22 May 2025

New speaker series to share expert insights on today's most relevant topics at Fieldays

Fieldays® Tent Talks, in association with the University of Waikato will make its debut at the event next month, running 11-14 June at Mystery Creek. The line-up of think tanks features a group of experts and industry speakers aimed at providing a platform for education and conversation. The talks are free for visitors and are 20 and 40 minutes, timetabled each day. Located on site D79, sessions will be held in a 120-seat marquee.

"Education is one of Fieldays' strategic pillars, and this new feature provides an excellent platform for our visitors to come and learn in a relaxed environment and takeaway practical knowledge," says Karina Missen, Event Producer at Fieldays.  

The talks will set the stage for continued conversations and offer a range of thought-provoking topics, including agritech adoption, predator control on farms, sustainable food production, tiny home legislation, farm employment issues and more.  

Keynote speakers include Norris Ward McKinnon Partner Robert Davies, AgriTech NZ CEO Brendan O'Connell and Cam Speedy, a freelance Wildlife Biologist and director of Wildlife Management Associates. Other speakers include researchers and exhibitors from the University of Waikato, Gallagher Animal Management, NZ Tiny House Association, KPMG, One NZ, and more.  

For those in the rural sector, particularly farming, is 'Succession for Farmers', presented by Norris Ward McKinnon. As specialist trust and succession lawyers, this will address how to plan and structure your farming business effectively, along with practical tips on what to put in place today so you can protect and provide a future for your business and your family.  

Staying true to Fieldays’ ‘Mullet Strategy’—business at the front, party at the back—Friday features a session tailored for urban dwellers: New Granny Flat Legislation. It’s a chance to ask questions and get all the essential information needed to build a granny flat on your property. Then on Super Saturday, it’s Tiny House on Wheels Legislation—perfect for those dreaming of going tiny, but on wheels!

These sessions are designed to support everyone from farmers and growers to entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and keen enthusiasts. “There’s something for everyone and the wide range of topics will help you stay ahead of the game, with insights into new technologies, trends, and practical info you can use,” says Missen.

Fieldays Tent Talks is the newest addition to the suite of Fieldays features that are key focus areas for visitors to explore during Fieldays. A timetable can be found on the website Fieldays® Tent Talks.