Manfeild readies for 2019 Field Days

BIG and getting bigger – and Manfeild couldn’t be happier.

Central Districts Field Days creates one of the biggest temporary towns in New Zealand.

The long-term annual attraction transforms Manfeild into a primary agribusiness focus for many thousands of attendees poring over millions of dollars’ worth of exhibits and reminds why the Manawatu region is a key agriculture hub.

The 2019 show spanning March 14-16 is set to bring an increase in show stands, with more than 600 booked.

This requires a rejig of the layout yet, with one of the Feilding facility’s strengths being space in abundance, finding room for the new displays hasn’t been a problem.

“We’ve always said Central Districts Field Days reinforces the flexibility of our facility,” says Manfeild Events Manager Jordyn Tate.

“The Central Districts Field Days have been with us since 1993 and are of huge importance to the Manawatu and our communities.

“The story of how a small undertaking with about 50 sites in its first year has grown into one that has hundreds of attractions, utilises the greater part of our facility and last year drew more than 25,000 attendees can be proudly told.

“We’re delighted it keeps going from strength to strength and have embraced the new requirements with enthusiasm. It’s going to be a great show.”

Organiser Stuff Events says Manfeild cements as the best choice not just because of its spaciousness but also because of Manfeild Park Trust’s willingness to deliver improvements that meet the ongoing evolution of this must-see occasion.

An update of roading within the main show precinct – the area commonly known as the Manfeild back track – provides a good example of a project of mutual benefit.

The weather-proof surfaces made for a more comfortable experience for pedestrians and service traffic last year.

The infrastructure has changed more since with the area’s is preparation as the home training ground for the National Driver Training Centre. Once again, those updates are sympathetic to the show’s requirements.

Mrs Tate says the ever-changing climate of an undertaking that is not only the biggest annual event Manfeild hosts but also the single largest in the region surely reflects the astounding pace of technology advancement in the rural sector.

“It seems there is no end to the possibilities of showcasing the latest trends and developments in farm-side innovation, agribusiness and agri tech and this is one reason why we keep seeing huge crowds.”

The area housing the best in regional food, the National Excavator Championships, the Central Districts fencing competition and the Nutro Ultimate Canines dog show are always extremely popular.

On top of this, there are new features. Kiwi Freestyle Motocross favourite Franklin Farms is bringing its daredevil show and Talent Central are putting on an exciting Amazing Race-styled event for Year 11-13 students. Designed to showcase the range of regional employment opportunities, this is expected to draw more than 500 participants, all students from around the lower North Island.

The Field Days is also hosting, on its last day, the final of the AdTech Hackathon. Now in its third year, this is a tech talent competition for teams asked to create solutions for national primary industries.

Central Districts Field Days is concurrent with the AgriFood Investment Week, a programme of activities and events designed to connect, challenge and grow the agrifood industry.

Caption: Stuff Events staffers Cheryl Riddell and Henry McLernon with Manfeild chief executive Julie Keane.

 

 

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