MEDIA RELEASE

16 June 2010 – For immediate release

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National Fieldays kicks off

Mystery Creek Events Centre threw its gates open this morning for the 42nd New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays. Opening day saw 26,118 visitors storm the exhibition area in search of the notorious Fieldays only deals. As predicted, Waikato churned out the sunshine. Organisers were pleased with the increase on last year’s opening day attendance of 23,975, and welcomed the break in recent wet weather. The fine conditions provided a relaxed environment for farmers to browse and coupled with significant attention on quality agribusiness, it probably helped towards the 9% increase on 2009.

Prime Minister John Key officially opened New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, unveiling the ‘Innovation Tree’ sculpture. Created by Marti Wong, the sculpture was commissioned to demonstrate the 2010 Premier Feature theme, ‘Innovation for future profit’.

This year marked the launch of the Fieldays Blue Pass Programme; a criteria based ticket introduced to allow exhibitors to easily identify and connect to qualified key decision makers and business leaders in the farming sector.  Proud sponsors of the Business and International Visitors Lounge, KPMG also hosted the inaugural Fieldays Blue Pass KPMG Agribusiness Leaders Breakfast. Minister of Agriculture, David Carter, addressed the audience commenting that every year he attends National Fieldays, he continues to be impressed by the ability to provide a more aggressive event each time.

Overall exhibitor and visitor feedback was positive, with farmers leaving today’s exhibition well satisfied with their annual dose of Fieldays. Outlook for day two weather is encouraging with another stunning day on the horizon.

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