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Northland Field Days will celebrate a milestone later this month, marking 40 years since the popular agricultural showcase was first held in Dargaville.
The three-day event, running from February 26 to 28, is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors and will feature more than 400 exhibitors, reinforcing its status as the largest agricultural event in Northland.
Visitors will be able to explore the latest developments across the rural and agricultural sectors, while also enjoying a packed entertainment programme. Crowd favourites such as the tractor pull and skills competitions will return, alongside motocross and lawn mower racing.
Live music has been added to the programme this year, with David Eward set to perform on both Friday and Saturday.
To mark the 40th anniversary, organisers are offering free entry to anyone aged 40 who can provide valid identification. Attendees will also have the chance to win major prizes, with the main draw being either a quad bike or an outboard motor, both donated by Dargaville Honda.
Despite its scale, the event is run by a part-time coordinator and a committee of 14 volunteers. Among them is Colin Finlayson, an original committee member who has been involved since the very first Field Days. The event is also strongly supported by the Dargaville Rotary Club, whose members manage ticket booths and car parking throughout the show.
Northland Field Days began life as the Northern Wairoa Agricultural Field Days in March 1985. The two-day inaugural event was, conceived and run by the Dargaville Jaycees, was originally held at the Dargaville Racecourse. It hosted around 80 exhibitors and was built around a simple philosophy that still endures today – The Friendly Field Days.
In 1992, the event evolved into a non-profit incorporated society with registered charity status. A major turning point came in 2006, when the committee purchased 33 hectares of land at the corner of Awakino Point East Road and State Highway 14, establishing a permanent home for the event.
Development of the purpose-built site began immediately, including underground services and roading, with the first Field Days was held there in 2008.
Over the years, improvements have continued, with the site now widely recognised as an outstanding venue for major events. Organisers say upgrades are still made whenever finances allow, with a focus on improving comfort and facilities for exhibitors, visitors and community groups that use the site throughout the year.
Beyond showcasing local industries, Northland Field Days plays a significant role in supporting the wider community. Many organisations and clubs benefit from fundraising opportunities during the event, while the society also reinvests into Northland through study grants and awards that support education and research linked to the rural sector. Numerous charitable groups are also provided with free sites to help them achieve their goals.
