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As it celebrates its 38th year, Northland Field Days (NFD) is promising a three-day programme crammed with demonstrations, exhibitions and fun events.
Already the largest annual agricultural event in Northland, “The Friendly Field Days” has grown significantly since its 1985 debut – a project of the Dargaville Jaycees which attracted 80 exhibitors to Dargaville racecourse despite heavy rain. Its mission: “to become the leading regional field days in New Zealand and to host a world class agricultural event each year”.
NFD event administrator Luciana Schwarz says more than 300 exhibitors will take part in this year’s event near Dargaville, which runs from February 29 to March 2. Between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors are expected to go through the gates.
Among the most popular attractions and activities this year, Schwarz points to agricultural drone demonstrations and Mini Mack rides “for truck fanatics of all ages”, and says lawnmower racing and the tractor pull and are always great hits.
Held for more than 25 years, the tractor pull on a 100-metre track is open to novices and experienced drivers, allowing them and spectators to experience the fun and thrill of rural racing that tests brute strength, skill and technique.
Also expected to be popular are the maze in the maize, Doug the Digger (with the chance for youngsters to drive a digger), laser clay shooting, Northland sheep dog trials, fencing demonstrations and the Best Practice and Young Farmers competitions.
Exhibitors from across the country and abroad will showcase the latest in farming technology, machinery and innovations.
Lifestyle pavilions and outdoor lifestyle sites will feature a range of products and services, from home and garden to leisure, food and wine to gadgets.
Family entertainment will include bouncy castles, water slides and rides. Caro’s Crazy Critters mobile farm will enable children of all ages to experience hands-on interaction with a range of friendly farm and domestic animals. Dargaville Fire Brigade volunteers will also be on hand with equipment, displays and information.
And of course, there’ll be three food courts and – a particular boon for pooped-out parents – a rest area with sunflowers.
Luciana said she and NFD President John Phillips and the rest of the organising committee were looking forward to welcoming visitors and exhibitors back to the site, on the corner of State Highway 14 and Awakino Point East Road.
“Last year was a very successful event after a two-year break because of covid and only a couple weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed our region. So, we’re looking forward to some good weather and great three days.”
Luciana said the organisers’ biggest concern would be if any weather-related emergency occurred.
Still, other than in 2021 and 2022, no Field Days has ever been cancelled – despite some wind problems in the early days, when the event was held at its previous venue, Dargaville racecourse.
After its debut in 1985, the NFD stayed at the racecourse through the 1990s and early 2000s, until the property that the show now calls home was bought in 2006.
Through grant funding and other financial assistance, organisers have been able to maintain and steadily upgrade facilities since 2009, including installing a permanent toilet block and moving from a 6×4 metre office into a new and much larger office building, built mostly by committee members.
The NFD committee says it aims to retain the authentic field days atmosphere, while also ensuring exhibitors and visitors have a safe and comfortable experience.
