New Zealand National Fieldays Society leverages momentum from a successful 2023

19/12/2023

As another year comes to a close, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society (NZNFS) has unveiled its Annual Report. 

While still faced with a number of financial challenges as are many in the sector, the analysis of Fieldays 2023 reveals a significantly more impactful event than 2022 and has shown to be much more than just a business that brings town and country together.  

"After our event at the end of November last year, we were thrilled to transition quickly into June's highly anticipated Fieldays return," says Board Chair Jenni Vernon."

Vernon expressed gratitude that even after adapting events due to recent challenges, and a quick turnaround for both exhibitors and visitors, Fieldays still delivered immense value for all involved. "The conversations, products showcased, and partnerships forged will drive the industry forward in the years ahead," she continued. "We are proud Fieldays remains a vibrant platform to learn, make new bonds and fuel Aotearoa's leadership in this pivotal sector."

The considerable accomplishments of Fieldays across its pillars of Education, Innovation and Globalisation have cemented the event's continued relevance. Initiatives such as the Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, now in its 7th year once again not only proves to be advantageous and valuable for visitors throughout the four-day event but also has a wider positive impact on the healthcare system due to many visitors attending Fieldays from regions with restricted access to health services and providers. By bringing these critical health resources to Fieldays, the event helps address some of the barriers to medical care faced by those living in remote areas. 

“Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our farming communities is imperative, and we are proud of how our Fieldays health initiatives are increasing access and saving lives,” says NZNFS Chief Executive Peter Nation. “We are committed to continuing to leverage the massive platform of Fieldays to connect people with the healthcare they desperately need.”

While visitor numbers at the event did not reach the record high gate entries of 2021, the combined gate numbers for the 2022 and 2023 events surpassing 180,000 in seven months, is testament to the popularity of Fieldays the role it plays in the industry.

As an event with nationwide importance, Fieldays substantially contributes to the economies of the local region as well as the entire country. 

Those visitors through the gates in June 2023 led to an increase in spending across crucial sectors, notably equipment sales, contributing to a total sales revenue of $482m for New Zealand. Of this amount, $184m flowed directly into the Waikato region. Additionally, this boost generated an extra $223m in GDP for the overall New Zealand economy, with $87m specifically benefiting the Waikato. 

As the events industry rebounds both nationally and internationally, Mystery Creek Events Centre has experienced both a surge of new event bookings and the return of familiar clients to the venue. Several flagship events that have taken a hiatus in recent years have now confirmed they will be making a comeback to the Events Centre. With its calendar filling, the venue is both adaptable and resilient in welcoming first-time and recurring customers alike.

The Society has once again demonstrated itself as a leader in sustainability and community enrichment, recognised at the Waikato Business Awards by winning the Sustainability Award for embracing sustainability as an organisation in daily operations.
 
This year also saw the launch of the inaugural Fieldays Sustainability Hub at Fieldays 2023. The Hub strives to be a reliable source of information, fostering meaningful conversations among visitors, exhibitors, and sector research agencies. Through close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Hub actively champions the sharing of knowledge and proficiency to tackle environmental issues, promoting joint initiatives towards sustainable procedures and creative solutions. 

With multiple awards valuing its commitment to sustainability and meaningful community impact, the Society continues setting the standard for supporting both environmental and social wellbeing across the primary industries. As one of New Zealand’s largest events, Fieldays continues to drive best practices and uphold kaitiakitanga through action.

Leveraging the momentum of this year’s achievements, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society enters 2024 with an ambitious vision focused on greater connectedness, innovation, and prosperity for agribusiness across New Zealand. Site applications for the 2024 event have already opened, with strong early demand demonstrating excitement and eagerness amongst exhibitors and partners to build on the successes of this year.