Seethefuture…
ForfourdayseachyearanewworldcomestolifeatMysteryCreek,Hamilton.It’smadeupofpeoplefromNewZealand’sprimary industriesandglobalagribusinessforthosewholiveonandworktheland.Fieldays2026willhavemorethan1200exhibitorsshowcasing theirproductsandservices,innovationwillbecelebratedandcommunitywillbebroughttogether.Don’tmissit! Photo/Supplied
Fieldaysspotlightsoffarming
FieldaysissettoreturntoMystery CreekEventsCentrefromJune 10-13,bringingtogetherthebestof NewZealand’sprimaryindustries andglobalagribusiness.
NewZealandNationalFieldaysSociety chiefexecutiveRichardLindroossaysthe eventremainsoneofthecountry’s“true megaevents”,whereindustry,community andinnovationconvergetohelpshape thefutureofagriculture.
Preparationsarewellunderway,with activityrampinguponsiteinrecent weeks.Upgradesincluderesealingroads, repairingpotholesandconstructing the400sqmRuralLivingmarquee.
everythingfromcutting-edgeagri-tech andadvancedmachinerytoartisanfood, new-to-marketvehicles,andarangeof financialandinsurancesolutions.
Somethingnew
AnewFieldaysFunctionCentreon theVillageGreenwillgivebusinesses additionalopportunitiestohost events,whileastrongline-upofhubs willhighlightinnovation,careersand education,forestry,ruralhealthand wellbeing,advocacy,anddronetechnology. Keyfeaturesarealsoreaching milestones,includingtheHauora TaiwhenuaHealth&WellbeingHub’s 10thanniversaryandfiveyearsforthe ForestryHub.
L Lindroos says the venue has become “a a i e of acti it ” , it ore t a 1 ,700 co tract r inductionsex ecte a ead f e i g a
More t an 12 0 ex ibitors will s wcase r ducts and services, wit sites nearl sol o t isitors ca expect
P Popular competitions such as Tractor Pull, fenci a excavator c allen es will return, offerin crowds a s wcase f s ill an rassroots e tertai me t
Families are agai catere for wit t e Fielda s Fa il F e, featuri g free a ds-o activities inclu ing a roc wall,
bungytrampoline,inflatablesandagolf simulator.Nearby,theHeritageVillage offersastepbackintimewithattractions suchasahistoricchurch,theoldKihikihi jailandtheNationalDairyMuseum.
Creative
TheFieldaysCreativeSpacewillalso return,blendingartandruralstorytelling inspiredbyartistDavidHenshaw, providingareflectivecontrasttothe event’stechnologyfocus. Visitorscanvotefortheirfavourite InnovationAwardsentriesonsiteor throughtheofficialapp,whiletheGate Prizeoffersticketholdersthechanceto winaJACT9ute,valuedat$49,990,
alongwith$10,000worthofStoney Creekgear.
Generaladmissionticketsarepriced at$36foradultsand$18forchildren, withfreeentryforthoseunder5.A familypassisavailablefor$108.Free parkingisprovided,withlimitedVIP parkingalsoavailable.
For2026,ticketbuyerscanoptto donatetotheRuralSupportTrust,with Lindroossayingthepartnershiphelps delivervitalsupportforfarmingfamilies andruralcommunities.
PremiumBusinessLoungeticketsare alsoonsale,offeringanall-inclusive experiencewithhospitality,parkingand dedicatedmeetingspaces.
Innovatorsbringagsolutions
Fieldays2026InnovationAwards participantsaresettoshowcasethe futureofagriculture,withastrong line-upofinnovatorsbringingfresh ideasandpracticalsolutionsto MysteryCreeknextmonth.
FromJune10to13,58selected individuals,companiesandstart-upswill exhibitcutting-edgetechnologiesaspart oftheawardsprogramme,whichthisyear welcomesAmazonWebServices(AWS) asoverallsponsor.
The2026cohortreflectstherapid evolutionofthesector,withentries spanningartificialintelligence, automation,on-farmsafety,monitoring anddiagnostics-alongsideahostof clever,practicaltoolsdesignedtoimprove productivityandefficiencyacrossfarms, orchardsandruralproperties.
FieldaysInnovationAwards programmemanagerSteveChappell s says while the awards may look different fromadecadeago,theircorepurpose remainsunchanged.
“People will notice the awards look di erent from 10–15 years ago because of the breadth of entries and the evolution of technologies,” Steve says
“Butaswenearthe60thyear,theystill showcasethebold,practicalsolutions theyalwayshave.”
Connections
Theprogrammeconnectsinnovators withNewZealand’swideragri-tech ecosystem,providingaccesstoexpert judges,mentorsandpotentialpartners whocanhelprefineandscaleideas.
Italsooffersadirectlinktothe primarysector,givingparticipantsthe opportunitytoengagewithfarmers,test concepts,andreceivereal-worldfeedback.
“Fieldaysiswherestart-upscanmove fromaviableconcepttointernational impact,”Stevesays.“It’sgreattosee entrantsprogressingthroughthe categoriesagainthisyearandbeing inspiredbypastsuccessstories.”
AWShasexpandeditsinvolvement in2026,highlightingthegrowing importanceofdigitaltechnologiesin agriculture.
“Asoverallsponsor,AWSwillsupport i innovatorsateverystage-hhellpiing strengthenpathwaysfromconceptto commercialisation,”Stevesays.
WS ew ealand country manager anuel ohnet says the company is committed to backing local innovation
highlighttheingenuityofKiwifounders, researchersandgrowers,”Manuelsays. “We’reproudtosupportsolutionsthat cangrow,scaleandreachglobalmarkets.”
Stages
Entriesaredividedacrossthree developmentstages,with27inthe Prototypecategory,18inEarly-Stage, and13inGrowthandScale.Fiveyoung participantsarealsocompetingforthe YoungInnovatoroftheYeartitle. Stevesaysoneofthestandouttrendsthis yearistheriseofAI-driveninnovation. “We’veseenamarkedincreasein AI-basedsolutions,whichwasexpected,” hesays.“Theawardscontinuetoevolveas
amarkerforprogressinNewZealand.” Participantsarevyingforashareofa prizepoolworthmorethan$75,000, aimedathelpingbringideastomarketor accelerategrowth.
