Ceremonial Start to the 58th Fieldays at Mystery Creek

10 June 2026

CEREMONIAL START TO THE 58TH FIELDAYS AT MYSTERY CREEK 

Fieldays officially opened this morning at Mystery Creek, as thousands of visitors streamed through the gates to be among the first to experience the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event.

The opening ceremony set the tone for four days of innovation, connection and celebration, bringing together leaders from across New Zealand’s primary industries, government, iwi, business and rural communities.

New Zealand National Fieldays Society President Graeme Austin said the strong turnout and sense of optimism on opening day reflected the importance of Fieldays as a gathering place for the sector.

"Fieldays is a place where innovation, primary industries, community, business, rural and urban alike and the future of New Zealand come together. It is a gathering place. It is a place where farmers, growers, innovators, researchers, businesses, and families come together to share ideas, celebrate achievement, and look ahead to what is possible," said Austin.

Dignitaries, iwi and hapū representatives were warmly welcomed, reflecting the values that underpin Fieldays, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, partnership and service. Ministers, local government leaders, international delegations, industry representatives, sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers were also acknowledged for their ongoing support and commitment to New Zealand’s primary sector.

The ceremony began with the raising of the New Zealand flag by Genesis Energy Chief Executive Malcolm Johns, Society Volunteer Margaret Cameron, MediaWorks Chief Executive Wendy Palmer, and CNH Sales Manager NZ Richard Howard.

They were joined by past Society presidents James Allen, Peter Carr and Warwick Roberts, alongside volunteer Di Sharpe, who raised the  Society flag in recognition of the generations of volunteers whose dedication continues to shape and strengthen the event.

The National Anthem were performed by Manu Mātātahi, a rangatahi-led chorus. Lance Rāpana then delivered a karakia before Ngāti Hauā closed the ceremonial proceedings with a Waiata.

The official opening culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Graeme Austin, Minister for Agriculture and Trade Hon Todd McClay, and Ngāti Hauā representative Lance Rāpana.

"As we open this Fieldays, we do so with respect for the past, confidence in the present, and great hope for the future. At Fieldays, we recognise the hard work of those working on and with the land, and the significant support this provides our nation," said Austin.

With the formalities complete, the gates opened, and visitors quickly filled the site, ready for a day of exploring the hundreds of exhibitors, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences showcasing the latest advances in agri-technology, products and services, and rural enterprise.

Fieldays 2026 runs from 10–13 June at Mystery Creek, with strong attendance expected across all four days. Favourable weather forecasts are set to provide ideal conditions for visitors and exhibitors alike.