'Good bugger' calls it a day
Much of the rural industry is made up of an army of characters who tend to be “good buggers” or rogues, while a small number might fall into the “you need to count your fingers after a handshake” category.
Just a few spaces are left at the Dargaville showground as the event returns after a two-year hiatus, thanks to Covid.
Field Days coordinator Luciana Schwarz says interest from the business community has been very strong and the event is shaping up to be a funfilled event for the whole family.
The Fencing Contractors Association New Zealand (FCANZ), the industry organisation that supports and benefits the fencing industry of New Zealand, will run fencing demonstrations and competition during the show.
Schwarz says the event will be very important for the fencing sector in the area.
There will also be plenty of food: three food courts will operate during the show.
For the children, there will be little truck rides, bouncy castles, pony rides, merry-go-around and animal shows.
Caro’s Crazy Critters mobile farm, from Umawera, will be at the show.
Schwarz says children can experience a range of animals first hand.
“They can get up close and personal with pets, both domestic and farm animals.”
The animals have been hand raised to enjoy human interactions and they live for spending time with children.
The 2023 Sheep Dog Trials will also be held at the field days. Entries for this event close February 20. According to NZ Sheep Dog Trial Association, there are usually four events at each trial: the Long Head, the Short Head and Yard, the Zig-Zag Huntaway and the Straight Huntaway events.
Heading dogs (silent working dogs, evolved in NZ from border collies) compete in the heading events, and huntaways (evolved in NZ from border collies and various barking sheep dog breeds) compete in the huntaway events.
Making a return to the Field Days will be lawn mower racing, an up and coming sport where people race with their modified lawnmowers around a track enclosed by tyres.
For the elderly mobility scooters will be available to move around the showground.
Schwarz says the organising committee is working hard to deliver an exciting event.
She says families are looking forward to an enjoyable day out at the showground after a lapse of two years.
“We are urging people to come out and support the businesses and the committee that’s done all the work.
“We’ve done the groundwork. The icing on the cake will be people turning up and enjoying themselves and supporting our exhibitors.
“There will be plenty going on to keep everyone happy.”
Entry Fee
Adults visiting the Northland Field Days this year will pay $13 per entry.
Chidren under five are free, and 5-16 yrs will pay $5. A family pass- consisting of two adults and two children- will fork out $30.
Organisers say their operating costs have gone up on average between 15 and 20% compared to previous years. For ticket infomation please visit northlandfielddays.co.nz.
