17 Mar 2020

Fieldays postponed, other options being considered

2:17 pm on 17 March 2020

This year's National Agricultral Fieldays has been postponed, due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Fieldays 2015

Fieldays 2015, at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. Photo: RNZ

The event, at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, is the Southern Hemisphere's largest agribusiness gathering, and was due to take place from 10 -13 June.

Last year it drew in more than 128,000 people over four days.

In a statement, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society said it stood by the governments' decision to cancel events that draw crowds over 500 people, in order to stall the spread of Covid-19.

Chief executive Peter Nation said the health and safety of exhibitors, suppliers, volunteers, visitors, and staff was of utmost importance.

"The world may be undergoing major challenges in response to Covid-19, but in this changing environment Fieldays will remain, albeit at a later date," he said.

Mr Nation said over the next month the organisation will work to find potential options for preserving this year's event, and thanked people for their understanding and patience.

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