ThePeople’sChoiceAwardwillalso return,givingFieldaysvisitorsthechance tovotefortheirfavouriteinnovation.The winningentrantwillreceive$2000,while onevoterwillwina$500voucher. Innovationswillbeondisplaythroughout theevent,includinginthededicated InnovationHub,withfulldetailsavailable viatheofficialFieldaysapp. Theawardsceremonywillbestreamed liveonFieldays’FacebookandYouTube channelsonJune11at5.30pm.
“The Fieldays Innovation wards
TheFieldaysblindspot
CommentfromHunterWells |NationalFieldaysbeganatTeRapaRacecoursein1969–acoupleofyearsbeforeitmovedtoMysteryCreek.Atthesametime,Hunter Wellsbecameanewspapercadet.Couldn’tgetanassignmentinontime,butthengotajobwithadailydeadline.Sincethen,hiscareerhastakenhimtoGroundZero, France,GuantanamoBay,Kathmandu,PuertoRico,KualaLumpurandthelike.AlsoDargaville,Taumarunuiandpointsinbetween.ButnevertoNationalFieldays.Why?
For50years,Ihavelivedwithinacutlunch andwaterbottledistanceofMysteryCreek. Anhourandahalfuptheroad.ButI’venever felttheurgetoattend“FieldDays”.It’sjustwhat interestsyou,Isuppose.Orwhatdoesn’t. Andwhatdoesn’tinterestisrain,fog,mud, gumbootstrafficjamstractorsandJohnny
gumboots, traffic jams, tractors and Johnny Hayseeds, if I want to give a provocative, ill-informed and detached impression of “Field Days” ep, rather jam my hea in a door t an get my Florsheims all covered in cow poop at a“Field Days”
Rathersitathomewiththecurtainsdrawnand watchabackcatalogueof EastEnders thangoto “FieldDays”.
“Parkit!”scoldedWorkWife.“Don’tknockitif youhaven’ttriedit.Parkyourcynicism,parkyour ignorance.Andit’s Fieldays.Oneword.Runbythe NZNationalFieldaysSocietyInc.”
WorkWifeblessherlittlecallousedhandsisoff
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Work Wife, bless her little calloused hands, is off afarm,bornof the soil.“Proudbecausesoilisalive, and withoutsoiltheearthwouldbeauselessrock.” She’s on er high horseand orses figure at Mystery ree “ nd soil has a microbiome,
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unter Wells has been a journalist since 1969 but has never been to Fieldays Photo / Ke ly O Hara
inalong,globalcareer
acommunityofmicroorganismsjustlike theoneinyourgutthatprotectsagainst pathogens.”We’reallsoldonsoilnow. Morethan110,000peoplewentto Fieldayslastyear–halfthepopulation ofHamilton–fourtimesthecapacity ofFMGrugbystadiumuptheroad, soastrongfanbaseofvyellashirtsand jodhpurboots.
“No,notjustruralpeople.Haven’tyou everbeentoanA&Pshow?”askedWork Wife.Well,yes,Ihave,in1960atTahuna Park,Dunedin.Iwasmesmerisedbya tractionengine–areallive,heaving, huffing,mechanicalJurassicdinosaur, aClydesdalewithobscenelyhairyfeet, andamummypigwithmammarylines likegunbatteriesonagalleon.Also, somethingcalledastationaryengine–what’sthepointofanenginethatdoesn’t goanywhere?Buthecouldseethepoint ofcandyflossandtoffeeapples.
“Thereyougo,”WorkWifesaid. Butyoucan’ttakethetownoutofa townie–it’singrained.Andso,Idon’t easilygetexcitedatthepullingpowerof aJohnDeere,orHuntawayscorralling Corriedales,or$292tallglossrain boots–thosefromthemanordon’twear ‘gumboots’anymore.AndtheSilver Spadesspeedfencingcompetition–that’s moreexcitementthanahuman’sallowed. Everyyear,myoldsparringmateBrian KellywouldtakehisCountrySport Breakfastradioshow,andhisgums,to MysteryCreek,chirpingovertheairwaves inthedarkbeforetheturnstilesstarted clicking.It’sagreatgig,hereckoned, greatforfreepensandlollies.Radiojocks arealwaysupforfreebies.
“Openyoureyes,”hetellsme.“And yourmind.Mightbehard,butyou’d betotallyandpleasantlysurprisedby Fieldays.Over1100exhibitorsshowing
offstuff–jam,whisky,youmustfind someonedoingsomethingvaguely fascinating.”Whiskymaybe?Jamnuh! Despitethenameofhisradioshow, Kelly’sasurbanasIam.Wouldn’t knowhisbrassicafromhisbarley,not amoleskinsandSwandrikindofguy, butnowhe’sagreat,butnon-practising, stewardoftheland.
“FieldaysisanA&Pshowonsteroids. Sobeintheshow.”
WorkWiferemindsthatit’salsoa chancefor“slickersandunbelievers”,like me,tocelebratethe“realdrivers”ofthe NewZealandeconomy–theprimary
industries,dairy,meat,forestryand horticulture,thebackboneofthe$36 billionannualexporttrade.
“Seestuff,learnstuff,experiencestuff. Youmightenjoyit.”
Whatdoesintriguemeisthemysterious name,MysteryCreek.Legendhasitthat anescapedconvictwasspottednearthe creek,andwhenacopgavechase,both disappearedwithoutatrace.Orwas itawhitehorsenamed‘Mystery’that disappearedatthetopofthegullyduring arace?That’smysterious.AndIdolikea mystery.Fieldaysisgrowingonme.
FieldaysisheldatMysteryCreekinHamiltoneachyearinJune. Photo/MalishaKumar
WhytheFieldaysmeans
CommentfromMerleCave |GrowinguponasmallNewZealanddairyfarminthe1980sand1990swasabitdifferenttotoday.SowasheadingtoFieldays.Backthen atriptoMysteryCreekandthebigcityofHamiltonwasoftentheannualoff-farmholidayformanyruralfamilies.ReporterMerleCavesharesherearlymemoriesofthe annualtripstoFieldaysinheryouthandwhy–asatowniethesedays–theystillholdaspecialplaceinherheart.
