Friday, 31 May 2024 09:55

Volunteers: the heart and soul of fieldays

Written by  Staff Reporters
The National Fieldays brings together farmers, innovators, industry leaders, and rural enthusiasts. The National Fieldays brings together farmers, innovators, industry leaders, and rural enthusiasts.

The National Fieldays brings together farmers, innovators, industry leaders, and rural enthusiasts.

It's not only the visitors who make Fieldays an unforgettable experience, there's a community of volunteer who work closely with the wider event team to ensure that everything runs smoothly. These valued volunteers dedicate their time and effort to ensure that visitors have a memorable experience and leave Fieldays having learnt something new.

Whether they have volunteered for more than 50 years or just lent a hand once, being part of the organising team for this event is an experience that leaves an indelible mark.

Chris Kay's six-year stint as a VIP driver in the Events Team has done just that. He relishes meeting different people and ensuring they enjoy their day, whether they're farmers taking a break from the farm or city dwellers exploring rural life.

But it's the volunteer get-togethers that Kay looks forward to the most - breakfasts, lunches, and shared moments of connection. His advice to future volunteers is simple: "Enjoy what you do and know you are making a difference in your community."

Alexandra Perry joined the Fieldays Event Team as a volunteer in 2016 and has been an integral part of it ever since. Assisting visitors at the Information Booth, a crucial place for seeking guidance, Alexandra shares that her passion for Fieldays runs deep.

"Since I was young, Fieldays has always been a special place for me. When I saw the opportunity to volunteer (2016 was the first year I was old enough), I knew I had to help out," says Perry.

Last year, she had the privilege of working closely with the team's second-in-command, which was another great learning experience. What she loves most about volunteering is the camaraderie, the chance to catch up with fellow volunteers and staff she's known since her very first event.

More like this

UV-C Treatment: Viticulture game changer

A system that combines UV-C light for disinfection could provide chemical free treatment of plant pathogens and diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis on berry, vine and tree crops.

Is National Fieldays' format still relevant for businesses?

OPINION: With the 2024 edition of National Fieldays behind us, it would be fair to say that although the mood was positive – a plus, given the negative sentiment across the rural sector – you must wonder if this showcase format’s days are numbered.

Revamped automatic calf feeder

JFC Agri, the family-owned manufacturer of agricultural products from Galway, Ireland, used Fieldays to launch its innovative Evolution range of automatic calf feeders, including the state-of-the-art Evolution S4 Automatic Unit.

Science showcase works well

What do you want from your pasture? That's the question top Massey University scientists were asking farmers at the 'Science for Farmers' site at Fieldays recently.

Fieldays' top young innovator

Growing up on a South Waikato sheep and beef farm, Penny Ranger has firsthand experience on the day-to-day challenges.

Featured

Farmer honoured with New Zealand Order of Merit

Hauraki Coromandel farmer Keith Trembath was recently awarded the title of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in recognition of his contributions to public service, agriculture, and education.

RSE workers get immunised

Over 1,000 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in the Hawke’s Bay have now been immunised against measles.

National

Farm Source turns 10!

Hundreds of Fonterra farmers visited their local Farm Source store on November 29 to help celebrate the rural service trader's…

Machinery & Products

A JAC for all trades

While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.

Pushing the boundaries

Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance with its Outlander line-up of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with the launch of the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Milking fish

OPINION: It could be cod on your cornflakes and sardines in your smoothie if food innovators in Indonesia have their…

Seaweed the hero?

OPINION: A new study, published recently in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to some existing evidence about…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter