increase font size
National Fieldays chair Jenni Vernon and Winston Peters at Parliament.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays Society, led by Society Board chair Jenni Vernon and chief executive Richard Lindroos, highlighted Fieldays' position as a significant event and a driver of New Zealand's economy - claimed to contribute over $500 million annually - with a key role in supporting the country's innovation ecosystem and rural wellbeing.
Hon Todd McClay, Minister for Trade, Investment, and Agriculture, shared this sentiment, saying, "Fieldays is a highlight of the rural calendar, showcasing the New Zealand primary sector at its world-leading best."
For the Society and Fieldays to continue delivering on its advocacy of innovation, education, and globalisation, significant and sustained investment is essential.
While the Society currently generates income through its own event, Fieldays, plus through venue hire for other events at Mystery Creek, the team suggested that evolving the campus to be truly fit for purpose will require external support from central government.
The Society says it is seeking a partnership model, "not a handout - but a hand-up", with an amount of $5m per annum being suggested to deliver shared outcomes and long-term value, industry sustainability, iwi partnerships, tourism, and emergency readiness.
Each year, Fieldays attracts international decision-makers, with 43 business delegations and 23 embassies attending in 2025. Its ongoing alignment with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) may see this international visitation continue to grow as Fieldays expands its global presence, showcasing the country's agricultural leadership on the world stage.
Recently in an interview, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the importance of Fieldays, saying Fieldays is a national institution, "one that supports innovation, fosters rural wellbeing, builds international connections, and brings town and country together in a uniquely New Zealand way".
To future-proof infrastructure and ensure the longevity of an event that extends well beyond its four days on site, the Society believes central government central government has an important role to play in helping this national institution deliver long-term value for New Zealand.
Overseas Trade Minister Todd McClay says he's working constructively with the Labour Party in the hope they will endorse the free trade agreement (FTA) with India when the agreement comes before Parliament for ratification.
Donald Trump's latest tariff tantrum has again thrown the world of trade into a new round of turmoil and uncertainty, and NZ is caught up in it.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.
Global trade has been thrown into another bout of uncertainty following the overnight ruling by US Supreme Court, striking down President Donald Trump's decision to impose additional tariffs on trading partners.
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has released its latest rural property report, providing a detailed view of New Zealand’s rural real estate market for the 12 months ending December 2025.
Rural retailer Farmlands has released it's latest round of half-year results, labeling it as evidence that its five-year strategy is delivering on financial performance and better value for members.
OPINION: "We are back to where we were a year ago," according to a leading banking analyst in the UK, referring to US president Donald Trump's latest imposition of a global 10% tariff on all exports into the US.
DairyNZ says the Government’s proposed Resource Management Act reform needs further work to ensure it delivers on its intent.
Overseas Trade Minister Todd McClay says he's working constructively with the Labour Party in the hope they will endorse the free trade agreement (FTA) with India when the agreement comes before Parliament for ratification.
Donald Trump's latest tariff tantrum has again thrown the world of trade into a new round of turmoil and uncertainty, and NZ is caught up in it.
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: One of the world's largest ice cream makers, Nestlé, is going cold on the viability of making the dessert.
