Rural blokes set to battle for Fieldays title

5 June 2004
For immediate release

Rural blokes set to battle for Fieldays title

Seven genuine rural blokes from Waikato to Balclutha have been selected as finalists for the 2004 Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year competition.

The Fieldays team searched through app more than 50 entries before naming the seven men on Saturday.

Rural veterinarian Regan Gerring (25) from Morrinsville, sheep and beef farm manager Justin Nelson (31) from Te Aroha, Te Awamutu sharemilker Karl Earwaker (26) and Putaruru sharemilker Simon van der Heyden (21) will fly the flag for all rural Waikato blokes. Representing the deep south is Balclutha agricultural contractor Simon Johnstone (21), alongside Blenheim farm manager Greg Harris (28) and Katikati lifestyle farmer and contractor Matt Warren (24).

Fieldays competitions coordinator Kate McGowan said the quality of applications for the competition’s second year was extremely high.

“All applications came from passionate rural men eager to be genuine ambassadors for their industry,” Miss McGowan said.

“They could see what Fieldays is trying to achieve with the competition – enthusiastic to represent their rural lifestyle and expose that rural guys have plenty to offer. It’s definitely not a “beefcake” competition.”

The finalists were selected based on their answer to questions which included their rural industry experience and education; hobbies; a description of their perfect woman; their perceived perfect date; and a statement on why they should be branded Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year and a recent photo.

“Humour came through as a common theme in the answers,” Miss McGowan said.

In the lead up to Fieldays the seven finalists will prepare for the week of fame at Fieldays by relaxing back on the farm.

“I don’t believe the finalist need to do any extra training for the competition, but naturally let their abilities shine through from having lived a truly passionate rural lifestyle,” Miss McGowan said.

The heat activities will include digger driving, chainsawing, cooking on a BBQ, designing pick up lines, mechanical bucking bull riding, rugby training drills and dancing in addition to many other activities designed to test both rural abilities and bachelor skills.

The bachelors will be hosted in a secret location bachelor pad for the duration of Fieldays and driven around by a chaperone in a bachelor mobile kindly donated by Gary Keith Motors.

Golden Gumboot title holder form 2003 Tim Stafford is coming back this year to join the judging panel alongside a number of skilled and experienced female judges.

The winning bachelor will take away a fantastic prize pool consisting of: Golden Gumboot Trophy; $1000 Swanndri clothing; Stihl Chainsaw package and safety gear;
One year’s supply of Waikato Draught; Freedom Air and Accom Gold Coast holiday for two; $1000 BBQ Factory Voucher; Moanui Mens Pamper pack; Luffly product faux fur bed throw.

Fieldays Rural Bachelor is proudly sponsored by ZM and Waikato Times. The Waikato Times & Telecom Peoples Choice Award will give the public an opportunity to vote for their favourite bachelor. Voting details are in Waikato Times, ZM and www.fieldays.co.nz

Ends.

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