AsearlyasIcanremember,every Junewe’dleaveourlittledairy farmintheFarNorthanddrivethe fourhours-plustothebigsmoke ofAuckland.Thecowswereout sowewerefree!
We’dstayinAuckland’ssouthern outskirts–butstillamongbumper-to-
bumpertrafficandamidhousesleaning overtopofoneanother–inadinky littlemotelandhaveChinesetakeaways fordinner.Ialwaysdislikedthetasteas weseldomhadthem–therewereno takeawayoutletsnearourfarm.
Butitwasallveryexcitingbecausethe nextmorningwewereupwithabowlof cornflakesandgoneby5amtobustleon tothemotorwayandjointhesnakeof
trafficheadingtowardsHamilton. Yes,ourannualfamilyholidaywasgoing toFieldays.Excitementwouldbuildas wereconnectedoursightswithHamilton Cityaftera12-monthhiatusandDad nervouslynavigatedthetraffictoMystery Creekforustoparkupandwalkforwhat feltlikeforevertogetthere.Thiswas beforetoday’shandypark‘n’ridebuses. Waikato’swinterchillswouldengulf us–luckilyweweredonnedinskivvies, swanniesandgumbootsaswefeltthe temperaturechangefromthewinterless FarNorth.
LizVoorend p. 0277556501 e. farmsafety@wfss.co.nz w. workablefarmsafety.co.nz
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NOMEMBERSHIPFEES!
Exhilarating
Forayoungsterusedtoaquietfarm lifethethousandsofpeople,pop-up tents,helicoptersbuzzingoverhead,loud speakersblaring,roaringtractorpulls nearthefrontgateandaromaofmeat sizzlingonbarbecuesnearandfarwas exhilarating.Todaythesightsandsmells ofFieldaysstillmakemefeellikeI’m onholiday.ButnowIdon’ttagalong behindmumanddad.
Iremembereveryyeardadwouldstop justinsidethegateandmeetthesame guy.Offhimhe’dbuythesamefuel siphonerswithavalveinsidethatmade themsomucheasiertouse(thantheold suckandspittrick).
MumandIlovedallthesiteswith animals–fromalpacastogoats,tocalves
MerleCave(neeFoster)leavingfull-time farmlifebehindtostartherfirstdayof school,aged5. Photos/Supplied
ofdifferingbeefbreeds.Givingthemalla bigpatI’dgainastickerofthebreedfor myenthusiasm.Ievenrememberoneyear viewingthismagnificentgreatbullonone sideofatentthenbuyingasteakburger ofhisbreedontheother.Thisandthe menagerieofanimalshaveallbutgone.
POLLINATORSYOUCANTRUST WEATHERHARDY WORKMOREDAYS&FORLONGER SYNERGYWITHHONEYBEES ALTERNATEPEAKSOFACTIVITY IMPROVEDSPEED&EFFICIENCY BETTERCROSS-POLLINATION UPTO20XBETTERINSOMECROPS 2-3XFASTERONFLOWERS DEPENDABLEACTIVITY INSULATEDBOXAVAILABLE
familyfun!
Wealwaysvisitedthe Fonterratent–wewere suppliers–foracupoftea, andsomefreegoodies.And fordad’sannualopportunity totellthemhowtheyshould berunningthings.
Wealwaysgotourhandson someofthosesuperhandy Pelstickstowalkaroundthe Fieldayswith,thentakehome toprodandguidethecows.
Dad’smusts
AsIgrewolderItwisted dad’sarmintolettingmehead offtothewearableartfashion showsandcookingtents–as helikedtokeepthingssimple. Hismustswereavisitto Fonterra,theStihltenttotalk chainsaws,DeLavaltomarvel atthenewpulsatorsormilk pumps–andhecouldn’tpass theHondastandwithout jumpingonthebackofone motorbikewonderingwhat lifewouldbelikewitha brandnewfour-wheeler…Oh andastopforaWestCoast whitebaitfritter.
Fieldayshaschangedwiththe times,ashasmylife.Mumhas passedanddadhasdementia andvaguelyremembersbeing afarmer.ThesedaysIforge
Helpingdaddrivethedigger.
myownpatharoundMystery Creek–andvisitnewthings everyyear.
Thesamefeel Ienjoytoday’smuchlarger offeringofagricultural, horticultural,lifestyle, innovationandtechnological tents,products,peopleand ideasonoffer.Butthesights, soundsandsmells–asyou walkdownhillintoFieldays amongthejungleoftents, standsandpeople–make methinkI’mstillwalking hand-in-handwithmumand dadonafamilygetawayfrom thefarmtothebrightlights ofHamiltonandthefogof MysteryCreek.
Onefarmer’sWalcostory mer s Walco story
Inanindustrywhere machineryisoftenreplaced everyfewyears,oneNew Zealandfarmerisproving thatqualityequipmentcan standthetestoftime.
InOctober2000salesmanRon PattersonfromMechTraders deliveredaWalco350ATV spreadertoBunnythorpedairy farmerBrianSchnell.
Fairlynewtothemarketback thentheWalcospreaderquickly stoodoutforitspracticaldesign, robustconstructionandstrong warrantysupport,offering farmersamachinebuiltforlong termfarmuse.
Today,morethan25yearslater, thesamespreaderisstillusedon thesamefarm.
Briansaysthemachinehadbeen usedextensivelyforspreading ureaandfertiliserbetweenbulk spreadingandCausmagandseed applications.Whilehestillworks on-farm,theoperationisrunby thenextgeneration.
Brian’sson-in-lawGreg Gemmellsaysthespreader continuestoproveitsvalue overtime,evenasthefarm ismodernised.Forexample, 10yearsbackroboticmilking machinesareinstalledtoimprove efficiencyandkeeppacewith technology,buttheWalco spreaderstayedput.“He[Brian] wouldtellanybodythatthe
Walcoisworththeinvestment becauseit’sbuilttoughandlasts fordecades,”Gregsaid. “Ithasproventobeareliable anddependablepieceof farmequipmentratherthan somethingyoureplaceevery fewyears.Eventhepartsonour 25-year-oldmachineareoriginal. It’snottopheavy,goodforhills, andfeelsverysturdywhentowed behindanATV,”Gregsaid. Ronrunshisowndealership, Agtec,andstillenjoyssellingthe Walcorangetofarmers.
