Prime Minister choppers in for a glimpse of Fieldays action

Strat Partners (2)MEDIA RELEASE

14 June 2013

Prime Minister choppers in for a glimpse of Fieldays action

Visitors swarmed around exhibitors sites, demonstrations and competitions today, day three of Fieldays with 38,782 marching though the gates from 8am.

Rt Hon John Key arrived by helicopter to make an appearance at New Zealand’s largest agribusiness expo. Accompanied by Fieldays CEO Jon Calder and President Lloyd Downing, he began his visit at the National Party’s site in the Bledisloe Building, before working his way through the Main Pavilion stopping to talk to visitors and exhibitors along the way.

Many exhibitors have had an overwhelmingly positive response from this year’s visitors.

Grant Longergan, General Manager of Sales and Marketing of LIC said this year they created an open environment so that people felt welcome and came in for a natter and a cuppa.

“It’s the most relaxed Fieldays we’ve had. We can put that down to the welcoming atmosphere of the open uncluttered environment of our site. As always, people who visit us know what they want to see and what they want to discuss. It’s definitely a two way conversation.

“We’re always here at this site and are a destination for a lot of dairy farmers. People know we’re here and what we do. But, at the end of the day, our job is to solve problems for farmers to help them be more productive on the farm.”

“This year we also launched our new Facebook page at Fieldays. Now, we’re able to talk to people here in person, then continue to talk beyond today – this is true for the mobile aps farmers want to see developed.

In a new location, Swanndri’s site is impressively wrapped up like a birthday present. Wearing its quintessential red and black checked jacket on a grand scale, it has consistently been drawing in and impressing Fieldays visitors. Once inside, visitors delight in seeing Marc Ellis in person or photographed on the farm.

As Fieldays presented Swanndri’s CEO Mark Nevin with a birthday cake, Mr Nevin reflected on Swanndri’s journey which he sees as an iconic Kiwi brand that has defied the odds and remained contemporary and relevant to today’s consumer.

“I’m very proud to be part of a great event like this once again. It’s an opportunity to get face to face with people who have supported the brand for all these years. Regardless of Swanndri being a New Zealand brand, to achieve 100 years is an achievement – there aren’t too many that have been around that long.”

Hyundai’s General Manager, Andy Sinclair agrees that Fieldays is the perfect opportunity to meet with its customers and give a little something back.

“It’s rural New Zealand that drives our economy, so it’s pretty important to be here, be involved, host them and connect with them.”

The Ministry of Primary Industries Seminar series wrapped up today. The premise of the series was to discuss challenges the industry faces. Many were impressed with the ‘Meet the Ministers’ seminar which saw the largest turnout. Jackie Bedford, spokesperson for MPI explains;

“Nathan Guy and Nikki Kay’s seminar was particularly popular. Visitors were interested in hearing what they had to say and the direction of where central government saw the industry headed. We had queues of people wanting to meet the Ministers after they spoke. It was a great atmosphere and rare opportunity for visitors to engage with them.”

Meanwhile, Fieldays Rural Bachelors packed in plenty of action, including four heats which challenged their media-savvy skills, creativity, prowess in the kitchen and heavy equipment dexterity.

Event Technician, Wai Taimai says that each day a new Rural Bachelor takes the lead, and with only a few points between them it’s hard to say who the winner will be.

“It was a make or break day for the Rural Bachelors. They’re pretty much all on an even playing field with scores being neck and neck. All the bachelors have different strengths and there has been such a diverse range of challenges, they’ve performed really well in pressure situations – it’s been a great spectators’ sport – especially for the ladies.”

Darren Hopper, Marketing Manager at Vodafone says the Rural Bachelors performed really well in their media challenge earlier today when they used their Samsung phone and media skills to record and re-present one of the inventor’s innovations from the Vodafone Innovation Centre.

“The bachelors have easily been able to record and share all their exploits on their Fieldays adventure through social media. Witnessing today’s challenge, some of them certainly look like they’d have a good career ahead in media, journalism or advertising – should they choose to leave the farm.

To have a say in who wins the People’s Choice Award, votes are still being tallied. Be sure to head to www.fieldays.co.nz/ruralbachelor2013 to vote, or ‘like’ and ‘follow’ your bachelor on Facebook and Twitter before 9am, Saturday 15 June.

The final heat will take place on Friday with the Golden Gumboot and People’s Choice Award presented at the awards ceremony at midday on Saturday at the Village Green.

No matter who is named the winner, it seems the Rural Bachelors have bonded, with one saying that they’ve made a semi-formal pact to attend eachother’s weddings – whether they’re in the near or distant future.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays is on now until 15 June 2013 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, 10 minutes south of Hamilton. Fieldays is proudly supported by strategic partners - ANZ and the University of Waikato. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, visit www.fieldays.co.nz for more details.

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