By Webfit News
Fieldays 2026 officially opened at Mystery Creek on Wednesday, 10 June, marking the start of the 58th edition of one of New Zealand’s most important agricultural and primary sector events.
Thousands of visitors entered the gates on opening morning, eager to experience the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and explore four days of innovation, business, rural connection, live demonstrations and industry engagement.
The opening ceremony brought together leaders from New Zealand’s primary industries, government, iwi, business, local communities, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and international delegations. It was a ceremonial and symbolic start to an event that continues to hold a major place in New Zealand’s rural calendar.
Webfit News was pleased to attend and cover the opening of Fieldays 2026, capturing the atmosphere, community spirit and significance of the event as visitors, industry leaders and rural communities gathered at Mystery Creek.
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A Gathering Place for New Zealand’s Primary Sector
New Zealand National Fieldays Society President Graeme Austin said the strong turnout and positive atmosphere on opening day reflected the continuing importance of Fieldays as a national gathering place.
“Fieldays is a place where innovation, primary industries, community, business, rural and urban alike and the future of New Zealand come together. It is a gathering place. It is a place where farmers, growers, innovators, researchers, businesses, and families come together to share ideas, celebrate achievement, and look ahead to what is possible,” Austin said.
His message captured the central role Fieldays plays in connecting people across the sector. For farmers and growers, it is a place to see new technology, equipment and services. For businesses, it is a major commercial platform. For families and visitors, it is an opportunity to understand the scale and importance of New Zealand’s agricultural economy.
Fieldays has long been more than a trade event. It is a meeting point for rural and urban New Zealand, giving people a chance to see how food production, land stewardship, innovation and enterprise are connected to everyday life.
Ceremony Begins with Flag Raising
The official opening began with the raising of the New Zealand flag by Genesis Energy Chief Executive Malcolm Johns, Society Volunteer Margaret Cameron, MediaWorks Chief Executive Wendy Palmer, and CNH Sales Manager NZ Richard Howard.
They were joined by past New Zealand National Fieldays Society presidents James Allen, Peter Carr and Warwick Roberts, alongside volunteer Di Sharpe, who raised the Society flag.
The moment recognised both national pride and the contribution of volunteers who continue to shape and strengthen Fieldays. Volunteers play an important role in the smooth delivery of the event, supporting its long history and helping create a welcoming experience for visitors and exhibitors.
Iwi, Culture and Partnership at the Opening
The ceremony also reflected the values that sit at the heart of Fieldays, including manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, partnership and service.
Dignitaries, iwi and hapū representatives were warmly welcomed, alongside ministers, local government leaders, international visitors, industry groups, sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers.
The National Anthem was performed by Manu Mātātahi, a rangatahi-led chorus, bringing a strong youth and cultural presence to the opening. Ngāti Hauā representative Lance Rāpana then delivered a karakia, before Ngāti Hauā closed the proceedings with a waiata.
The inclusion of karakia, waiata and iwi representation added depth to the ceremony and acknowledged the relationship between land, people, tradition and the future of the primary sector.
Ribbon Cutting Marks the Official Opening
The formal opening reached its key moment with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Minister for Agriculture and Trade Hon Todd McClay and Ngāti Hauā representative Lance Rāpana.
The ribbon cutting officially launched Fieldays 2026 and opened the way for visitors to begin exploring the site.
“As we open this Fieldays, we do so with respect for the past, confidence in the present, and great hope for the future. At Fieldays, we recognise the hard work of those working on and with the land, and the significant support this provides our nation,” Austin said.
The statement reflected the wider meaning of Fieldays for New Zealand. The primary sector remains a major part of the country’s economy, identity and export strength. Events such as Fieldays provide an opportunity to recognise the people who work across agriculture, horticulture, technology, research, rural services and supporting industries.
Innovation, Business and Rural Enterprise on Display
After the official ceremony, visitors quickly moved through the site to explore hundreds of exhibitors, live demonstrations and interactive experiences.
Fieldays is known for showcasing the latest advances in agri-technology, equipment, rural products, services and practical solutions for farmers, growers and businesses. The event gives companies a direct opportunity to engage with customers, while visitors can compare products, learn from demonstrations and discover new ideas.
This year’s programme is expected to draw strong attendance across all four days, supported by favourable weather forecasts that are set to provide ideal conditions for visitors and exhibitors.
For many businesses, Fieldays is a critical opportunity to build relationships, launch products and connect directly with the rural community. For visitors, it is a chance to experience the future of farming and primary industries in one place.
A Major Event with National Significance
Held at Mystery Creek, Fieldays is run by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, a charitable organisation founded in 1968 to advance agriculture and the primary industries.
Over the decades, Fieldays has grown into a major national and international event, attracting visitors and exhibitors from New Zealand and overseas. Its continued scale reflects the importance of the primary sector and the ongoing need for innovation, collaboration and resilience.
The opening of the 58th Fieldays comes at a time when farmers, growers and rural communities continue to face both challenges and opportunities, from economic pressures and changing markets to climate adaptation, technology and global trade.
Fieldays provides a space where these conversations can happen, not only in formal settings, but also through everyday interactions between exhibitors, families, industry leaders and community members.
Webfit News at Fieldays 2026
Webfit News was happy to attend and cover the opening ceremony at Mystery Creek, highlighting the importance of Fieldays as a space for connection, cultural recognition and industry leadership.
From the flag raising and national anthem to the karakia, waiata and ribbon cutting, the opening ceremony set a respectful and optimistic tone for the days ahead.
Fieldays 2026 runs from 10 to 13 June at Mystery Creek, with thousands expected to attend across the four-day event.
As visitors move through the site, the message of opening day remains clear: Fieldays continues to bring New Zealand’s rural, business, innovation and community worlds together in one of the country’s most significant annual gatherings.