“TheWalcoproductsgoalong withtherigorsoffarmlifeand inevitablyarestillgoingstrong wheninferiorspreadersaren’t. Qualityisrememberedlong afterthepriceisforgotten. “ConfidenceintheWalco
productiscontagious,”hesays.
Walcospreadersaresold nationwideviaanetworkoffarm machinerydealerships,providing farmerswithlocalsalesadvice, partsandongoingsupport.
PartofwhathelpedWalcobuild astrongreputationisitsfocuson practicaldesignandlongterm durability,Ronsaid. “Walcospreadersfeature toughUVresistantpolyethylene hoppers,extrabearings,stainlesssteelaperturesandspinners designedtohandlecorrosive fertiliserproductsandyear-round outdooruse.”
FarmersattendingFieldayscan seetheWalcospreaderrange up-closeandspeakwithlocal dealersatsiteC21.
foranewwesternsaddle oroilskincoat,checkus out forNZmadequality, youwon’tbedisappointed.
Playing with all the new technology on show at multiple stands at Fieldayswasarealbuzzforaruralteenager.
MerleCave
DeliveringsolutifNZf ions for NZ farms
Formorethan90years,BowersBrothersConcrete hasbeenatrustednameinNewZealand’s agriculturalsector,deliveringdurable,purpose-built concretesolutionsdesignedtomeetthedemands ofmodernfarming.
Combininggenerationsofexpertise withinnovativemanufacturing,the companysupportsfarmersacross theWaikatoandbeyondwith practicalinfrastructurethatimproves efficiency,animalwelfare,andlongtermfarmperformance.
hat food production system do I want to be in?
AtthecoreofBowersBrothers’ agriculturalofferingisa comprehensiverangeofprecast concreteproductsengineered specificallyforruralenvironments.
NZ produces food and fibre to the highest standards suppl ing the commodit ($) to elite ($) market e pectation and alue-chain
CertifiedOrganic Ag
PertainingtoCarbon
ThroughtheLiving>>Biotic<<
•Mustmeetallstandardfood production&safetylaw.
•Internationalthird-partyvalidation andprinciples.
•80+yearssinceneedidentified.
•Regulationsbasedonbiological/ naturalsystems.
•Regulations/productionstandards alwaysavailable.
•Practisebasedoncarboncyclevia theliving.
•Diverseplantssupportbroadecosystem.
•Validationofinputs..ifitdidn’tgo in>>>>>>
•Nobroadacreherbicide.
•Natural,targetspecificbiocides.
•Establishedunder-suppliedmarkets.
IntegrityThroughTransparency
Re-GenAg
>Organics< withChemicals
•Mustmeetallstandardfood production&safetylaw.
•Arangeofmarketingcodesofwith varyingproductionpractise.
• Guidelinesbasedonbiological systemswithchemicalmanagement.
•Guidelines/productionstandardsnot alwaysavailable.
•Diverseplants(treatedseeds) supporteco-system,inpart.
•Practisebasedonloweringcarbon footprint.
•Validationofresiduelevels-ifwe cannotdetectit>>>>great!
•Broadacreherbicideisused.
•Allbiocidescanbeused.
•AllAginputscanbeused.
•Developingmarketswithbig partners…Syngenta,Bayer,&more.
DisclosureofPractiseNon-Consistent
High-strengthwaterandfeed troughsarebuilttowithstand constantuseandharshweather conditions,whileavarietyofsizes andconfigurationsensuresuitability fordifferentfarmingoperations.
Thoughtfuldesignfeaturessuch asstand-offpadsandfalsefloors helpreducefeedwastage,improve livestockaccessibility,andprotect paddocksduringwetconditions.
Feedstorageandmanagementare anotherkeyfocusforBowersBrothers.
Theirprecastbunkersystems, includingT-Barbunkerwallsand barrierblocks,providedurableand adaptablestoragesolutionsforsilage, fertiliser,andsupplementaryfeed. Designedtohandleheavy machineryanddemandingdailyuse, thesemodularsystemsallowflexible layoutsthatcanevolvealongside growingfarmingoperations.
Beyondfeedinginfrastructure, BowersBrothersalsomanufacturesa widerangeofprecastfarmessentials includingconcretepipes,septic tanks,andstonetraps.
Thesesolutionssupportefficient drainage,effluentmanagement,and environmentalcompliancewhile providingthedurabilityexpected fromqualityprecastconcrete.
Complementing the precast range is Bowers Brothers’RRedi-Mix concrete service,supplyingdependable concretesolutionsforfeedpads, dairyshedfloors,hardstands,and othercriticalfarmstructureswhere strengthandlongevityareessential.
AkeypartofBowersBrothers’ successisitspersonalised,end-toendapproach,ledbyagricultural solutionsspecialistGregLarsen.
Withmorethan40yearsof experienceintheagriculturalindustry, Gregunderstandstherealitiesof farminglifeandtheimportanceof investinginreliableinfrastructurethat deliverslong-termvalue.
“Ihavebeeninvolvedinthe agriculturalsectorforover40years, soIunderstandthehighs,lows,and everydaydemandsfarmersface,” Gregsays.
“Mygoalistohelpfarming customersfindpractical,valuefor-moneysolutionsthatimprove efficiencyandproductivitywhile minimisingdowntimeonthefarm.
“ hether it’s a simple product enquiry,ppricing,oon-ssite consultation, orplanninganewfeedpadorbunker system,I’mheretohelpeverystepof theway.”
Gregsaysheworkscloselywith farmerstoprovidetailoredadvice andpracticalsolutionssuitedtoeach operation’suniquerequirements.
“Frominitialplanninganddesign throughtosupply,delivery,and installation,BowersBrothersensures everyprojectiscompletedwith efficiencyandprofessionalism.”
Farmerslookingtodiscussfuture projectscanarrangeanon-farm consultation,visittheBowers BrothersofficesinMorrinsville,or meetGreginpersonatFieldays2026 atStand35.
