Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
Artist Ben Pearce, of Napier, has won the big prize in the 2016 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Awards.
His entry, Stone Age Eight Gauge, took out the top spot at the award ceremony, partnered by Waikato Museum and held at ArtsPost.
The judge, noted New Zealand sculptor Brett Graham, awarded Pearce's work the $7000 prize, saying the work makes a strong statement, challenging the No.8 wire mentality by saying innovation is a global phenomenon.
Cherise Thomson, of Auckland, came second for her entry Korowai, referencing a Maori cloak; and Jenta Griffin, of Warkworth, won third prize for his sculpted figure Pater Prime.
The President's Choice Award was won by Auckland artist Becca Bolscher for Tui's Nest.
"It's evident many of these artists have referenced their farming backgrounds. They have entered this contest undaunted by this being a national art award and in the true spirit of Kiwi ingenuity taken iconic agricultural materials and turned them into works of art," says Brett Graham.
Launched by the NZ National Fieldays Society in 1997, the Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award has been shown at various venues in Waikato, including Waikato Museum (1997-1999), Te Awamutu Museum (2003-2004) and Lake Taupo Museum (2005). Since 2006 the award has been administered by Waikato Museum and shown at ArtsPost to coincide with the opening of Fieldays.
Peter Nation, NZ National Fieldays Society chief executive, says the award is a highlight in the buildup to Fieldays and its longevity is testament to the commitment of its partners.
"The 19th year of this event has heralded a record number of entries, and we're very proud of this. Over the years we've seen a huge amount of creativity around the Kiwi stalwart No.8 wire and each year we look forward to the creations we'll see.
"The longevity of the Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award is a testament to the commitment by the NZ National Fieldays Society, Waikato Museum and the art community to incorporate New Zealand's rural culture into the urban scene. Congratulations to all entrants, finalists and winners."
The finalists' work will be exhibited at ArtsPost Galleries and Shop at 120 Victoria Street, Hamilton June 27. Entry is free.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.