Te Awamutu Lions celebrated the 40th anniversary of their food caravan at Fieldays, an event they’ve been going to for nearly half a century. From left, front row: Murray Hislop, Russell Johnson, Craig Holz, Doug Carson, John Hansen, Brendon Hand; back row: Tristan Brown, Allen Rounthwaite, Chris Johnstone.
Fieldays wrapped up on Saturday after four days with mixed reviews about the event being held at the end of spring and into summer, traditionally a busy time on most New Zealand farms.
Some of the 1000 exhibitors – down from the usual 1100 – reported sluggish sales and want to see the mid-winter time for the event brought back. Others were buoyant saying anything post Covid that attracts patrons is good for business.
About 75,000 people attended the event – a big drop on the 132,776 last year, which generated $675 million in sales revenue.
Lions’ clubs from Te Awamutu and Ōhaupō- Ngāhinapōuri said their sales were well down on previous years and money destined for community projects would take a hit.
June, when the event is normally held, is a good time of year for an agricultural show because it is quieter on most farms Mary Anne Gill was there and captured the sights of Fieldays 2022 at Mystery Creek in the Waipā district.
Ōhaupō-Ngāhinapōuri Lions, from left, Rob Mourits, Steve Canton, Ross Karl, Murray Steele and Ken Arnold have been at Fieldays for 45 years.
A popular stand inside the pavilion was Environmental Protection Authority’s Sharing Shed ‘Cutz & Kōrero’ with Jason Muir, hairdresser and performance artist. Here he cuts Fieldays ambassador Te Radar’s hair and talks about the environment.
Mystery Creek pavilion from the top of the hill at Fieldays.
Proof that you might leave Fieldays but Fieldays never leaves you, former chief executive Barry Quayle now volunteers and was on one of the information stands.
Ōhaupō farmer Andrew Reymer heads into Fieldays.
A helicopter heads out to collect another visitor for Fieldays.
Minutes after the gates opened at Fieldays on Saturday, patrons stream down the hill but not in numbers of past years.
Fieldays awaits: Before the gates opened on Saturday.
Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub featured Waikato Hospital’s Critical Care nurse Deb Trail.
Mystery Creek pavilion from the top of the hill.
A wide angle view of Fieldays 2022 from the top of the hill looking across towards the pavilion and the Tīeke Golf Estate (formerly Lochiel course).