“Whetherupgradingfeeding systems,expandinginfrastructure,or developingnewon-farmsolutions, BowersBrothersConcretedelivers dependableprecastandconcrete productsbuilttosupportthefuture ofNewZealandfarming,”hesays.
Bowers Brothers Concrete has provided purpose-built concrete solutions to clients for more than 90 years Photo / Supplied
Createmorefunctional outdoorspaces
Archishadeisproudtobe showcasingitsaward-winning outdoorshadesolutionsatFieldays thisyear,locatedatStandRM13. Designedandmanufacturedrightherein MountMaunganui,Archishadehascreated thousandsofcustomshadestructuresfor farms,orchards,homes,coastalbatchesand ruralpropertiesacrossNewZealand.
“BuiltforNewZealandconditions, Archishadeproductsareanythingbut cookie-cutter,”Archishadebusinessmanager ShannonBurnssays.
“Everyprojectistailoredtosuitthesite, purpose,andenvironment–delivering durable,practical,andvisuallystrikingshade solutionsthatstandthetestoftime.”
S Shannon says Fieldays visitors will have the opportunity to experience the rchishade
differencefirsthand.
“FromfreeCADmodellingandon-site consultationthroughtolocalmanufacturing andprofessionalinstallation,theArchishade teammanagestheentireprocessfromconcept tocompletion.
“Forfarmersandorchardownerslooking toprotectandcreatemorefunctional outdoorspaces,thisisyourchancetocreate yourhomeparadise!”
Archishadeoffersasolutionbackedbylocal expertiseandprovenquality,Shannonsays.
“ProudlyNewZealand-made,Archishade continuestosupportlocalindustrywhile deliveringinnovativeshadesystemsdesigned specificallyforthedemandsofruraland urbanlife.”
VisitArchishadeatFieldaysstandRM13, and see why thousands of Kiwis trust rchishade for outdoor shade done di erently
WithFieldaysfastapproaching, aWaikato-basedmachinerysupplier isgearinguptoshowcasethe equipmenthelpingcontractorslift productivityacrossagricultureand civilconstruction.
AgandCivilMachineryDirect,adivision ofWaikatoTractorsLtdestablishedin2017, hascarvedoutanichesupplyingspecialised machinerytomeetgrowingdemandfrom contractorstacklingincreasinglycomplex workacrossthecountry.
Thebusinesssourcesequipmentfrom leadingmanufacturersinEurope,North AmericaandCanada,givingNewZealand operatorsaccesstosolutionsforroading, forestry,mulching,gradingandsoil preparation.Itsrangeincludesdiscs, powerharrows,scrapers,trailersand high-performanceattachments,backedby technicaladviceandongoingsupport.
Akeypartofitsgrowthhasbeenits appointmentastheNorthIslanddealer forItaliantelehandlerbrandMerlo. Withmodelsrangingfromcompactto high-capacityandrotatingmachines,the telehandlersarenowwidelyusedacrossboth farmingandconstructionsectors.
AgandCivilisalsotheauthorised NewZealanddealerforBunningmuck spreaders,alongsidepartnershipswith brandssuchasErthEngineeringand Moreni,furtherstrengtheningitsoffering forlocalcontractors.
Withagrowingnationalfootprint,the companyisfocusedonbringinginnovative, provenmachinerytothemarket-something itsaysisincreasinglyimportantasoperators looktoimproveefficiencyandcapability. VisitorstoFieldayswillhavethe opportunitytolearnmoreaboutthelatest machineryandhowitisbeingusedtohelp Kiwicontractorsgetmoredone,withthe rightmachineforeveryjob.
EachArchishadeproductistailoredtosuitthesite,purpose,andenvironment. Photo/Supplied
Fieldays hub shows use on
Back for a second year at Fieldays is the Drone Zone, showcasing the exciting opportunities drones are opening up for agriculture.
Supported by the Agricultural Drone Association (ADA), the hub features the latest technology, plus advice on drone careers and information on certification and training.
ADA president Craig Simpson says it offers many their first look at how drones are revolutionising farm management practices, including spraying and targeted fertiliser spreading.
“A lot of people don’t know that drones
are an option,” Craig says “Seeing one flying, they quickly realise they are big machines that can carry a significant payload and gain a better understanding of how they work ”
He says the use of drones is reshaping how work gets done on New Zealand farms, with significant growth over the last few years. They are not only saving money but also improving safety
“There are now hundreds of large agricultural drones operating across the country – up from around 20 or 30 three years ago
“Ag drones have been in the background for a couple of years But we have recently hit a sweet spot where
thhey are abble to carry enough h liquid d and d fly long enough to make them genuinely effective That’s when the market really took off ”
Craig says drones fill a practical niche between ground-based equipment and helicopters, and their rise is changing how agricultural contractors operate
“They can open up access to land that might previously have been too steep or too wet for traditional agricultural machinery, or that require immediate attention and more precision ”
“If you ’ ve got 100 hectares to do, a helicopter is always going to be the best choice.
“And if you ’ ve got lots of ground, it is
dry, not steep, and d you h have got pllenty of f room to move vehicles, then a tractor or a truck is going to be better”
Well-suited
New Zealand’s geography makes drones particularly well-suited, Craig says “We farm intensively and make the most out of small holdings. We’ve got a lot of arable land, but not a huge amount of it is flat.
“Even with beef and sheep, we run stock on quite steep country A drone is a real nice fit.”
Craig says this is opening up new possibilities.
“Some farmers never dealt with gorse on
Can’tTellaJohnDeerefromaMasseyFerguson?
