Last year’s winner no longer a bachelor
They may have beaten us in the cricket but don’t ask an Aussie to back a trailer for you – even if he does looks good – says 2014 Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year winner Jeff Peek.
Peek who beat seven finalists from New Zealand and Australia for the title, says the competition was a lot of fun with plenty of laughs coming at the expense of their Australian counterparts.
‘‘Josh Gilbert is a top bloke but I wouldn’t trust him to back a trailer for me – he was rubbish at it,’’ Peek says. ‘‘He spent several minutes trying to back a trailer then jack-knifed it and gave up. I jumped on the bike next and nailed it pretty much straight away. Kiwis are definitely better at some things than the Aussies.’’
Peek a dairy farmer from Morrinsville, describes the competition as ‘‘awesome’’. Winning has brought him fame and raised his profile in the industry. However, the biggest prize is a new partner. ‘‘I’m not single anymore,’’ he says. ‘‘My partner Jasmine Bloxham and I met through mutual friends and we hit it off straight away. Before the competition, my love life was pretty boring. The only girls in my life were of the four-legged variety.’’
Since his win, his friends have been merciless in their ribbing, but Peek says it is all good fun and at the end of the day, his win has earned him bragging rights as well as all the prizes.
‘‘It is open slather, so if you enter expect a lot of stick from everyone,’’ Peek says.
‘‘Even now, nearly a year later, people still say to me ‘‘are you that guy from Fieldays’’. I went to a job interview and it came up there as well. Friends are still giving me heaps but I have a few ideas on how to get them back.’’
Bloxham, a farm assistant from Otorohanga, and Peek are now about to take a big step moving into a contract milking position together in Pirongia, south of Hamilton.
Now that he is spoken-for he has another one-up on his Aussie counterpart. Gilbert, a farmer from New South Wales, says he is still sadly single.
‘‘I’m still waiting to find the perfect girl,’’ Gilbert says. ‘‘Although I am optimistic. . . I believe the rural bachelor competition gave me some great tips. Words can’t describe how amazing it was.’’
Gilbert says he entered the competition for the opportunity to travel around New Zealand, meet new people, gain some new insights on the local agricultural industry and hopefully find that elusive love.
‘‘The Kiwis versus Aussies was a great aspect,’’ he says. ‘‘We gave each other heaps – it wouldn’t be a competition without a bit of banter. The Aussies always came up on top.’’ But he admits he still can’t back a trailer. ‘‘Yeah I am still no good.
Gilbert says he would like to enter again and join a whole new group of eligible young men set to strut their stuff at the Fieldays in June.
Bachelors from around New Zealand and Australia will compete for the title by completing challenges and take part in an Amazing Race- styled element. The eight finalists begin the event at a mystery location with a Kea Campervan two days before the Fieldays begins and must complete challenges enroute to Mystery Creek.
There, they will tasks tasks such as fencing, cooking and tractor-pulling, designed to test their skills, attitude and character .
With more than $20,000 in prizes up for grabs including the coveted Golden Gumboot trophy and the title of 2015 Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year, all eyes will once again be on the bachelors – maybe even those of a prospective partner.
The official prize-giving will be on Saturday at the Fieldays.