still in shock after receiving the call from New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO, Peter Nation.  

“No one ever knows anyone who has won a prize like this, when I told my mates last week, they all thought I was joking”.  The news has set the town abuzz with excitement, with several of his friends thinking he was pulling their leg.

“Funnily enough, I walk past the local Isuzu dealership every time I head to my post box which is usually a couple of times a week. I have seen the utes all lined up on display, but never for a minute thought I would ever own one, it’s mind-blowing”.  

Working in the finance industry with a number of clients in the Agricultural sector, a trip to Fieldays for Thompson was a time to check out what was new in the industry and see the advances in Innovation. “June 2021 was the last time I was at Fieldays, so it was great to be back”. “Things have been pretty tough down in Gisborne and the surrounding areas, so it’s great to be able to come to Fieldays and support the sector, catch up with a few people and enjoy a day out”.

To be eligible to win the Isuzu D-Max LX Double Cab ute with added accessories, valued at over $75,000.00 including on-road costs, visitors to Fieldays needed to collect a Smart Band on entry, register their details, scan their Smart Band at the Isuzu site and drop it off into one of the four Isuzu utes at the end of the day.

“I have never won anything significant in my life, to be honest not even an egg and spoon race,” said Callum. “It hasn’t really sunk in”. 
Containing innovative RFID technology, the Fieldays Smart Band allowed visitors to connect their details and scan their band to request relevant information from Fieldays exhibitors, enter competitions and claim giveaways.

"We are thrilled for Callum, who is lucky enough to be driving away in this year’s Isuzu D-Max," said Peter Nation. "This serves as a reminder of the remarkable moments that Fieldays can bring to people's lives and we give thanks to our mates at Isuzu Utes New Zealand for making it possible. Without their support and likeminded vision, Callum would not be joining the many others now driving these beaut utes”

“Callum sure is a lucky bastard! The D-Max is a tough ute while also being comfy and well-spec’d. It’s perfect for NZ conditions and he’s going to love cruising Gizzy in it” said Ross Sommerville, National Sales Manager for Isuzu Utes New Zealand

Adding to the D-Max legacy is the fact it was voted NZ4WD Magazine’s ‘Ute of the Year’ for 2021, the first time this model has won the coveted award and just a year after it was launched in New Zealand)