15 September 2025

WAIKATO FARMER TAKES HOME $60K PRIZE AFTER FIELDAYS

 
 Waikato farmer Kevin Cowley is the lucky winner of the Fieldays major giveaway, taking home a high-spec JAC T9 ute (worth RRP $49,990) complete with a tow bar and hard lid, and $10,000 worth of Stoney Creek gear. The competition ran during Fieldays, held from 11–14 June at Mystery Creek, and attracted rural and urban dwellers alike, eager for a chance to win. Designed to celebrate and support New Zealand’s agricultural showpiece, the giveaway has become one of Fieldays’ most anticipated annual highlights.

Entry was simple: purchase a Fieldays ticket and register a Fieldays Smart Band at the gate, with extra chances to win for those who visited the JAC and Stoney Creek sites. The draw generated excitement from day one, attracting farmers, corporates, tradies, and families eager to explore these sought-after prizes perfectly suited to work and adventure.

Fieldays Head of Customer and Strategic Engagement, Taryn Storey, had the pleasure of delivering the exciting news to Cowley. She began the phone conversation casually, asking if he’d been to Fieldays this year. Cowley explained that he had—and that he’d taken the kids along. Storey then followed up with, “Did you enter any competitions with your Fieldays Smart Band?”

Cowley admits he hadn’t given it much thought. “I was more focused on getting back to work,” he laughed. “I just tossed the wristband in the back of the ute on my way out.” He thought nothing more of it—until Storey smiled and said, “Guess what?”

Half-joking, Cowley replied, “Did I win the ute?”

And then came the moment he’ll never forget, said Storey, “Congratulations, you have!”

“Hearing the initial surprise turn into excitement and knowing this prize will make a real difference for this farming family, is incredibly rewarding. We’re so grateful to be able to offer such a significant prize, made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, JAC and Stoney Creek,” said Storey.

Andrew Craw, General Manager, JAC NZ, said of the giveaway: “As a Kiwi-backed team, we’re stoked to get behind the iconic Fieldays event and give away a shiny T9 Ute to a lucky visitor; it’s the cherry on the pie!” Brendon Li, Chief Marketing Officer, Stoney Creek shared their passion for the event sharing that Fieldays is in their blood, “When asked if we were interested in giving away a gate prize, we knew exactly what would get hearts racing—a year’s supply of Stoney Creek gear for the lucky winner and their family to stay warm, dry, and looking sharp.”

Every year, Fieldays continues to advocate for, celebrate, and reward rural New Zealanders. For Cowley, the win was as unexpected as it was life-changing. “It was the best day ever—one I didn’t think would ever happen to me,” he said.

In the middle of another hectic day during calving season, Cowley nearly missed the call. “I almost let it ring out, but I picked up. When I heard I’d won, I was stunned. Not only do I have a brand-new ute, but I’ll be well-equipped with high-quality gear for the farm, which is just amazing.”

He added, “I have to take a moment here to express my gratitude to Fieldays for hosting such a fantastic event and to the generous sponsors who made this prize possible—JAC and Stoney Creek. You’ve made this moment not just a win, but a real game-changer for me and our family. It’s not just about the prizes we’ve won, but about being part of such a wonderful farming community.”

Beyond the prizes and competitions, Fieldays remains the annual meeting place where farmers and the wider primary industries come together to connect, do business, discover what’s new, and be part of a supportive community. With the backing of our valued supporters, Fieldays will continue to bring town and country together to keep New Zealand’s rural sector thriving.

Pictured above from left: Andrew Craw, General Manager at JAC Motors New Zealand; the giveaway winner, Kevin, with his family; and Richard Lindroos, CEO of the New Zealand National Fieldays Society.