WhenyoucanttellwhetheritstheJohnDeere ortheoldMasseyfiringupdowntheroad,there’s afairchancetheearsaren’twhattheyusedtobe
MostKiwifarmersareprettygoodatlooking afterthestock keepinganeyeontheweather, andknowingwhenamachinedoesn’tsoundquite right Buthearing?Thatsusuallysomewherenear thebottomofthelist,rightnexttoreplacingthat gateyou’vebeenmeaningtofixforthreeyears Thethingis,farmingshardonyourears Betweentractors,chainsaws,motorbikes,milking sheds,andbarkingdogs,there’splentyofnoise onthejobeveryday Andhearinglossdoesn’t happenovernighteither Itcreepsupslowlyuntil you’renoddingalongtoconversationsyoudidn’t actuallyhear,blamingthewindformissinghalf thechat,orturningtheuteradiouploudenough forthewholedistricttoenjoy
NearlyonemillionKiwisexperiencehearing loss,andplentyofthemareblokeswho’vespent yearsworkingoutdoorsandaroundmachinery Ifthemissusreckonsyou’regoingdeaf,oryou’re constantlysaying“eh?”attheyards,itmightbe worthtaking15minutesforafreehearingcheckat yourlocalTritonHearingclinic
AfarmerfromTaumaranuishared: Mywifewhoalwayscomplainedaboutmy hearingmademetakethetestandsureenough itshowedproblems Igotaphonecallreferring meovertotheTritonHearingclinicinTaupoand prettymuchgotitallsorted Andnowjustwaiting onACCformyhearingaid Icertainlythinkmywife willbesuperhappy
AspartofTritonHearing’s,BetterHearing Guarantee,clientshaveaccesstotheverylatest advancementsinhearingtechnology-ensuring solutionsaretailoredtoindividuallifestyles, environmentsandlevelsofhearingloss ForfarmersandruralKiwiswhospendtimein noisysheds,stocksales,communityeventsor aroundmachinery,thePhonakAudéo™Sphereis designedtohelpconversationsstandoutfrom backgroundnoisetomakespeechclearerand
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Hearingtechnologyhascomealongwayfrom theclunkyoldwhistle-and-feedbackjobspeople remember Thesedaysthey’resmart,discreetand builttohandlereal-worldenvironments,including windypaddocks,noisymachineryandbusysheds AtTritonHearing,there’snosurchargeforACC approvedclientsonselectedhearingaids Plus Farmlandscardholderscangetanexclusive15% rebate
Becausebetterhearingisn’tjustabouthearing clearly,it’saboutstayingconnectedtoyourfarm,
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*Real-timeAImeansthattheAIDNN(DeepNeutral Network)hasbeentrainedonsoundsamplesto separatespeechfrombackgroundnoisebyprocessing theaudiosignalinreal-time Thisapproachis fundamentallydifferentfromtheuseofAIforsoundor acousticsceneclassification whichisusedincurrent hearingaidsinthemarket Thereal-timeAIsignal processingisperformedbytheDEEPSONIC™chip which isincludedinthePhonak AudéoSphereInfinio platformtogetherwiththe PhonakERA™chip
The Drone Zone is back for a second year at Fieldays Photo / NZNFS Inc
Advertorial
farmsflyinghigh
steepblocksbecausetheonlyoptionwas sprayingwithabackpack.Ahelicopter wasn’teconomical.
“Now,adronecontractorcandothejob atareasonablerate.”
“Thereisapointatwhichyoucan’tuse avehicle.Inthepastyoumightringa helicopterproviderandbetoldthereisa four-weekwait.Meanwhile,thefungus getsafoothold.
“Adroneprovidermightbethesame price,buttheycanbetherethenextday. Youcandealwiththeproblemfasterand ultimatelyuselesschemicals.”
Compliance
Safetyisanotherdriverofdemand.
“Whydriveaquadbikeoravehicle a across a steep hillside hen o can
insteadflyoveritwithadroneandkeep everyonesafe?”Craigsays.
Giventhecompliancerequirements,most agriculturaldroneusersarenotfarmers themselves,butagriculturalcontractors.
“Sinceanagdroneisover25kgs,you needacertificatewiththeCivilAviation Authority.You’realsorequiredtodeal withtheEnvironmentalProtection Authorityforchemicals,WorkSafe forhealthandsafety,aswellaslocal councilsforregulations–that’salotfor onepersoninautewithadrone.”
Craigsaysthatwiththeirspeed, precisionandabilitytotacklechallenging terrain,agriculturaldronesareontheir waytobecomingafamiliarsighton NewZealandfarms–notjustanovelty a attracti n at Fielda s
WhileFieldaysissynonymous withtheatmosphereofcrowds andexhibitors,there’savitalforce ofvolunteerswhoworkbehind thesceneswiththewiderevent teamtoensureallrunssmoothly acrosstheannualfour-dayevent. Lastyear,151volunteerscontributed theirtimetoFieldays,andtheNew ZealandNationalFieldaysSocietywill haveanumberofnewvolunteerssigned uptojoinreturneesforthisyear’sevent,to beheldonJune10-13atMysteryCreek. Likemanylong-standingevents, sustainingthislegacyrequiresongoing renewal,Fieldayspeople&culture executiveBethJobinsays,asvalued volunteersrelocateorstepbackafteryears ofdedicatedservice.“Everyyear,welook fornewfacestojoinusandbecomepart ofsomethingtrulyspecial.” Alwayswondered... PeterFisher,aretiredseedindustry specialist,hasvolunteeredforsevenyears. Hebeganvolunteeringin2018atthe 50thanniversaryFieldaysevent,helping intheNewZealandInternationalBusiness Centre,andnowsupportsthemobility parkingspace.“I’dalwaysenjoyed comingtoFieldaysduringmyworking lifeandwonderedwhatitwouldbelike tovolunteer.Ihadgoodknowledgeinthe seedindustryandaninterestinagriculture andfeltIcouldaddvalue,”Petersays.
“Ienjoyedmeetingmanypeoplefrom acrosstheworld,allcomingtoFieldaysat thebottomoftheworldtodobusiness.” Peterlovesmeetingandworkingwith agreatgroupofpeople.“Volunteering
Youmakelifelongfriends.”Anitavan Beek’sconnectionwithFieldaysbeganin theearly-2000swhenshewasacarpark attendantwithNZYoungFarmers. Itwasn’tuntil2014thatsheofficially signeduptobecomeavolunteerwiththe Society,volunteeringforthefullfourdays. “Thosefirstfewyearswerefull-on, helpingintheSiteServicesteam.
“IwouldstartonGate2,welcoming exhibitors,thenmoveontodeliveries, thenhelpingwiththevintagetractor parades,andtheneitherroamingorareaspecificexhibitorassistant,andofcourse, afternoontrafficmanagement,”Anitasays. Teamunity
Overthepast12years,she’sfilledseveral roles,lastyeardrivingthevisitorshuttle. “Ienjoyedchattingwithpeople,asking abouttheirplansforthedayorhowtheir dayhadbeensofar.”
