Fieldays® Tent Talks
Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato
Location: Site D79
Join industry experts as they share valuable insights on topics that matter to you.
Your place to learn
The world is changing fast, and the primary industries are evolving with it. We know keeping up with cutting-edge advancements can be a challenge. That’s why we are excited to be launching Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato - to give you the knowledge to stay ahead.
Join us for engaging discussions, expert-led sessions, and real-world solutions—all tailored to help you thrive in an ever-changing environment.
This initiative aims to educate, inspire, and equip those working in, and around the industry with the latest insights, strategies, and practical solutions for achieving these goals. Whether you’re a farmer, grower, entrepreneur, enthusiast or industry professional, Fieldays Tent Talks will help you stay ahead, ensuring you’re making the most of new technologies and trends.
Sessions are free and run throughout the day
Wednesday 11 June, through to Saturday 14 June at Fieldays, sessions run from 20 to 40 minutes—no booking required, simply drop in and learn something new!
View the lineup, find what sparks your interest, and add your must-see talks to your 'planner' on the Fieldays App.
Timetable - Wednesday 11 June
More talks will be added as they are confirmed.
| Wednesday | Talk name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am to 9:40am | Accelerating agritech adoption – Before we’re left behind | Join Gallagher and industry experts for a thought-provoking panel on the future of precision farming in Aotearoa. We'll explore the potential of technologies like eShepherd and the Auto Weigher to improve productivity and animal performance, and ask what needs to change to make these tools accessible to more farmers. With global competitors investing heavily in agritech, how can New Zealand keep pace? Hear from a forward-thinking farmer already using these innovations and how government and industry can better support adoption – before we fall behind. Panel: Sarah Adams, Jamie Waghorn, Mark Maitland. |
| 11:00am to 11:40am | The future of IoT: Enhancing connectivity & productivity | Join us to learn what satellite technology will mean for the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. One NZ’s IoT expert Nick Hatch and APIS Solutions Director Andrew Thompson will discuss the future for remote operations and how they're aiding commercial beekeepers in reducing costs, boosting production, and supporting bee health. |
| 12:30pm to 12:50pm | Predator control on farms - Smarter not harder | Presented by Cam Speedy - Wildlife Management Associates in partnership with the Predator Free New Zealand Trust. With decades of experience in wildlife management, Cam Speedy is renowned for his deep understanding of animal behavior and his down-to-earth, practical approach to predator control. In this session, Cam will share field-tested tips, proven techniques, and the latest tools and tech to help you make your predator control efforts more effective on the farm. |
Timetable - Friday 13 June
More talks will be added as they are confirmed.
| Friday | Talk name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am to 9:40am | Succession for farmers | Join Geraldine Austin and Michelle Anselmi, two specialist trust and succession lawyers from Norris Ward McKinnon, for this highly relevant session. Understand how to plan and structure your farming business effectively. Learn how what you put in place today can protect and provide a future for your business and your family. Geraldine and Michelle have vast knowledge on all aspects of trust law, succession planning, asset and wealth protection, elder law, incapacity, wills and enduring powers of attorney, and retirement villages. |
| 10:30am to 10:50am | Transportable homes – Rural builds made easy | Presented by Keith Hay Homes A no-nonsense guide to smarter housing for your rural property or urban section. Built off site, transportable homes offer fast, cost-effective solutions ideal for farm worker accommodation, family homes, granny flats, holiday homes or rental investment. Learn more about how transportable homes can speed up the process (move in within just 3 months), help you attract and retain farm staff, offer solutions for remote locations and show how versatile transportable homes can be. Whether you’re a farmer looking to add or upgrade staff accommodation, after a family home for your lifestyle block, that special holiday home for the beach or turning your spare land into an income, this session will walk you through what’s possible, what’s compliant and how to make it happen quickly with transportable homes. |
