Feds Mystery
OPINION: Another hot topic at Mystery Creek was the intrigue over the upcoming election for the presidency of Federated Farmers.
Fieldays will host 73 international exhibitors, up from 66 last year, representing a diverse mix of markets including Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, Greece, Ireland, India, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Export Opportunities Continue to Grow
Interest in building global partnerships continues to climb, with 254 exhibitors opting in to connect with international opportunities through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the Waikato Chamber of Commerce, an increase from 224 in 2025.
This highlights the growing appetite among New Zealand businesses to expand beyond domestic markets and leverage Fieldays as a launchpad for export success.
International Delegations Increase Ahead of Event
Further reinforcing this international momentum, 1,102 visa support letters have been processed to date, up from 1,052 last year.
Embassy and trade delegation registrations are strong, and are still being finalised, with numbers expected to grow further in the lead-up to the event.
Among the booked delegations are attendees from Brazil and Chile, as a direct result of Fieldays' recent visit to those countries.
Fieldays Recognised as Global Agribusiness Platform
Marcelo Menoita, chief executive of the New Zealand Brazil Business Chamber, says Fieldays represents far more than an agricultural event.
"It is a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and real commercial outcomes. For our São Paulo delegation, Fieldays offers direct exposure to world-leading agritech, practical solutions, and international partnerships that are highly relevant to Brazil's rapidly evolving agribusiness sector.
"São Paulo is a global hub for innovation and agriculture, and engaging with Fieldays allows us to connect our people, businesses, and ideas with New Zealand and the wider world in a very tangible way."
New Zealand Innovation a Major Drawcard
Fieldays' program manager Steve Chappell agrees.
"When you combine New Zealand's innovation and ag-tech, the expanding schedule of direct flights, and New Zealand's reputation as a bucket-list destination, it makes for a highly compelling proposition," Chappell says.
"Fieldays provides a unique opportunity to experience that firsthand, while building meaningful global connections."
International Business Centre Returns
NZTE and Fieldays collaborative piece, the New Zealand International Business Centre (NZIBC), returns, offering delegates direct, face-to-face access to NZTE, MFAT, and other key government agencies.
The centre provides guidance on regulations, incentives, and support available to international businesses looking to trade with New Zealand, as well as supporting New Zealand companies seeking to expand offshore.
NZTE will also host guided Innovation Walking Tours, alongside a programme of seminars exploring key trade and industry topics.
Sessions will include topical and informative sessions, including one hosted by MFAT focused on the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement.
Full details and registration links are available on the Fieldays website.
Fieldays Strengthens Its Role in Global Agriculture
New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Richard Lindroos says Fieldays is where connections turn into real outcomes.
"We're seeing increasing engagement across international trade, as well as the government-to-government diplomatic relationships, reinforcing the event's role as a key meeting point for global agriculture," says Lindroos.