WhatAnitalovesmostaboutvolunteering isthesenseofteamunity,whetherit’swith familiarfacesornewones.
“It’sincrediblysatisfyingtobepartof somethingsodynamicandtointeractwith suchawidevarietyofpeople,whetherthat’s teammembers,exhibitors,orvisitors.
“MostlyIlovethespiritandatmosphere aroundthesite.”
KeithFlockhartbecameavolunteer in2024andlastyearwontheSociety’s ‘VolunteerRookieoftheYearAward’.
Afterlearningthatthesocietyrelies onvolunteers,hejoinedandhashelped withpre-Fieldayssignageinstallation, andwoollynightshadeweedcontrol throughouttheyear.“Volunteersare integraltothesocietyasacharitable organisation,andtoFieldays,supporting allaspectsoftheeventoperationsand
Sheepareoftenfarmedonsteepcountry. Photo/BevanConley
Steve Edwards
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MountFuji
Giantpanda
TheFieldaysForestryHubis makingafifthappearanceat MysteryCreekthisyear.
ComingundertheMinistryforPrimary Industries’(MPI)umbrella,theForestry HubbringstogetherTeUruRākau–New ZealandForestServiceandorganisations fromacrosstheforestrysupplychainto showcasetheimportantandinnovative workbeingdoneintheforestryandwood processingsector.
AnMPIspokespersonsaysthehub willdemonstratethebenefitsofbuilding withtimber,highlightthesector’s benefitstoNewZealand’speople, products,economyandenvironment, andtellthestory“fromseedlingto harvest”throughinteractivedisplaysand activitieshostedbyrepresentativesfrom acrossthesupplychain.
Itwillalsohosttalks,paneldiscussions andpresentations,aswellasthe2026 GrowingNativeForestChampions awardsceremony–celebrating leadershipandinnovationwithinthe nativeforestrysector.
Bringingtogetherforestgrowersand groupsfromacrosstheforestryandwood processingsector,theForestryHubisa spacetotellforestry’sstory,MPIsays.
Thehubwillagainhighlighthowtrees producevitalfibreforcommunities, contributetoproductivefarmsand resilientlandscapes,andarepavingtheway toNewZealand’slow-emissionsfuture.
Industryexperts
Awiderangeofpeoplefromacross thesectorwillbeonhandtoanswer questionsandshareinsightsintoforestry
andwoodprocessinginNewZealand, includingforestgrowers,woodprocessors, farmforesters,scientistsandnot-forprofitgroups.
TheseincludetheBioeconomyScience Institute,BioenergyAssociation,Discover ForestryNewZealand,DragonflyData Science,ForestIndustryEngineering Association,NZTimberIndustry Federation,Tane’sTreeTrust,University ofCanterburySchoolofForestryand WingspanBirdsofPreyTrust.
VisitorsatFieldayscanstepintothe Hubandfollowtheforestrystoryfrom seedlingtoharvest,withengaging experiencessuchaswitnessingfirsthand surfboardsbeingmadefromwood.
TheForestryHubwillalsoshowcase nurserytechnology,innovative engineeredtimberusedinmidrise buildings,topharmaceuticals,bioenergy andmore.
Economicincome
“AtFieldays,we’reexcitedtoshow howplantingtrees–whethernative orcommercial–canstrengthenfarms, landscapesandlocaleconomies,” saysAnnaGordon,TeUruRākau–NewZealandForestServiceforestry engagementandadvicedirector.
“Ourforestsgenerateimportant economicincomefortheregions,support biodiversityandhelpinmitigatingthe effectsofclimatechange.”
Shesaysthemultibillion-dollarforestry sectorisamajoremployerinNewZealand, employingmorethan35,000peoplein bothyear-roundandseasonaljobs.
“Peopleofallagesandabilitiescanfind greatcareersinthissector–fromplanting
andmanagingnativeforestsandlooking aftertheforestenvironment,tomanaging peopleandresourcesandworking withstate-of-the-arttechnology,”Farm ForestryAssociation(FFA)presidentPeter Davies-Colleysays.
Forestryhub
HesaystheFFAstronglysupports theFieldays’ForestryHubandhas beenheavilyengagedinitsdesignand development.
“Thefarmforestrysectionofthehubhas expertsandpracticalinformationavailable onmultipleplantationspecies,witha focusonredwoods,eucalypts,cypresses, poplarandwillow,andradiatapine.”
TheFieldays’ForestryHubremainsas relevantnowasitwasin2022whenit launched,showcasinganimportantpart oftheprimaryindustries.
ForestryisamajorcontributortoNew Zealand’seconomy.In2025,thesector earned$6.27billioninannualexport revenueandcontributed$3.5billionto GDP,representingabout1.2%ofNew Zealand’stotalGDP.
Forestryandwoodproductsareoneof NewZealand’skeyprimaryindustries, rankingasthecountry’sfourth-largest foodandfibreexportearner.
TheFieldaysForestryHubcanbevisited atsiteG80duringFieldays,June10-13.
TheFieldays’ForestryHubisbackforafifthyear. Photo/Supplied
Fieldaysdoublesdownonsustainabilitydrive
Fieldaysisreinforcingitsreputationasaleaderinsustainable large-scaleevents,withalong-standingcommitmentto environmentalresponsibilityandindustryeducation.
TheeventhasheldinternationalISO20121certificationfor sustainableeventmanagementsince2012,workingalongside externalreportingcompanyInsteptomeasureandimproveits impact.NewZealandNationalFieldaysSocietycommunityand
RemoveHardWaterScale
stainlesssteel,PVC,compoundpipes,PE-X,etc. 100%maintenance-free Eco-friendlysolutionwithoutsaltorchemicals Prolongslifeofmachineryandequipment
Importantmineralsremaininthewater
Longlife–fullycastinacrylic 25yearinternationalwarranty
sustainabilityexecutiveJanine Frohlich-Monksaystheevent’sscale providesauniqueopportunityto leadbyexamplewhileshowcasing innovationfromexhibitors.
