Thursday, 03 March 2022 08:55

Another one bites the dust

Written by David Anderson

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

This year’s Central Field days has joined a long list of rural events that have all been cancelled due to the risk of Covid and the ‘red light’ settings.

Central Districts Field Days organisers left it as late as possible before making the tough decision to cancel its 2022 event.

This news follows in the wake of a number of other rural events - such as Southern field days, Northern field days, the Wanaka Show, the Golden Shears - that hvae all been cancelled this year due to the risk of Covid and the 'red light' settings.

After delaying the news as long as possible, CD Field Days organisers finally bit the bullet on Feb 11, announcing that the event - which was due to be held from March 24-26 - would not be proceeding.

"We are gutted to announce that due to Covid-19 event restrictions and the uncertainty of how long the Omicron variant will be active in the community, Central Districts Field Days 2022 will not be able to go ahead," it said in a statement.

"Although we considered postponement as a potential option, we cannot confidently confirm a date in the current climate."

Usually held year over year over three days in March, Central Districts Field Days attracts over 27,000 visitors.

"CD Field Dyas is central to business, central to rural connections, central to supporting local and has been bringing Kiwi communities and industries together for the past 28 years," its website claims.

"The event has grown from a collection of marquees to a significant national event. It attracts exhibitors and attendees from across the country to the rural heartland of the North Island and showcases cutting-edge machinery and equipment as well as the latest developments in rural innovation."

In its statement cancelling this year's event, organisers say this wasn't the news they wanted to deliver.

It also advised exhibitors please to check their inboxes for more information on the refund process.

"If you are an exhibitor and have not received an email, please email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.," organisers say. "We'd like to acknowledge how much effort and time our exhibitors put into making this event a success. We thank you for your ongoing support and thank our loyal visitors and new friends for joining us each year."

Organisers say they are looking forward to planning a "safe and sensational event" in 2023, which will be the event's 30th year.

Featured

Ballance Returns to Profit, Announces $18.2m Rebate

Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.

Mark Cameron Steps Down, Reflects on Farmers' Voice

When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.

What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?

Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.

Ex-National MP: Coup Attempt Could Cost Luxon the Election

I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

RMA Reform Still on Track Despite Wellington Drama — Feds

Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.

NZ Pest Crisis Costs Farmers $466M a Year — Survey

New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.