Fieldays’ sustainability credentials getting greener
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
Out of more than 80,000 entries, Daniel Neil from Piopio has been announced as the lucky winner of the Isuzu D-MAX LX Double Cab 4WD Ute in this year’s Fieldays Ute giveaway.
The prize package, valued at over $63,990, includes on-road costs, 12 months of registration, a full tank of fuel, and a comprehensive 3-year/100,000km warranty.
Daniel’s initial reaction to winning the ute was one of disbelief, thinking it was a joke when he received the call from New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive, Peter Nation.
“When I told my wife Gina, she thought I was having her on! The kids were excited but not sure whether to believe it or not,” Daniel shared.
Daniel and Gina milk 430 Friesian cross cows on a leased 240ha dairy farm, with an additional 120ha leased for dairy support and beef.
“The Isuzu will definitely be put through its paces with farm life. There’s always something to tow or pick up and plenty of hills on the farm to climb. Whether it’s kids or animals, there’s always something to run around after. I’m also looking forward to trying out its towing capabilities with the caravan.”
Daniel, who was raised on a farm in Taranaki, has been a regular at Fieldays for over a decade. He came to the 2024 event for the day with his brother and two local farming mates.
“I go to Fieldays for a day off the farm,” Daniel said. “It’s interesting to see what innovation, technology, and equipment is out there and what could work for us in our farming operation. It’s also a chance to catch up with our rural providers, like the bank.”
Ross Sommerville, general manager of Isuzu Utes New Zealand, expressed his support for Daniel’s win. “The D-MAX is built tough and has the specs to handle farm life with ease. Whether taking care of day-today tasks or the gruntier jobs, it’s up to the challenge.”
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.