“Werecognisetheuniqueplatform wehavetonotonlyleadbyexample byincorporatingsustainable initiativesintoourfour-dayevent, butwecanalsointegrateinsightsand innovationsofourexhibitorsand theirlearnings,”shesays.
Hubs
Visitorscanaccesspracticaladvice throughFieldaysTentTalks,which offer20to40-minutedrop-in sessionscoveringtopicssuchas sustainabilityinthefoodandfibre sector,solarenergy,andregenerative farmingpractices.TheFieldays RuralAdvocacyHubalsoprovides aspaceforfarmerstodiscuss regulationsandshareperspectives onkeyindustryissues.
Exhibitorsplayacentralrole,with theirdisplaysandexpertiseoffering opportunitiesforconversationsthat translateintopractical,on-farm
solutions.Attendeescanalsoreduce theircarbonfootprintbyusing freebusservicesorPark&Ride options,withorganisersexpecting increaseduptakeasfuelcostsremain aconcern.
“It’sasimplewaytoreducetraffic congestion,loweremissions,and
maketraveltotheeventsmootherfor everyone,”Janinesays.
Framework
Sustainabilityisfurtherpromoted throughtheFieldaysSustainability Awards,supportedbya‘Sustainable ExhibitorFramework’thatguides entrantsonbestpractice.The frameworkassessesawiderange offactors,includingsitedesign, materials,resourceuse,transport choices,andoverallonsitebehaviour. “Sustainabilityisconsideredacross arangeofareas,notjustwaste,” Janinesays.
Shesaystheframeworkisdesigned toencouragepractical,behaviourbasedimprovements,withsome exhibitorsalreadytakinglessons learnedatFieldaysbackintotheir widerbusinessoperations.
Finalistsfortheawardswillbe announcedaheadoftheevent,with winnersrevealedonFriday,June12.
Hydroflow Distributors Ltd,wwinners of last year s Fieldays SustainabilityAwards,intheLargeBusinesscategory.
‘Noise,andtension’:AFieldays’crowd-pleaser
ApopulareventatFieldays’is movingintoitssecondhalf-century.
TheFieldays’TractorPullcelebrated50years ofcompetitionatMysteryCreekin2025.
NewZealandNationalFieldays
SocietyvenueoperationsmanagerMarie Rechnersayswhatbeganasamodestcontest in1975withtwo-wheeldrivetractors andmanualgearboxeshasbecomeoneof Fieldays’mostbelovedattractions,drawing crowdstocatchthecompetitionriverside.
“Wefast-forwardnowtoanerawherewesee four-wheeldrive,computerisedtractors,and enginesupto260horsepower.”
Marie,whohashelpedcoordinatetheevent forthepastsevenyears,saysTractorPull competitorstesttheirmachinesanddriving abilitybypullingaspeciallyweightedsled alongapurposebuilttrack.
“It’sacontestthatgoesfarbeyondtractor strength,demandingprecisetractorsetup, tractionmanagementanddriverskills.”
Formatsandclasses
IntheWeight-adjustedcategory,tractors competebasedontheirhorsepowertoweight
compete based on their horsepower-to-weight ratio,whileintheWeightTransferclass, entrantsaregroupedintofiveweightclasses.
TheModifiedTractors’sectionfeatures modifiedtractors(eitherpre-1985or customised)andanymachinethatdoesnotfit intootherclasses.Modifications beyondstandardspecificationsareallowed.
Tractorsmanufactured before1985,withstandard configurationand manufacturedwitha factory-fitted,mechanical pullstop,arecatered
forinthePre-85category.Mariesaysthe competitionattractscompetitorsnationwide.
“Thenoise,powerandtensionofeachrun createanexperiencethat’seasytowatchand excitingforallages.”
Mariesayscombinedwithitslonghistory atFieldays,TractorPulldeliversaunique blendoftraditionandentertainment.
Spectatorscanenjoytheactionfromthe popularriversideviewingarea,withtheLittle GeorgePopUpBarbyHamiltonbrewers GoodGeorgeon-sitewithfoodoptions.
Lastyear,despiterainandaliberal coatingofmud,enginesroaredand contestantsputtheirmachinestothetestin challengingconditions.
Mariesaysthisyear’seventwillhavea newtracksurface,ofmorethan3500cubic metresofsand.
The2025Fieldays’TractorPullwas dominatedbyWaikatocontestants.
IntheWeightTransferclass,topulla tractor-mountedsledgedownthetrack,to whichweighttransferisgraduallyadded, thewinnerwascontractorTrentHickford fromGordonton.
ThomasFarefromTeAwamututookout theWeigh-Adjustedcompetition,wheretwo tractorsracesidebysidepullingaconcrete block,withitsweightadjustedfollowinga measureofhorsepoweronadynamometer.
TheModifiedTractorcompetitionwinner wasWallySinton(Cambridge),andthe Pre-85ClasswenttoAndrewReymer (Ohaupo).TheBrentGarrettSportsmanship AwardwenttoRowlandAmberandFirst TimeEntrantAwardwasFergusGoodwin. Familyaffair
Mariesayspastwinnerscanenteragain, withsomereturningtoclaimmultiplewins.
TheReymerfamilyfromOhaupoboasts threebrotherswho’vebeeninvolvedsincethe inauguralcompetitionin1975.
Stephen,BillandAndrewReymeronce sweptthepodium,takinghomefirst,second andthirdplace.
TheyoungergenerationofReymersare involvednow,withStephen’ssonDaniel ReymerpartoftheFieldays’TractorPull organisingteamandhe’sbeenpartofthe competitionformorethanadecadeandhe stillcompetes.
Stephen’sothersonMiketakespart,andBill Reymercompetedlastyear.
EntrantsholdafullNewZealanddriver’s licence.
Mariesaystheeventhashealthandsafety requirementsthatmustbemetbyall competitors.Eachcategoryhasitsownrules andregulationsand,intermsofthetractors entered,theymustfullycomplywithall safetyregulationsandhaveanapprovedsafety framefitted.
Thisyear’sFieldays’TractorPull competitionisfromJune10-13,withheats WednesdaytoFridayandthegrandfinalon Saturday8am-1.30pm.
TheTractorPull,oneofthemostpopulareventsatFieldays,isbackagainin2026. Photo/Supplied