| 11:00am to 11:40am | Growth & Scale Fieldays Innovation Award winner with Brendan O’Connell | Join the freshly-crowned Growth & Scale category winner from the Fieldays Innovation Awards in an informal chat hosted by Growth & Scale Award Head Judge and AgriTech NZ CEO Brendan O'Connell. The Growth & Scale category is for Innovators who are making their mark in NZ and globally, and have market entry and commercial success in at least two countries within the last four years. Hear the winner talk about their journey, their innovation, what the win means to them, and where they plan to go from here! |
| 1:00pm to 1:40pm | New granny flat legislation | Thinking of building a granny flat on your property? New legislation coming into effect in 2025 is set to change the game. In this session, Rebecca from Tiny House Mastery breaks down what the new granny flat rules mean for homeowners, developers, and builders. Learn how these changes simplify the process, what compliance looks like, and how to fast-track your plans. Rebecca has supported hundreds of Kiwis to navigate the legal landscape of small, flexible housing. Whether you’re planning to support whānau, create rental income, or downsize, this session will arm you with clarity and next steps. Bring your questions and discover how to make the most of the new legal framework. |
| 2:00pm to 2:20pm | Beyond the lambchop, innovating for value for NZ | Presented by Dr Rob Kelly, Tertiary Extracts Ōtautahi New Zealand is missing a significant opportunity to lead in high-value health-focused exports. Our unique farming systems and strong environmental credentials make our agricultural resources highly desirable. Time and again, New Zealand scientists deliver world-class innovations demonstrating how our produce can enhance human health and elevate the value of international consumer products. Yet, our ability to turn these scientific breakthroughs into globally competitive export businesses, especially those that command prices far above traditional red meat commodities, remains limited. This is largely due to structural barriers: dominant red meat companies lack agility in innovation, and the science sector is often disconnected from commercialisation pathways. Explore where and how added value has successfully been created, including the case study of Ovitage® a branded bioactive protein derived from sheepskin, and discover the strategies that can overcome the persistent challenges in commercialising innovations from New Zealand’s primary industries. |
| 2:30pm to 2:50pm | Predator control on farms - smarter not harder | Presented by John Bissell - Backblocks Environmental Management in partnership with the Predator Free New Zealand Trust. With a long history supporting rural communities and environmental projects, John Bissell offers grounded, hands-on insight into tackling invasive species. His session will unpack animal behaviour-based techniques and innovative tools, giving you clear methods to boost success in the bush, back paddock, or beyond. |
Timetable - Saturday 14 June
More talks will be added as they are confirmed.
| Saturday | Talk name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am to 9:40am | Employment Issues for Farmers | Robert Davies, Partner at Norris Ward McKinnon, will discuss the common employment issues affecting farmers today. His common-sense approach drives practical solutions for a range of situations you may face - including misconduct, performance management, bullying and sexual harassment. Robert also works alongside clients with RMA issues, regulatory and health and safety matters. He often helps rural and agri-business clients navigate all manner of disputes. |
| 11:00am to 11:40am | Tiny house on wheels legislation | Are you dreaming of going tiny on wheels but unsure where you stand legally? In this session, Rebecca from Tiny House Mastery explores the current landscape for tiny houses on wheels (THOW) in New Zealand. With growing demand and shifting council responses, clarity is essential. This talk will cover key differences between consented and non-consented builds, where you can park legally, and how to navigate local council requirements. Rebecca brings deep industry knowledge and has helped hundreds of clients achieve legal tiny living. Whether you’re a DIY builder, tiny home buyer, or landowner wanting to host a THOW, this session offers practical guidance, recent updates, and space for Q&A. Empower your tiny journey! |
“ We have a diverse range of sessions planned, there’s something of interest for everyone. „
Karina Missen, Event Producer at Fieldays
FAQs
No booking or registration is required for Fieldays Tent Talks, in association with the University of Waikato. Simply drop by Site D79 during Fieldays—sessions are first come, first served. Attend as many as you like, space permitting!
The Fieldays App makes it easier and faster to plan your trip and to navigate your way around.
Download free from the App Store or Google Play.
To become a Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato speaker, you’ll need to apply. Selection is based on criteria such as the relevance of your content, your business, and other key factors. In most cases, a fee is payable. Contact us for full details on how to apply.
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