Successful 2023 for Fieldays with $482m contributed to economy
As another year comes to a close, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society (NZNFS) has unveiled its annual report.
While still faced with a number of financial challenges the analysis of Fieldays 2023 reveals a significantly more impactful event than 2022 and has shown to be much more than just a business that brings town and country together.
“After our event at the end of November last year, we were thrilled to transition quickly into June’s highly anticipated Fieldays return,” board chairwoman Jenni Vernon said.
Vernon expressed gratitude that even after adapting events due to recent challenges and a quick turnaround for both exhibitors and visitors, Fieldays still delivered immense value for all involved.
“The conversations, products showcased, and partnerships forged will drive the industry forward in the years ahead,” she continued. “We are proud Fieldays remains a vibrant platform to learn, make new bonds and fuel Aotearoa’s leadership in this pivotal sector.”
The considerable accomplishments of Fieldays across its pillars of education, innovation and globalisation have cemented the event’s continued relevance.
Initiatives such as the Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing Hub, now in its seventh year, once again not only proves to be advantageous and valuable for visitors throughout the four-day event but also has a wider positive impact on the healthcare system due to many visitors attending Fieldays from regions with restricted access to health services and providers.
By bringing these critical health resources to Fieldays, the event helps address some of the barriers to medical care faced by those living in remote areas.
“Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our farming communities is imperative, and we are proud of how our Fieldays health initiatives are increasing access and saving lives,” NZNFS chief executive Peter Nation said. “We are committed to continuing to leverage the massive platform of Fieldays to connect people with the healthcare they desperately need.”
While visitor numbers at the event did not reach the record gate entries of 2021, the combined gate numbers for the 2022 and 2023 events, surpassing 180,000 in seven months, are a testament to the popularity of Fieldays and the role it plays in the industry.
As an event with nationwide importance, Fieldays substantially contributes to the economies of the local region as well as the entire country.
Those visitors through the gates in June 2023 led to an increase in spending across crucial sectors, notably equipment sales, contributing to a total sales revenue of $482 million for New Zealand. Of this amount, $184m flowed directly into the Waikato region. Additionally, this boost generated an extra $223m in GDP for the overall New Zealand economy, with $87m benefiting Waikato.
Site applications for the 2024 event have opened, with strong early demand demonstrating excitement amongst exhibitors and partners to build on the successes of this year.