February 27 2024
32 Victoria Street DARGAVILLE Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated
NORTHLAND
FIELD DAYS
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P7
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Dargaville Little Theatre has assembled the biggest cast ever seen on the local stage, in an ambitious attempt …
Family, fun and farming innovation u by Andy Bryenton
Northland Field Days is more than the biggest outdoor event in the north or a showcase of what’s new and exciting in the world of farming — it’s also a great day out.
p Northland Field Days promises family fun on a huge scale, as well as a showcase of the state of the art in farming
Of course, the serious business of the rural sector is to the fore at Northland Field Days 2024, as there is much to discuss in terms of new innovations and farming technology to help make the biggest segment of the Kiwi economy profitable and sustainable. However, alongside the massive machinery, off-road bikes and gleaming new cars and utes, there are a whole lot of attractions to keep everyone entertained. Field days president John Phillips and event coordinator Luciana Schwarz have thought of a long list of fun ideas to make this year’s field days special. Patrons can navigate the quirky maze in maize, planted especially for the field days by Pioneer and Dave Wordsworth
Contracting. It’s a 3D puzzle that young and old alike can plunge into, but it’s not at all scary, and there’s no way to really get lost — just a brainteasing challenge. Then, there are the sheep dog trials, which, as last year, will culminate with a fun event on Saturday when humans try to do the job of the trusty, welltrained canines. If that’s not enough of a chuckle, visitors can take in some highspeed thrills with the ride-on lawn mower racing. Intrepid ‘pilots’ from as far away as Taranaki are ready to hit the turf. The tractor pull contest will once again be a standout, with massive horsepower on display. Motorised monsters of the open field compete for glory, and it takes
a lot of skill and courage to get all that power to the ground. This year, there’s an open challenge out there from a team that spans three generations: grandfather, father and son. Will another farming family step up to contest this odd title? Add in carnival-style rides, a mini water park, including the nation’s biggest inflatable water slide, a petting zoo of friendly farm animals, rides on the mini Mack truck, and even a massive field of sunflowers for some sunny selfies, and you’ve got quite a day of action. That is even before you factor in a huge market full of fun stalls and one of the biggest selections of food ever seen at the field days. ¢
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